The Great Gatsby: Identifying The Men Who Shaped The Novel's Characters

Natalie Brooks

6 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Dan Cody: The Architect of Gatsby's Dream

Dan Cody stands as a pivotal figure in Gatsby's life, acting as an architect of both his dreams and, ironically, his downfall. Cody's influence on the young Gatsby is profound and multifaceted, shaping the trajectory of his life in The Great Gatsby.

Cody's Influence on Gatsby's Wealth and Aspirations

• Mentorship and Opportunity: Cody took Gatsby under his wing, providing him with a glimpse into the opulent world of the wealthy elite. This mentorship introduced Gatsby to a lifestyle he craved.
• Acquisition of Wealth: Cody's generosity provided Gatsby with significant financial resources, laying the foundation for his later accumulation of wealth. This newfound wealth fueled Gatsby’s ambition and pursuit of the American Dream.
• Introduction to High Society: Through Cody, Gatsby gained access to the upper echelons of society, experiencing firsthand the lavish parties and social circles he would later emulate. This exposure solidified his desire for acceptance within this exclusive world.

Cody's lifestyle instilled in Gatsby a deep-seated desire for lavish wealth and the unattainable Daisy Buchanan. The influence of Cody's wealth and lifestyle was arguably crucial in shaping Gatsby's character. His exposure to this world created a burning desire in Gatsby for acceptance amongst its members, influencing his decision making and the persona he cultivated.

Cody as a Foil to Gatsby's Ultimate Failure

Cody's character serves as a dark foreshadowing of Gatsby's own ultimate failure. While Gatsby cultivates a carefully controlled image, Cody's life reveals a lack of self-control and ultimately, a tragic end. This contrast highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the illusion of the American Dream. The uncontrolled aspects of Cody's life act as a stark contrast to Gatsby's controlled public persona, suggesting that Gatsby's tightly controlled façade may be masking a similar inner chaos.

Tom Buchanan: The Antagonist and Obstacle to Gatsby's Happiness

Tom Buchanan embodies the established wealth and social barriers that Gatsby relentlessly strives to overcome. He serves as a constant antagonist, directly contributing to Gatsby's struggles and his tragic fate within the narrative of The Great Gatsby.

Tom's Role in Representing Old Money and Societal Barriers

• Arrogance and Power: Tom's character represents the arrogance and power associated with "old money," highlighting the class divisions and societal barriers of the Roaring Twenties.
• Direct Conflict and Obstruction: Tom's actions directly contribute to Gatsby's struggles to win Daisy back, creating conflict and ultimately leading to tragedy. His actions serve as the direct antagonist to Gatsby's dreams.
• Moral Decay of the Upper Class: Tom's infidelity and blatant disregard for others exemplify the moral decay prevalent among the wealthy elite, underscoring the novel's critique of societal values.

Tom’s actions serve as a catalyst for much of the novel's conflict. His inherent power and privilege are constantly challenged by Gatsby’s attempts to gain acceptance within his social circle. This constant conflict underscores the insurmountable societal barriers faced by Gatsby.

Tom as a Catalyst for Conflict and Tragedy

The confrontations between Tom and Gatsby highlight their contrasting values and ideologies. Tom's inherent entitlement and disdain for Gatsby's "new money" status fuel the conflict, ultimately leading to Gatsby's demise. The clash between these characters is a central theme throughout The Great Gatsby, emphasizing the irreconcilable differences between old money and new money, and the inherent biases of the wealthy elite.

George Wilson: The Unintentional Instrument of Gatsby's Demise

George Wilson, a struggling mechanic, becomes an unintentional instrument in Gatsby's demise. His misplaced anger and tragic fate are intertwined with Gatsby's story in a complex and ironic way within the novel.

Wilson's Misplaced Anger and Tragic Fate

• Misguided Belief: George Wilson's desperation and misguided belief that Gatsby is responsible for his wife's infidelity lead to tragic consequences. His actions are driven by his feelings of betrayal and despair.
• Irony of Actions: The irony lies in Wilson's actions, unintentionally fulfilling the desires of Tom Buchanan and ultimately causing Gatsby's death. Wilson's actions are ultimately a result of the wealthy elite's actions and attitudes.
• Socio-Economic Factors: Wilson's vulnerability is partly due to socio-economic factors that place him at the mercy of the wealthy and powerful. His struggles highlight the stark inequalities of the era.

Wilson's plight emphasizes the devastating impact of the wealthy elite's actions on those less fortunate. His character offers a counterpoint to the lavish lives of the wealthy, emphasizing the societal injustices present in Fitzgerald's portrayal of the 1920s.

Wilson as a Victim of Circumstance in Gatsby's World

Wilson and Gatsby are tragically caught in the machinations of the wealthy elite. Wilson becomes a symbolic representation of the marginalized and vulnerable in the face of overwhelming power. He acts as an unwitting pawn in the conflict between Gatsby and Tom.

Meyer Wolfsheim: The Shady Connection and Gatsby's Criminal Past

Meyer Wolfsheim represents Gatsby's shadowy past and his questionable connections. His influence on Gatsby's wealth and reputation adds another layer of complexity to the character of Gatsby.

Wolfsheim's Influence on Gatsby's Wealth and Reputation

• Early Career and Wealth: Wolfsheim played a significant role in Gatsby's early career and acquisition of wealth, suggesting that Gatsby's success is rooted in morally ambiguous activities.
• Organized Crime Implications: Gatsby's association with organized crime tarnishes his public image, further highlighting the complexities of his character. This association adds another layer to understanding Gatsby's character.
• Moral Ambiguities: Wolfsheim's presence underscores the moral ambiguities that permeate the novel's characters, prompting questions about the pursuit of the American Dream through questionable means.

Wolfsheim as a Symbol of Gatsby's Ambivalent Morality

Gatsby's willingness to associate with Wolfsheim reveals a degree of moral ambiguity in his character. His ambition to reach the highest echelons of society overshadows his moral compass at times. The association with Wolfsheim raises questions about Gatsby's motivations and the price he paid for his success.

Conclusion: The Men Who Shaped Gatsby

Dan Cody, Tom Buchanan, George Wilson, and Meyer Wolfsheim each played crucial roles in shaping Gatsby's character and destiny. Their collective influence highlights the novel's central themes: the unattainable American Dream, the corrosive effects of wealth and class divisions, and the complexities of morality in the pursuit of success. Cody provided the foundation for Gatsby’s aspirations; Buchanan presented the insurmountable obstacles; Wilson became the catalyst for tragedy; and Wolfsheim cast a shadow over Gatsby's past. By understanding the crucial roles these men played, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities of The Great Gatsby and the enduring power of its characters. Re-read The Great Gatsby today with a renewed focus on the men who shaped Gatsby's destiny!