Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This chapter
Characters 6
Places 0
Nick Carraway reflects on his father's advice about reserving judgment and recounts his move from the Midwest to West Egg on Long Island. He visits his second cousin Daisy and her husband Tom Buchanan in East Egg for dinner, where he meets Jordan Baker and learns of Tom's affair. The chapter ends with Nick observing his mysterious neighbor Gatsby reaching toward a distant green light across the bay.

On stage

Nick Carraway Narrates the chapter, moves to West Egg, visits the Buchanans for dinner, meets Jordan Baker, and observes Gatsby at the end.
Jay Gatsby Appears standing alone on his lawn at night, stretching his arms toward a distant green light across the bay.
Daisy Buchanan Hosts Nick for dinner at her East Egg home, interacts playfully with him and others, reveals her unhappiness and views on life, and mentions her daughter.
Tom Buchanan Hosts Nick for dinner, shows off his property, discusses books and race theories, receives a phone call from his mistress, and speaks with Nick and Daisy.
Jordan Baker Lies on the couch at the Buchanans' home, speaks minimally during dinner, reveals Tom's affair to Nick, reads from a magazine, and plans to leave for a tournament.
Pammy Buchanan Sleeping and mentioned but does not appear.
Main 5

Nick Carraway

Also known as: Mr. Carraway, Nick, the narrator

Young bond salesman from a prominent Midwestern family, Yale graduate and WWI veteran. Reserved, tolerant, and inclined to withhold judgment. Narrates the chapter, moves to West Egg, visits the Buchanans for dinner, meets Jordan Baker, and observes Gatsby at the end.

Daisy Buchanan second cousin once removedTom Buchanan college acquaintanceJordan Baker acquaintanceJay Gatsby neighbor
Chapter 1

Jay Gatsby

Also known as: Gatsby, Mr. Gatsby, my neighbour, the man who gives his name to this book

Wealthy and mysterious man who lives in the mansion next to Nick in West Egg. He is known for his extravagant parties and an extraordinary gift for hope. Appears standing alone on his lawn at night, stretching his arms toward a distant green light across the bay.

Nick Carraway neighbor
Chapter 1

Daisy Buchanan

Also known as: Daisy, my cousin, my second cousin once removed, the other girl

Sad and lovely woman with a thrilling voice, married to Tom Buchanan. She is charming, cynical, and sophisticated. Hosts Nick for dinner at her East Egg home, interacts playfully with him and others, reveals her unhappiness and views on life, and mentions her daughter.

Nick Carraway second cousin once removedTom Buchanan husbandJordan Baker friend from LouisvillePammy Buchanan daughter
Chapter 1

Tom Buchanan

Also known as: Tom, her husband, my old friend

Sturdy, wealthy former Yale football star with a supercilious manner and cruel body. He is arrogant, racist, and unfaithful. Hosts Nick for dinner, shows off his property, discusses books and race theories, receives a phone call from his mistress, and speaks with Nick and Daisy.

Daisy Buchanan wifeNick Carraway college acquaintanceJordan Baker guest
Chapter 1

Jordan Baker

Also known as: Jordan, Miss Baker, she, the balancing girl, the stranger, the younger of the two +1 más

Slender, small-breasted young woman with a contemptuous expression and erect carriage, a golfer known from pictures and rumors. She is self-sufficient, somewhat bored, and in training. Lies on the couch at the Buchanans' home, speaks minimally during dinner, reveals Tom's affair to Nick, reads from a magazine, and plans to leave for a tournament.

Daisy Buchanan friend from LouisvilleTom Buchanan hostNick Carraway new acquaintance
Chapter 1
Secondary 1

Pammy Buchanan

Also known as: her daughter, she, the baby

Three-year-old daughter of Tom and Daisy Buchanan. Sleeping and mentioned but does not appear.

Tom Buchanan fatherDaisy Buchanan mother
Chapter 1
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