The Men of Gatsby

The men of Gatsby define the theme and plot for The Great Gatsby. The eclectic characters Tom and Jay Gatsby, twist the plot, and cause problems throughout the story. Tom is the selfish person in the story, by cheating on his wife Daisy with Myrtle. Tom’s relationships with his lovers are dysfunctional. He is an arrogant and a demanding person with everyone. He creates the tension between him and Daisy, and is the reason Daisy is so unhappy. In chapter II of the Great Gatsby, Tom hits Myrtle’s nose, just because she mentions Daisy’s name. He creates the plot for Daisy having an affair with Jay, and creating a basis for the plot.

Jay Gatsby is the most important character throughout the Great Gatsby. He turns the entire plot upside down once he meets Nick. Jay is an arrogant person with his money and flaunts everything he has. He has extravagant parties to impress Daisy and everyone. He creates problems in the story when he wants Daisy to himself, even though she is married. He obviously would do anything just to be with Daisy, even becoming a bootlegger to earn his money.

Nick is the person who sets up all the conflicts in the story. None of these events would have happened if Nick didn’t reunite Gatsby and Daisy. Nick, however, is non-judgmental and cares for Gatsby despite his flaws. Even though Tom was married he never judged him having an affair with Myrtle. Nick is so selfless, that he denies Gatsby’s money and job offering. He is a whole-hearted good person that provides comic relief throughout the story.

Sources: The Great Gatsby