Positive characteristics:
Faithful/Loyal
Open towards Nick
- "We haven't met for many years" said Daisy, "Five years next November" replied Gatsby (93)
- This quote shows his faithfulness towards Daisy. The fact that he has been counting the days since hes last seen Daisy shows that he is full determined to be with her.
- Shows his goal has been to be with Daisy from the beginning.
Open towards Nick
- "I think he hardly knew what he was saying, for when I asked him what business he was in he answered ‘That’s my affair,’ before he realized that it wasn’t the appropriate reply. ‘Oh, I’ve been in several things,’ he corrected himself. ‘I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I’m not in either one now.’ He looked at me with more attention. ‘Do you mean you’ve been thinking over what I proposed the other night?’ "(96-97)
- At first he seems "to-himself" about his past
- But quickly realizes that he wants to build trust in Nick, so tells everything to Nick in honesty
- Gatsby realizes that Nick is close with Daisy so he needs to build the friendship and trust with Nick
Negative Characteristics:
Lovestruck
Manipulative & Demanding
Doubtful/Nervous
- "He hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy and I think he re-valued everything in the house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes" (90)
- The thoughts and opinions of Daisy seem to be overruling his own thoughts. This quote shows how much Gatsby is willing to do to satisfy and appease Daisy
Manipulative & Demanding
- "Don't talk so much, old sport", commanded Gatsby, "Play!" (101)
- Gatsby was demanding of Nick to set up the date with Daisy and he also meets Jordan Baker with the sole purpose to get closer with Daisy. All of the relationships he builds, aren't for the sake of the relationship but for the sole purpose of him getting closer with Daisy.
- Even forcing Klipspringer to play the piano was so that he could impress her.
Doubtful/Nervous
- He followed me into the kitchen , closed the door and whispered: "Oh God!" in a miserable way... " this is a terrible mistake", he said, shaking his head from side to side, "a terrible, terrible mistake". (94)
- Being the rich successful man he is, he is completely showing a different side of him as he is frantic about impressing Daisy. His nervousness may lead to decision
Role
Jay Gatsby is an example of the American Dream he is also leads Nick into the world of wealth and the rich lifestyle. He is a rich man that looks for something more than money can buy. Which may foreshadow he is in need of constant excitement. Gatsby's role at the moment seems to be using others to gain any sort of closer relationship with Daisy, no matter the cost.