Chapter 8: Chapter 8

This chapter
Characters 26
Places 0
Nick spends the night with a sleepless, dejected Gatsby and hears the full story of his youthful romance with Daisy, his time in the war, and his desperate return to Louisville. The next morning Nick reluctantly leaves for the city but later learns that George Wilson, after a night of grief and revelation, has tracked down and shot Gatsby in his pool before killing himself.

On stage

Nick Carraway Spends the night talking with Gatsby, listens to his story about Daisy, tries to convince him to leave, then goes to the city and later returns to discover Gatsby's death.
Jay Gatsby Tells Nick the story of his past with Daisy and the war, refuses to leave his home, spends the day waiting by the pool for a call from Daisy, and is shot and killed by Wilson.
Daisy Buchanan Does not appear but is the central subject of Gatsby's recounted memories and the reason he refuses to leave; Gatsby insists she never truly loved Tom.
Tom Buchanan Does not appear but is mentioned as having confronted Daisy and Gatsby, using "hard malice" that shatters Gatsby's persona.
Jordan Baker Calls Nick in the morning after leaving Daisy's house and argues with him over the phone about their relationship.
George Wilson After a night of mourning and realizing the yellow car belonged to Gatsby, he tracks him down, shoots him, and then kills himself.
Michaelis Stays with Wilson through the night after Myrtle's death, attempts to calm and distract him, and leaves at dawn; later his account helps explain Wilson's actions.
Myrtle Wilson Only mentioned in Wilson's grief-stricken recollections and explanations; her death drives Wilson's quest for revenge.
Dan Cody Only mentioned in Gatsby's recounted story of his youth.
Catherine Briefly appears at the garage after Myrtle's death, heavily intoxicated and faints upon learning the body is gone.
Doctor T. J. Eckleburg Only referenced when Wilson stares at the sign and interprets it as the eyes of God watching his wife's infidelity.
Main 11

Nick Carraway

Also known as: Mr. Carraway, Nick, the narrator, I, old sport

Young bond salesman from a prominent Midwestern family, Yale graduate and WWI veteran. Reserved, tolerant, and inclined to withhold judgment. Spends the night talking with Gatsby, listens to his story about Daisy, tries to convince him to leave, then goes to the city and later returns to discover Gatsby's death.

Daisy Buchanan second cousin once removedTom Buchanan college acquaintanceJordan Baker acquaintanceJay Gatsby neighborTom Buchanan acquaintance +25 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Jay Gatsby

Also known as: Gatsby, Mr. Gatsby, my neighbour, the man who gives his name to this book, my host, old sport +8 más

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. Tells Nick the story of his past with Daisy and the war, refuses to leave his home, spends the day waiting by the pool for a call from Daisy, and is shot and killed by Wilson.

Nick Carraway neighborNick Carraway neighbor and guestJordan Baker someone he speaks with privatelyNick Carraway neighbor and lunch companionJordan Baker acquaintance who speaks for him +16 more
Chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Daisy Buchanan

Also known as: Daisy, my cousin, my second cousin once removed, the other girl, red-haired young lady from a famous chorus, she +7 más

Beautiful, wealthy socialite from Louisville who married Tom Buchanan. She is the object of Gatsby's long-held dream and love. Does not appear but is the central subject of Gatsby's recounted memories and the reason he refuses to leave; Gatsby insists she never truly loved Tom.

Nick Carraway second cousin once removedTom Buchanan husbandJordan Baker friend from LouisvillePammy Buchanan daughterJay Gatsby former love interest from 1917 +16 more
Chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Tom Buchanan

Also known as: Tom, her husband, my old friend, Mr. Buchanan, the polo player, Mr. Thomas Buchanan +1 más

Arrogant, wealthy husband of Daisy and former college acquaintance of Nick. He is physically imposing and represents the old-money elite. Does not appear but is mentioned as having confronted Daisy and Gatsby, using "hard malice" that shatters Gatsby's persona.

