How Does Nick Carraway Use Direct Characterization In The Great Gatsby

In the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character of Nick Carraway has a green personality. Nick is analytical and calm. That is shown in his reactions to some of the most dramatic parts of the book. Nick is seen as analytical through his deep interest in Gatsby. From the moment Nick arrives in New York, he is infatuated with his mysterious neighbor. “The silhouette of a moving cat wavered across the moonlight, and turning my head to watch it, I saw that I was not alone- fifty feet away a figure had emerged from the shadow of my neighbor’s mansion and was standing with his hands in his pockets regarding the silver pepper of the stars. Something in his leisurely movements and the secure position of his feet upon the lawn suggested that it was Mr. Gatsby himself, come out to determine what share was his of our local heavens” (21). Gatsby is not introduced properly in the book for a few chapters, instead the readers only catch glimpses when Nick does. Fitzgerald wanted to show the readers that this story was different, that Gatsby was different, and that the characters he created were not like other people. He was able
In the hotel when Daisy, Tom, and Gatsby throw everything they’ve got at each other, Nick just sits there. He knows that this is not his battle and he is unneeded in the argument. Later on when Myrtle is killed, Nick’s calm demeanor prevails. He does not flip out as Tom does, and he does not treat it lightly like Jordan. Instead, he keeps everything inside and tries to think it through wisely. Instead of going inside to see if any drama unfolds with Daisy and Tom, he says “no, thanks but I’d be glad if you’d order me the taxi. I’ll wait outside” (142). The events of that day sicken him to a degree, and he realizes that he no longer wishes to spend time with these people. Nick appears to wait and fully feel his emotions until he is in private and can think about