Journal 19: Characterization in Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby

Nick Carraway Adjective: Quietly Quaint Nick is a tall, thin, handsome man. As graduate of Oxford, Nick is obviously well-educated. He is a war veteran, which inevitably makes him a respectful person. He carries himself very well and dresses with sophistication. His actions are quiet; he talks the least but says the most. Nick is a timid and shy character who reserves judgment based on his personal beliefs. Nick also becomes romantically involved with Jordan Baker. With his initial appearance, the first impression of Nick Carraway you receive is definitely quiet and quaint. Tom Buchanan Adjective: Rich Rascal Tom is affluent and his money is the only thing he has going for him. Daisy only loves him because he is rich. Tom is barely good-looking. His words are sincere unless he is lying about the affairs he has with women. Tom is not shy but is wary about suspicious fellows like Gatsby. His cheating ways definitely characterize him as a rascal. The phone call Tom received in chapter one from his mistress showed that he was a scoundrel for not being able to properly keep his affairs separate from his family life. Daisy Buchanan Adjective: Beautiful Fool Daisy is a beautiful young woman with an eye for style. She loves the lavish lifestyle. Her words are cheery and always filled with flirtatious remarks. She is high on life and tries to make the best out of things. She loves unconditionally and is easily tricked into falling in love. Daisy knows that she is a fool. She knows her young daughter will grow up to be a fool just like her and all other woman. Jordan Baker Adjective: Confident Jordan is strikingly beautiful and is very much like Daisy in an appearance sense. Her actions are unlike Daisy’s because Jordan is a cheater, given that she cheated in her golf tournament. Her words are somewhat caustic and bitter. Jordan becomes romantically involved with Nick Carraway. She is very self-centered and possesses a strong personality. Her actions are straightforward. Daisy speaks with a purpose and her voice is heard. She is much like a standby in the story, just like Nick is. Although, her presence does serves a purpose. Jay Gatsby Adjective: Dashing Old Sport Jay Gatsby is a rich man who lives in an enormous mansion across the water in East Egg. He is in love with Daisy, but Daisy is married to Tom. Jay was supposed to marry Daisy but rich girls don’t marry poor boys. Jay is acquiring his great wealth in a sketchy manner. He throws lavish, extravagant parties to hopefully impress Daisy. He calls everyone “old sport” to try to make his made up life seem legitimate. Jay is genuine and has good intentions, but his whole life is basically a lie.