Tom Buchanan:

• believes that his wealth automatically entitles him to high status amongst others, obedience and allowance to do however he pleases

• this delusional viewpoint means that whenever one dares to oppose his ‘authority’ or rob him of one of these ‘entitlements’, he reacts in a way that shows he believes he as been robbed of what he is owed, initially portrayed through aggressive persistence and then violence

• feels justified of telling George Wilson of Jay’s involvement in myrtle’s death, despite it actually being daisy’s fault - according to Jay - because of his dislike of jay having an affair with his wife

Jay Gatsby:

• has not realised that the world has not paused for his and Daisy’s romance

• initially comes across as artificial

  • no one knows much about him

  • possesses much wealth & holds numerous parties

  • careful to uphold reputation through actions and speech

• once he has made his intentions to rekindle his romance with Daisy, his artificiality seems to be replaced with romantic optimism - his fake way of life has essentially become obsolete

• from here, Nick begins to really get to know him

Daisy Buchanan:

• happy to live in oblivion and retain her wealth and status

  • she knows of Tom’s affair with Myrtle, but stays with him

• despite loving Jay and knowing that love is requited, she eventually chooses safety and security with Tom over submitting to Jay’s wishes

Nick Carraway:

• puts Jay on a pedestal, exempting him from his usual judgements