Who is the Most Admirable Person in The Great Gatsby?

When we think of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the first names that likely come to mind are Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan. But, have you ever thought about who the most admirable person in the novel truly is? Sure, Gatsby has an air of mystery and ambition, but there are deeper qualities that stand out when you really dig into the characters and their motivations. Let’s take a closer look at who might be the most admirable figure in The Great Gatsby.

The Case for Nick Carraway

You might not have expected this, but the answer is, perhaps surprisingly, Nick Carraway. Yes, Nick, the narrator of the story, might seem like a secondary character compared to the bombastic Gatsby, but his role is far more pivotal—and admirable—than it first appears.

1. Nick's Integrity and Moral Compass

In the midst of a society that’s defined by decadence, carelessness, and moral decay, Nick stands as a beacon of integrity. From the start of the novel, he tells us that he’s “inclined to reserve all judgments,” yet he’s not blind to the superficiality of those around him. What’s truly remarkable about Nick is his ability to remain grounded and unaffected by the chaos of the world he’s thrust into. He’s one of the few characters who consistently shows genuine emotional depth. Nick doesn’t chase after wealth, fame, or validation like the others—he values honest connection, even if it’s flawed.

2. The Witness to Tragedy

While the other characters, like Gatsby and Daisy, pursue personal desires without much thought for the consequences, Nick becomes a witness to their disastrous decisions. He doesn’t just sit by passively—Nick chooses to document their lives, but he also reflects on the consequences. His narration reveals a heartfelt empathy for Gatsby’s unrequited love and the eventual tragedies that unfold, yet he’s also critical of the superficiality of the lifestyle around him. In a way, Nick is an observer and an unwitting judge, but he’s deeply moved by the lives of those around him.

Daisy Buchanan: A Tragic Figure

You might think that Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby’s unrelenting obsession, would be the most admirable. After all, Gatsby spends his entire life trying to recreate the past with her. But when you look at Daisy’s actions and motivations, it becomes clear that she is a truly tragic figure, one driven by self-interest and fear of commitment.

1. Daisy’s Emotional Detachment

While Gatsby believes in the power of love and idealism, Daisy is rooted in materialism and emotional detachment. Her desire to maintain her privileged lifestyle outweighs any genuine affection for Gatsby or any other person, for that matter. She has a charm that captures Gatsby’s heart, but the reality is that she’s unable to escape her own entrapment in the wealth and security provided by Tom. This emotional detachment makes her difficult to admire, as she chooses comfort over courage, security over sacrifice.

2. Her Lack of Responsibility

Perhaps the most damning element of Daisy’s character is her lack of accountability. After the tragic accident that results in Myrtle Wilson’s death, Daisy is passive and disappears, leaving Gatsby to take the blame. The consequences of her actions are largely ignored by her—her main concern is how things affect her immediate world. While Daisy is complex and not entirely evil, her selfishness and inability to take responsibility make her hard to admire.

Jay Gatsby: The Enigmatic Dreamer

Of course, it’s impossible to talk about admiration in The Great Gatsby without considering the central figure of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is the epitome of ambition, but how much of that ambition is admirable?

1. Gatsby’s Idealism

Gatsby represents the American Dream in its purest, most optimistic form: a person willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of love and success. His entire life, from humble beginnings to immense wealth, is built on his belief in the possibility of achieving his dreams. This makes him a tragic hero—his unyielding belief in an ideal that ultimately proves impossible. He believes that he can recapture the past with Daisy, even when it’s clear that the past is gone.

2. The Price of Gatsby’s Success

What’s truly remarkable about Gatsby is the extent of his personal sacrifice. He is willing to risk everything for a chance at happiness. In many ways, his dedication to Daisy is admirable—he doesn’t let go of his dreams, no matter the cost. But, and here’s where it gets tricky, Gatsby’s success comes at a price. The methods he uses to achieve wealth—through shady dealings and illegal activities—undermine the purity of his dream. As much as we admire his persistence, his morally questionable actions make it hard to fully embrace him as a completely admirable figure.

Conclusion: Nick Carraway, the Unlikely Hero

So, when we look at the question of who is the most admirable person in The Great Gatsby, the answer is likely Nick Carraway. His integrity, his introspective nature, and his ability to observe and reflect on the world around him set him apart from the other characters. While Gatsby’s dreams are certainly inspiring, and Daisy’s charm is undeniable, it’s Nick who remains grounded, empathetic, and morally consistent in a world full of moral ambiguity.

Nick’s role as an observer and narrator might not always seem as glamorous as Gatsby’s, but it’s his honesty and emotional depth that make him the most admirable figure in Fitzgerald’s novel.

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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