Jay Gatsby is a great man. The greatest man Nick has ever met, because he is the most true. He is admired by those who don't know him for his wealth and parties and by Nick for his ability to dream and hope in the face of certain failure. He has a charisma about him that makes him worth your time. Many others doubt Gatsby, his sincerity and his story, however Nick dismissed all the skeptics and sees Jay for who he truly is.
Nick Carraway
Nick is the narrator of the story. He came to be a great friend of Jay Gatsby's and was there through all of his ups and downs with Daisy. Nick lives in a much overlooked home wedged in between Gatsby's mansion and some other new money's over sized home. He goes into bonds, just like nearly everyone else at that time but really aspires to be a writer.
Daisy Buchanan
Daisy is the love interest of many. She came from a wealthy family and is exceedingly beautiful. There is no one that will ever love her more than Jay Gatsby, but she doesn't love him back, at least not as much as he thinks she does. Instead she chooses Tom, who is more than capable of providing for her, which is all she really wants in life.
Tom Buchanan
Tom is the famous polo player and former big man on campus. He wanders aimlessly from place to place searching for a high greater than some football game. He has a love affair with some strumpet, but finds that he loves Daisy so much more. He sees right through Gatsby's lies and calls him out on them.
Jordan Baker
Jordan is a dishonest golfer who falls for Nick and attends many of Jay's parties. She is a friend of Daisy's and is a messenger for Jay when he plans on using Nick to get Daisy back.
Meyer Wolfsheim
Wolfsheim is a good friend of Gatsby's. He is a distinguished figure in organized crime. Previous to the setting of the book, he helps Jay obtain all his money from bootlegging illegal liquor. Due to the fact that Wolfsheim and Gatsby still see each other often, it is believed that Jay is still involved with illegal business.
Myrtle Wilson
Myrtle is the "other woman" whom Tom has an affair with. They even have their own apartment in which they throw parties and "hang out." Tom loves her considerably less because when she even mentioned Daisy's name, and not in a very nice way, he broke her nose. When her husband decides that they are moving west, she runs out in the road to flag Tom down, but ends up getting hit by Jay's car, which is being driven by Daisy. Myrtle was instantly killed in the crash.
George Wilson
George is Myrtle's husband and own's a garage that Tom frequents. He suspects Myrtle is having an affair but doesn't know with whom. After she is hit by Jay's car he suspects it was he who she was cheating on him with and is driven even farther to revenge. He is so overtaken with rage, he murders Gatsby by shooting him in the back of the head.