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The Great Gatsby Chapter 1: Characterization

Directions:

● Navigate through The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 and take notes on the following characters from Chapter 1: Nick
Carraway, Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, and Jordan Baker.
● For each character, use the chart below to:
● Identify at least one piece of textual evidence for direct characterization (with an in-text
citation if possible).
● Identify at least one piece of textual evidence for indirect characterization (with an in-text
citation if possible) – what the character says, does, or how another character responds to
them.
● Explain what the textual evidence for indirect characterization reveals about the character (no
need to do this for direct characterization evidence as that should be self-explanatory). You do
NOT need to explain WHY it’s indirect characterization; rather, explain what we LEARN about
the character through it.
● Write a one-sentence summary of the character so far, based on the evidence you have
gathered.

Character: Nick Carraway

Image source: The Great Gatsby Wiki

Direct characterization ”It came about that in college I was unjustly accused of being a politician, because I was
evidence (quote + citation privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men” (Fitzgerald 5)
if possible):

Indirect characterization
evidence (quote + citation
if possible)
”Whenever you feel like What this evidence reveals This quote revels that him
criticizing anyone”, he told ABOUT the character: and his family are very
me, “just remember that all unjudgemental and humble
the people in this world towards other people.
haven’t had the advantages
that you have had”
(Fitzgerald 5)
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One-sentence summary of Nick comes from old money family, where it was passed down to him, he is a humble
the character (based on rich man overall.
the above evidence) in
your own words:

Character: Tom Buchanan

Image source: The Great Gatsby Wiki

Direct characterization ”I’ve got a nice place here” (Fitzgerald 12)

evidence (quote + citation
if possible):

Indirect characterization ”Not even the effeminate What this evidence reveals It reveals that Tom is a
evidence #1 (quote + power of that body- he ABOUT the character: powerful guy, that is
citation if possible) seemed to fill those threating along with
glistening boots until he muscles
strained the top lacing and
you could see a great pack
of muscle shifting when his
shoulder moved under his
thin coat” (Fitzgerald 11)

One-sentence summary of Tom is a very wealthy man that was given to him, he is a arrogant in every way, and also
the character (based on acts very superior because of his wealth.
the above evidence) in
your own words:
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Character: Daisy Buchanan

Image source: The Great Gatsby Wiki

Direct characterization ”Im p-paralyzed with happiness” (Fitzgerald 13)

evidence (quote + citation
if possible):

Indirect characterization ”I’ve heard it said that
evidence (quote + citation Daisy's murmur was only to
if possible) make people lean toward
her, an irrelevant criticism
that made it no less
charming” (Fitzgerald 13)
What this evidence reveals This reveals that Daisy is a
ABOUT the character: judgemental person, who
charms people with her
voice.

One-sentence summary of Daisy is considered a beautiful rich women, she does not have a good realationship with
the character (based on Tom, but she wants the money.
the above evidence) in
your own words:
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Character: Jordan Baker

Image source: Warner Brothers Entertainment Wiki

Direct characterization ”Im stiff”, she complained, “I’ve been lying on that sofa for as long as I can remember”
evidence (quote + citation (Fitzgerald 15)
if possible):

Indirect characterization ”Her gray sun-strained eyes
evidence (quote + citation looked back at me with
if possible) polite reciprocal curiosity
out of a wan, charming
discontented
face”(Fitzgerald 15)
What this evidence reveals Jordan is a very direct
ABOUT the character: person, she is a pretty girl
that according to Nick is
enjoyable to look at

One-sentence summary of Jordan is a close friend of Daisy, she strikes Nick as mysterious and attractive in the
the character (based on chapter.
the above evidence) in
your own words: