Summary:

The story takes place in the summer of 1922 in New York. A young man named Nick Carraway has just moved to the city from Minnesota. Nick's neighbor Jay Gatsby is a newly wealthy man who lives in a gothic mansion and throws parties every Saturday night. Nick becomes very intrigued with his new neighbor and his guests. Although his house is located on West Egg, many of Nick's friends live on East Egg--a more sophisticated neighborhood.

Nick visits with his cousin Daisy, who lives in East Egg with her husband Tom. That night Tom introduces Nick to a lovely young woman named Jordan Baker, and the two begin a romantic relationship. Meanwhile, Nick learns that Tom is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, who lives in the Valley of Ashes. Nick meets this woman at party he attends with Tom and Jordan. During the party Myrtle picks on Tom about Daisy and he breaks her nose.

As the summer progresses, Nick attends one of Gatsby's parties. While at the party he runs into Jordan and the two have a long conversation with Gatsby. They learn that he knows Daisy and that he is deeply in love with her. He wants Nick to arrange a meeting for them, but he does not want her to know he will be there. Nick invites Daisy over for tea at his house, and after an awkward introduction Daisy and Gatsby reestablish their relationship.

Tom begins to notice the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy, and while the group is in New York City at the plaza he tells Daisy that Gatsby is a criminal and he got his money from bootlegging. Daisy and Gatsby race off in the car with Daisy driving. As they race down the road the car strikes Myrtle causing her death. Tom takes it upon himself to inform her husband, but he tells her that Gatsby was the one responsible. Gatsby takes the blame so Daisy will not be in trouble.

Gatsby, is confronted by Myrtle's husband and shot dead. Nick holds a small funeral for him and realizes that the dream Gatsby had, and the American dream are...over.