Daisy Buchanan wifeNick Carraway college acquaintanceJordan Baker guestMyrtle Wilson mistressNick Carraway acquaintance +14 more
Chapters 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8

Jordan Baker

Also known as: Jordan, Miss Baker, she, the balancing girl, the stranger, the younger of the two +2 más

Professional golfer and friend of Daisy who has a budding romantic relationship with Nick. She is cool, somewhat dishonest, and moves between social circles. Calls Nick in the morning after leaving Daisy's house and argues with him over the phone about their relationship.

Daisy Buchanan friend from LouisvilleTom Buchanan hostNick Carraway new acquaintanceNick Carraway romantic interestJay Gatsby someone she knows and speaks with privately +8 more
Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8

Myrtle Wilson

Also known as: Mrs. Wilson, Myrtle, Tom's girl, Tom's mistress, his girl, her +3 más

Deceased wife of George Wilson who was killed by Gatsby's car the previous night. She had been having an affair with Tom Buchanan. Only mentioned in Wilson's grief-stricken recollections and explanations; her death drives Wilson's quest for revenge.

Tom Buchanan loverGeorge Wilson husbandCatherine sisterNick Carraway party guestTom Buchanan lover (implied through context) +4 more
Chapters 2, 4, 7, 8

George Wilson

Also known as: George B. Wilson, Wilson, old man, proprietor, he, his +2 más

Grieving husband of Myrtle Wilson who owns a garage in the valley of ashes. He is devastated, incoherent, and becomes vengeful after his wife's death. After a night of mourning and realizing the yellow car belonged to Gatsby, he tracks him down, shoots him, and then kills himself.

Myrtle Wilson wifeTom Buchanan customer and wife's loverMyrtle Wilson wifeTom Buchanan customerMyrtle Wilson deceased wife
Chapters 2, 7, 8

Catherine

Also known as: her sister, the sister

Sister of Myrtle Wilson. Briefly appears at the garage after Myrtle's death, heavily intoxicated and faints upon learning the body is gone.

Myrtle Wilson sisterTom Buchanan sister's loverMyrtle Wilson sister
Chapters 2, 8

Meyer Wolfshiem

Also known as: Meyer, Mr. Wolfshiem, Wolfshiem

Shady business associate of Gatsby who helped him with illegal activities. Mentioned as the source of Gatsby's new servants and as a partner in bootlegging.

Jay Gatsby friend and associate he admiresNick Carraway mistaken for a business contactJay Gatsby business connectionJay Gatsby associate
Chapters 4, 5, 7

Dan Cody

Also known as: Mr. Dan Cody, old sport's best friend, Cody

Millionaire who took the young Gatsby under his wing and influenced his life. Only mentioned in Gatsby's recounted story of his youth.

Jay Gatsby best friendJay Gatsby former employeeElla Kaye manipulatorJay Gatsby protégé
Chapters 5, 6, 8

Michaelis

Also known as: Mavro Michaelis, his neighbour, the young Greek

Neighbor and friend of George Wilson who runs a nearby restaurant. He is kind and tries to comfort Wilson through the night. Stays with Wilson through the night after Myrtle's death, attempts to calm and distract him, and leaves at dawn; later his account helps explain Wilson's actions.

George Wilson neighbor and witness subjectGeorge Wilson friend he comforts
Chapters 7, 8
Secondary 15

Pammy Buchanan

Also known as: her daughter, she, the baby, Pammy, bles-sed pre-cious, little dream +2 más

Daisy's young daughter who is shy, well-disciplined, and resembles her mother. Is brought into the room by her nurse during lunch, greets the guests reluctantly, and is quickly taken away again.

Tom Buchanan fatherDaisy Buchanan motherDaisy Buchanan motherTom Buchanan father
Chapters 1, 7

Doctor T. J. Eckleburg

Also known as: Doctor Eckleburg, eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg

Giant billboard eyes overlooking the valley of ashes. Only referenced when Wilson stares at the sign and interprets it as the eyes of God watching his wife's infidelity.

Chapters 2, 8

Mr. McKee

Also known as: Chester, Chester McKee, McKee

Pale, feminine photographer from the apartment below who is in the "artistic game." He is respectful but somewhat boring. Attends the party with his wife, attempts to photograph guests, discusses his work on Long Island, falls asleep, and invites Nick to lunch while leaving.

