Chapter 1: I

This chapter
Characters 11
Places 5
Nick Carraway moves from the Midwest to West Egg, Long Island, to learn the bond business and visits his wealthy cousin Daisy and her husband Tom in East Egg. During dinner, he meets professional golfer Jordan Baker and learns that Tom is having an affair, while also hearing the name Gatsby for the first time. Upon returning home, Nick catches a glimpse of his mysterious neighbor, Gatsby, reaching out toward a green light across the water.

On stage

Nick Carraway Nick introduces himself and his background before visiting his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom for dinner, where he meets Jordan Baker and first hears of Gatsby.
Jay Gatsby He is mentioned during dinner and appears briefly at the end of the chapter, standing on his lawn at night looking at the stars and a distant green light.
Daisy Buchanan She hosts Nick for dinner, complains about her husband's physical nature, and privately confesses her cynicism to Nick on the porch.
Tom Buchanan He welcomes Nick to his home, discusses his pseudo-scientific racial theories, and takes a private phone call from his mistress during dinner.
Jordan Baker She lounges at the Buchanans' house, tells Nick about Tom's affair, and mentions Gatsby for the first time.
The Finnish woman She performs domestic duties in Nick's bungalow.
The Butler He serves dinner and informs Tom of a telephone call.

Mentioned

Nick's Father He is mentioned in the opening paragraphs for the advice he gave Nick and for financing Nick's first year in the East.
Nick's Great-Uncle Mentioned as the true founder of the family business and the subject of a painting in Nick's father's office.
The Baby She is mentioned by Daisy, who recounts the story of her birth and her hope that the girl will be a 'beautiful little fool.'
The woman in New York She interrupts dinner by calling Tom on the telephone.

Settings

West Egg A less fashionable but still wealthy community on Long Island where Nick and Gatsby live.
East Egg A very fashionable and wealthy community on Long Island where the Buchanans live in a Georgian Colonial mansion.
The Buchanans' House A large, elaborate red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion overlooking the bay, featuring French windows and a sunken Italian garden.
Gatsby's Mansion A colossal mansion in West Egg, an imitation of a Hôtel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower and a marble swimming pool.
The Middle West The region where Nick grew up and where his family business is located; he finds it too quiet after the war.
Main 6

Nick Carraway

Also known as: Nick

The narrator of the story, a young man from a prominent Middle Western family. He graduated from New Haven in 1915, fought in the Great War, and moved East in the spring of 1922 to enter the bond business. He describes himself as someone who reserves judgment, a trait that makes him a confidant for many. He lives in a small bungalow in West Egg next to Gatsby's mansion.

Daisy Buchanan second cousin once removedTom Buchanan college acquaintance and senior society memberJordan Baker romantic interest/acquaintanceMr. Gatsby neighborJay Gatsby neighbor and guest +1 more
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Jay Gatsby

Also known as: Mr. Gatsby, Jay, James Gatz, Jim Gatz, Trimalchio, Jimmy

Nick's wealthy neighbor in West Egg who lives in a colossal mansion. He is described as having an extraordinary gift for hope and a romantic readiness. He is first seen at night reaching out toward a green light across the water.

Nick Carraway neighborJordan Baker guest and private confidanteDaisy Buchanan former lover and current obsessionTom Buchanan rival and social antagonist
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Daisy Buchanan

Nick's second cousin once removed and Tom's wife. She has a low, thrilling voice and a sad but lovely face. She grew up in Louisville and appears to be cynical and somewhat unhappy in her marriage.

Tom Buchanan wifeNick Carraway second cousin once removedJordan Baker childhood friend from LouisvilleThe Baby motherJay Gatsby former lover +1 more
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Tom Buchanan

A former football star at New Haven and Daisy's husband. He is enormously wealthy, sturdy, straw-haired, and has a supercilious, aggressive manner. He holds racist views based on a book he read and is reportedly having an affair with a woman in New York.

Daisy Buchanan husbandNick Carraway college acquaintanceJordan Baker friendThe woman in New York lover/mistressJay Gatsby acquaintance (met briefly at lunch)
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Jordan Baker

Also known as: Jordan

A professional golfer and friend of the Buchanans. She is slender with an erect carriage and grey eyes. She is described as having a pleasing, contemptuous expression and is known from sports pictures in magazines.

Daisy Buchanan childhood friendTom Buchanan friendNick Carraway acquaintance/potential romantic interestJay Gatsby guest and private confidante
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The Finnish woman

A servant in Nick's house who makes his bed and cooks breakfast.

Nick Carraway servant
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Secondary 2

The Butler

A servant at the Buchanan household. Daisy tells a story about how his nose was affected by polishing silver.

Tom Buchanan servantDaisy Buchanan servant
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The Baby

Also known as: Pammy

The three-year-old daughter of Tom and Daisy Buchanan.

Daisy Buchanan daughterTom Buchanan daughter
Chapter 1
Mentioned 3
Nick's Father He is mentioned in the opening paragraphs for the advice he gave Nick and for financing Nick's first year in the East.
Nick's Great-Uncle Mentioned as the true founder of the family business and the subject of a painting in Nick's father's office.
The woman in New York She interrupts dinner by calling Tom on the telephone.
Main 5

West Egg

A less fashionable but still wealthy community on Long Island where Nick and Gatsby live.

  • Nick rents a small bungalow here.
  • Nick sees Gatsby standing on his lawn at night.
Chapter 1

East Egg

A very fashionable and wealthy community on Long Island where the Buchanans live in a Georgian Colonial mansion.

  • Nick visits the Buchanans for dinner.
  • Tom discusses his racial theories.
  • Daisy confesses her unhappiness to Nick.
Chapter 1

The Buchanans' House

A large, elaborate red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion overlooking the bay, featuring French windows and a sunken Italian garden.

  • The dinner party takes place here.
  • Tom receives a phone call from his mistress.
  • The group has lunch during a heatwave.
  • Daisy kisses Gatsby when Tom leaves the room.
  • Gatsby meets Daisy's daughter, Pammy.
  • Tom realizes Daisy and Gatsby are having an affair.
  • Nick and Gatsby return here after the accident; Nick sees Tom and Daisy conspiring in the kitchen.
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Gatsby's Mansion

A colossal mansion in West Egg, an imitation of a Hôtel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower and a marble swimming pool.

  • Nick observes the mansion from his neighboring yard.
  • Nick attends a massive party here.
  • Nick meets Gatsby for the first time.
  • Gatsby and Jordan have a private meeting in the library.
  • A car accident occurs just outside the gates.
  • Gatsby shows Daisy and Nick through his many rooms.
  • Daisy cries over Gatsby's collection of imported shirts.
  • Klipspringer plays the piano for the group.
  • A reporter visits to ask for a statement.
  • Tom Buchanan, Mr. Sloane, and a woman arrive on horseback for a drink.
  • Gatsby hosts a large party attended by Tom and Daisy Buchanan.
  • Gatsby and Daisy dance and later talk privately on Nick's porch.
  • Gatsby and Nick talk late into the night about repeating the past.
  • Gatsby tells Nick the story of his past with Daisy.
  • Gatsby waits for a phone call from Daisy.
  • Gatsby is shot and killed in his swimming pool.
Chapter 1

The Middle West

The region where Nick grew up and where his family business is located; he finds it too quiet after the war.

  • Nick decides to leave this area to move East.
  • Nick decides to return here.
  • Nick reminisces about returning home for Christmas during his youth.
Chapter 1
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