The Great Gatsby Characters Analysis

Nick Carraway: Narrator, and neighbor to Gatsby.  

Jay Gatsby (formerly known as James Gatz): The focal character, the protagonist, and the object of Nick’s observations.  

Daisy Buchanan: Cousin to Nick, and the object of Gatsby’s undying desire.  

Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s brutish and pompous husband, carrying on with affairs, most notably with a Mrs. Myrtle Wilson.  

Pam Buchanan: A toddler-age child of Daisy and Tom. Very little is mentioned of her, as though she is an unimportant afterthought, even to Daisy and Tom.  

Myrtle Wilson: Tom Buchanan’s mistress

George Wilson: Myrtle Wilson’s husband. He owns a run-down auto shop and gas station.  

Catherine: Sister of Myrtle.

Michaelis: A friend and neighbor to George, who comforts and assists George after the death of Myrtle.  

Jordan Baker: A young and pretty professional golf player who is a friend of Daisy’s. She and Nick date, but never become serious.  

Meyer Wolfshiem: A business partner of Gatsby’s. He is involved in criminal enterprises, and has helped Gatsby achieve his ill-gotten fortune.  

Mr. Klipspringer: A party guest of Gatsby’s, who has taken up unofficial residence at Gatsby’s mansion.  

Dan Cody: This was Gatsby’s mentor and employer, the man who inspired Gatsby to live an adventurous lifestyle, and to succeed financially.  

Henry Gatz: Gatsby’s father.