Mrs. McKee wifeMyrtle Wilson neighbor
Chapter 2

Mrs. McKee

Also known as: his wife

Shrill, languid, handsome, and horrible wife of Mr. McKee who is proud of her husband's photography. Attends the party, compliments Myrtle's dress, suggests photo poses, discusses her past romantic decisions, and helps console Myrtle after she is injured.

Mr. McKee husbandMyrtle Wilson neighbor
Chapter 2

Owl Eyes

Also known as: Jordan’s escort, a man of about my age, another man in the car, apparition, he, man in a long duster +6 más

A persistent young college student escorting Jordan at the party. He makes violent innuendo and expects some form of intimacy with her. Sits with Jordan's dignified East Egg party, nods cynically when they decide to leave, later engages in an obstetrical conversation with two chorus girls and implores Nick to join him.

Nick Carraway fellow WWI veteran and guestOwl Eyes companion in the car wreckJordan Baker escort he hopes to become intimate with
Chapter 3

Lucille

One of the two girls in twin yellow dresses who frequently attends Gatsby's parties. She is alert, confident, and casually discusses rumors about Gatsby while accepting his gifts. Sits at a table with Nick, Jordan, and others, recounts receiving a new gown from Gatsby after tearing her previous one, shares and debates rumors that Gatsby killed a man or was a German spy, and performs a baby act with her twin later in the evening.

The other girl in yellow companionJay Gatsby host she gossips about
Chapter 3

The other girl in yellow

Also known as: one of the girls in yellow, she, the first girl

One of the two girls in twin yellow dresses at the party. She is eager, gossipy, and speculative about Gatsby's past. Sits at the table discussing parties and rumors, eagerly suggests Gatsby killed a man, leans forward sharing confidential gossip, and performs a baby act with Lucille later.

Lucille companionJay Gatsby host she gossips about
Chapter 3

Ewing Klipspringer

Also known as: Ewing, Klipspringer, Mr. Klipspringer, the boarder

Slightly worn young man living as a boarder in Gatsby's house, often unkempt. Embarrassed and reluctant piano player. Is found doing exercises in a bedroom, then plays the piano for Gatsby and Daisy while making excuses about his lack of practice.

Jay Gatsby host
Chapter 5

Ella Kaye

the newspaper woman, Madame de Maintenon Manipulative newspaper woman who exploited Dan Cody's weakness and ultimately received his fortune.

Chapter 6

Mr. Sloane

Also known as: Sloane

Haughty and ungrateful man who accompanies Tom Buchanan and the lady on their horseback visit to Gatsby's house. Visits Gatsby's house, declines hospitality, insists on leaving without Gatsby, and later leaves abruptly.

Tom Buchanan companion
Chapter 6

Miss Baedeker

Also known as: she, the accused, the girl

Drunken and vocal female guest at Gatsby's party who slumps, screams after cocktails, and argues about her behavior. Appears heavily intoxicated at the tipsy table, defends herself against criticism of her drinking, and complains about past incidents.

Doctor Civet acquaintance
Chapter 6

Doctor Civet

Also known as: Doc, Doc Civet

Physician or guest at Gatsby's party who is accused of having shaky hands. Helps or is involved with Miss Baedeker after she is pushed into the pool, criticized for his unsteady hands.

Miss Baedeker patient or acquaintance
Chapter 6

The moving-picture director

the director, her director Gorgeous woman's film director who is seen slowly bending to kiss her under the white-plum tree at the party.

Chapter 6

His Star

the Star, that lady, a gorgeous scarcely human orchid of a woman, she, the girl Celebrity actress or movie star sitting under the white-plum tree at Gatsby's party.

Chapter 6

Biloxi

Also known as: Bill Biloxi, Blocks Biloxi, a man named Biloxi, his cousin

Man from Biloxi, Tennessee, who attended Daisy and Tom's wedding and claimed Yale connections. Recalled in conversation at the Plaza as having fainted at the wedding and stayed with Jordan's family.

Daisy Buchanan wedding guest acquaintanceTom Buchanan wedding host acquaintanceJordan Baker host during his stay
Chapter 7
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