Every novel comes with its own wide variety of characters, who act differently, have different values, and care about different things. Amongst these, the ones who stand out to readers are those demonstrate intense emotions, and hence act upon these passions, sometimes in an ill-advised manner. Jay Gatsby, from the novel "The Great Gatsby" is the epitome of a passionate character. His unwavering determination to grasp his dream- reuniting with his former love Daisy Fay- pushes him into some behaviour that, while questionable, we can still empathise with, due to the sensitivity of his motives. Because of his passions, he gives up everything to impress Daisy, and it is this passion that we as readers find intriguing, as it displays one …show more content…
Several rumours circulate, claiming he is a "German spy" or "once killed a man." Even when Nick is talking to Gatsby at his party, he does not initially realise that he is talking to the host, which reinforces the vagueness and lack of information about this man. This is because Gatsby himself is a self-made millionaire- he made his money through various forms of bootlegging and other illegal activity. It is this corrupt background that compels him to shroud himself in mystery, even fuelling the fire or the rumours by making up his own. For instance, when they go to lunch together, Gatsby tells Nick that he was born into a wealthy Middle-Western family, and inherited their riches when they all died. However, we eventually find out the truth, as well as his reasons behind his motives. It is his desperation to reclaim Daisy, that compels him into taking these shortcuts into climbing the ladder, believing that glamour and a huge mansion will be enough to win her back. When Jordan tells Nick this, that Gatsby bought the mansion so that he could live across from Daisy, he suddenly "comes alive to [Nick]," and in turn, to us. Suddenly, Nick does not mind that Gatsby is cryptic and not entirely honest- this romantic notion holds appeal to him. Similarly for us, the significance of the green light becomes clear. Gatsby risks everything to reach his millionaire status, and it is all, apparently, for Daisy. This shows us a passion and devotion, which makes him more appealing and interesting as a character. We find ourselves wanting to see more of the lengths Gatsby will take for his