The Great Gatsby Characters and Quotes

This set of flashcards covers key characters, quotes, and important plot points from 'The Great Gatsby' to aid in exam preparation.

Nick Carraway

Narrator and moral center; observes the action and judges the other characters.

Jay Gatsby

Wealthy, mysterious neighbor, obsessed with winning back Daisy; made his fortune through shady business.

Daisy Buchanan

Nick's cousin; beautiful and shallow; married to Tom; represents the carelessness of old money.

Tom Buchanan

Daisy's wealthy and aggressive husband; symbol of established power and brutality.

Jordan Baker

Professional golfer and friend of Daisy; represents the modern woman of the 1920s, cynical and dishonest.

Myrtle Wilson

Tom's mistress; unhappy and desperate to escape her lower-class life.

George Wilson

Myrtle's husband; passive, and his actions drive the novel's final tragedy.

"Gatsby believed in the green light…"

Final image of hope representing the unreachable nature of the American Dream.

"You can't repeat the past…Why, of course you can!"

Gatsby's tragic denial of reality and obsession with an idealized past.

"Her voice is full of money."

Associates Daisy with wealth and social status, as money is integral to her identity.

"They're a rotten crowd…You're worth the whole damn bunch put together."

Nick's moral judgment showing he sees Gatsby's flaws overshadowed by the emptiness of the Buchanans.

"So we beat on, boats against the current…"

Final line reflecting the tragic persistence against forces that push people back.

"Civilization's going to pieces…I've become a terrible pessimist…"

Tom's expression of his racist and elitist worldview amidst social instability.

"I hope she'll be a fool - that's the best thing a girl can be in this world…"

Daisy's acceptance of sexism and belief that ignorance will protect her daughter.

"Now don't fight about it, Daisy."

Shows Tom's controlling nature and dismissive attitude towards Daisy's feelings.

"He's involved with illegal activities."

Insinuations about Gatsby's business practices that emphasize moral complexity.

Where does Nick live?

Nick lives in West Egg.

Where do Tom and Daisy live?

Tom and Daisy live in East Egg.

How does Nick know Daisy?

Nick and Daisy are cousins.

How did Gatsby make his money?

Through illegal or unsavory business connections, though he prefers an image of respectability.

Why does Gatsby throw lavish parties?

To attract Daisy and create an image of success so she will notice him.

Who kills Myrtle Wilson?

Daisy strikes and kills Myrtle while driving Gatsby's car, though he takes the blame.