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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 “ The abnormal mind is quick to detect and attach itself to this quality when it appears
evidence (quote + citation in a normal person, and so it came about that in college I was unjustly accused of being
if possible): a politician, because I was a privy to the secret griefs of the wild, unknown men”(pg.5)

Indirect characterization ”Just remember that all the What this evidence reveals This shows that Nick comes
evidence (quote + citation people in this world haven’t ABOUT the character: from a humble family that
if possible) had the advantages that doesn’t judge people from
you’ve had”(pg.5) where they came from.

One-sentence summary of Overall Nick is a nice, smart, quiet kid who is humble about the advantages he has
the character (based on gotten in life.
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the above evidence) in
your own words:

Character: Tom Buchanan

Image source: The Great Gatsby Wiki

Direct characterization “Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the
evidence (quote + citation appearance off always leaning aggressively forward”(pg.11)
if possible):

Indirect characterization “The idea is if we don’t What this evidence reveals This reveals that Tom
evidence #1 (quote + look out, the white race will ABOUT the character: Buchanan is somewhat of a
citation if possible) be —will be utterly racist person. And values
submerged. It’s all scientific the white race over any
stuff; it's been other.
proven”(pg.17)

One-sentence summary of Based on the above evidence Tom is a strong, big person who values his personal views.
the character (based on He seems to be the kind of guy to not be open minded if people have opposite thoughts
the above evidence) in to his own.
your own words:
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Character: Daisy Buchanan

Image source: The Great Gatsby Wiki

Direct characterization “Then she laughed, an obscure, charming little laugh”(pg.13)

evidence (quote + citation
if possible):

Indirect characterization “and held my hand for a
evidence (quote + citation moment, looking up into
if possible) my face, promising that
there was no one in the
world she so much wanted
to see”(pg.13)
What this evidence reveals
ABOUT the character:
From this quote we can tell
that Daisy is a good listener
and stays present and
attentive when talking to
her.

One-sentence summary of Father in the chapter we see she isn’t the best person, but as of when Nic sees her again
the character (based on for the first time she is a sweet attentive person.
the above evidence) in
your own words:
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Character: Jordan Baker

Image source: Warner Brothers Entertainment Wiki

Direct characterization “ they were both in white and their dresses were rippling and fluttering as if they had
evidence (quote + citation just been blown back in after a short flight around the house”(pg.12)
if possible):

Indirect characterization “She was extended full What this evidence reveals She was un-bothered and
evidence (quote + citation length at her end of the ABOUT the character: calm before Nick and Tom
if possible) divan, completely walked inside.
motionless and with her
chin raised a little as if she
were balancing something
on it which was quite likely
to drop”(pg.13)

One-sentence summary of This character is attractive, privileged, and alluring.

the character (based on
the above evidence) in
your own words: