Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby's story follows a classic tragedy plot. When we first meet Jay Gatsby, we know only that he is a fabulously wealthy man who throws enormous parties. But who is he? What does he do for a living? Has he killed a man just to watch him die? Despite these unknowns, Gatsby ends up filling the protagonist role for us. He's the one who has a goal and a dream, and we end up sympathizing with him--thanks to Tom's swell performance as antagonist. He may be a man of mystery, but he's our man of mystery.