The Great Gatsby: Characterization

This book is set in the 1920's, a time where being fancy and proper was key. People cared about how they looked, and let everyone know it (at least this is what I've found true from movies and this book). When characterizing people in this book, Fitzgerald goes headfirst and right at it. He doesn't really beat around the bush as to what people are like. When describing Nick's cousing Daisy, he says, "I looked back at my cousin who began to ask me questions in her low, thrilling voice. It was the kind of voice that the ear follows up and down as if each speech is an arrangement of notes that will never be played again. Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passonate mouth." (pg.13-14) He goes on to say that there was excitement found in her voice, and people didn't forget it. Fitzgerald presents characters in a way that I enjoy. He characterizes the people in the story straight up, so you don't have to make connections as much as normal and you can enjoy the story without having to guess who the people really are.