The Great Gatsby

Intro

A young man named Nick Carraway tries to recall a story that happened to him some time ago. As he writes it down, memories of the most exciting events of his life flood back to him.

Act I

Scene 1

Nick decides to move to New York, find a cozy place to live, and try his luck in the booming financial industry. He arrives from the West Coast at Penn Station in NYC but quickly realizes he can't afford to live in Manhattan. So, he rents a small cottage in West Egg, Long Island. The cottage is located next door to a huge, luxurious mansion.

Upon his arrival, Nick notices the silhouette of a mysterious man in one of the mansion's large windows.

Scene 2

Nick is invited to dinner at the home of his cousin Daisy, who lives across the bay in East Egg. There, he meets Daisy's friend, golf champion Jordan Baker, and Daisy's husband, Tom. When Tom is called away to take a phone call, Nick senses tension between the couple. Something feels off, and it makes him uneasy, though he finds himself drawn to Jordan.

On his way home, Nick hears loud music, laughter, and other lively sounds coming from the grand mansion next door. Suddenly, a butler appears out of nowhere and hands Nick an invitation to one of Gatsby's famous parties.

Scene 3

Nick attends Gatsby's lavish party, filled with celebrities, film stars, directors, actors, boxers, senators, businessmen—anyone who cares to join and have fun. Nick meets Jordan there, and they dance with the crowd as the party becomes wilder. Later, Nick finally meets the mysterious Gatsby, the man who captivates everyone's attention.

In a quiet corner later that night, Gatsby reveals his secret to Nick: his deep love for Daisy. Gatsby and Daisy were once in love until he had to leave, and by the time he returned, Daisy had married Tom. She's unhappy, still in love with Gatsby, and Gatsby loves her more than anything. Gatsby asks Nick to help arrange a romantic meeting with Daisy at Nick's house. Nick hesitates, uncomfortable with the idea of breaking up a marriage.

Scene 4

The next day, Nick discovers another secret—this time about Tom. It turns out that Daisy's husband has a mistress. Tom invites Nick to join him on a trip to the city, and along the way, they stop at a gas station in the Valley of Ashes to pick up Myrtle, Tom's lover. The affair happens right under the nose of Myrtle's husband, Wilson, who works at the gas station.

Scene 5

Tom, Nick, and Myrtle arrive at Tom and Myrtle's secret apartment, where Myrtle hosts a lively party. As everyone gets tipsy, Myrtle's sister flirts with Nick, but the mood shifts when Tom becomes irritated and angry with Myrtle. In a fit of rage, Tom strikes her and storms out. Nick is upset and conflicted, questioning once again whether he should help Gatsby.

Scene 6

Despite his reservations, Nick agrees to help Gatsby. Preparations for Daisy's arrival at a tea party are underway, with Gatsby arranging for flowers and an elegant tea service to be delivered to Nick's cottage. Everything has to be perfect for Daisy. Gatsby grows increasingly nervous, worried she won't show up. But Daisy arrives and is welcomed by Nick. When Gatsby appears, their eyes meet, and time seems to stop. Gatsby then invites Daisy and Nick to his mansion, eager to impress Daisy with his luxurious lifestyle.

Intermission

Act II

Scene 1

It's party time again! Gatsby has specifically invited Daisy and Tom. The party is lively, but not everyone is enjoying themselves. Tom grows suspicious, sensing that something is going on between Daisy and Gatsby, and he becomes increasingly hostile toward Gatsby. Meanwhile, Mr. Wolfshiem is present and clearly disapproves of Daisy, as she distracts Gatsby from their shady business dealings.

Daisy and Gatsby rekindle their love, reminiscing about their past together. Eventually, Tom decides to take Daisy away from the party.

Scene 2

Gatsby anxiously waits for Daisy to come to his house. He has dismissed all his servants, wanting to be alone with her. Daisy finally arrives, and for a brief moment, they are happy together. Daisy expresses her desire to tell Tom everything.

Meanwhile, Tom spends time with Myrtle, bringing her gifts to seek her forgiveness.

Scene 3

Gatsby, Nick, Tom, Daisy, and Jordan decide to head into New York City. They split into two fancy cars—Gatsby's yellow one and Tom's blue one. The sweltering heat leads them to rent a suite at the Plaza Hotel. On their way, they pass the gas station, and Myrtle catches a glimpse of them, hoping Tom will return for her. As they try to relax in the suite, tension begins to build, and the situation becomes increasingly volatile. Tom can't stand Gatsby and starts an argument, trying to prove to everyone that Gatsby doesn't belong in their world. Gatsby retaliates by telling Tom that Daisy has never loved him and that she's leaving him for Gatsby. Daisy, torn between the two men, is confused and unsure of her feelings. Sensing his opportunity, Tom exposes Gatsby's corrupt past. Enraged, Gatsby lunges at Tom, ready to strike, but Daisy intervenes and stops him.

Daisy breaks down in tears. Tom, seizing control, gives Daisy the keys to Gatsby's car. She runs out, followed by Gatsby. As a storm breaks, Daisy and Gatsby leave for East Egg in the yellow car.

Scene 4

At the gas station, George Wilson works as usual, while Myrtle nags him relentlessly. She's deeply unhappy in their marriage, while George remains content with their life together. He tries to reassure her, insisting that he's doing everything he can to make her happy, but Myrtle can't stand it any longer. She rushes upstairs and starts packing her belongings. George tries to stop her. Just then, Myrtle hears a car approaching— it's a yellow car, the same one Tom drove earlier that day. Believing it's Tom coming back for her, she rushes outside. Suddenly, we hear a violent crash.

Scene 5

Neighbors gather at the scene of the accident as the police arrive. George Wilson is paralyzed with grief and rage. Meanwhile, Tom drives back to East Egg with Nick and Jordan. They stop at the scene of the crash, and Tom is horrified to discover that Myrtle has been killed. They quickly leave the devastated George behind, with Tom convinced that Gatsby is responsible for Myrtle's death.

Scene 6

Gatsby's mansion is dark and desolate, a stark contrast to its usual lively atmosphere. Gatsby anxiously holds the phone, waiting for Daisy to call. Nick arrives, believing that Gatsby killed Myrtle and fled. Gatsby reveals that he wasn't the one driving the car that killed her. Despite everything, Gatsby still believes Daisy will call and that they'll run away together. Nick is a mix of surprise, anger, and sorrow.

Scene 7

Driven by grief and vengeance, George Wilson, armed with a gun, heads to Gatsby's mansion. Tom had told him that the yellow car belongs to Gatsby, convincing Wilson that Gatsby is responsible for Myrtle's death. Meanwhile, Gatsby decides it's finally time for a swim—his first all summer. As Gatsby floats in the pool, Wilson arrives. We hear the sound of a gunshot.

Scene 8

Nick tries to reach out to Gatsby's friends, but none of them are available. Tom and Daisy have packed up and left town, moving on to yet another glamorous destination. Jordan is unavailable. Wolfshiem is nowhere to be found. The people who once surrounded Gatsby continue with their lives as though Gatsby never existed.

Scene 9

Nick decides to return to the West Coast. As he heads to Penn Station, he unexpectedly runs into Tom. Tom tries to justify his actions, but Nick listens reluctantly, still disillusioned by the events. When Tom offers to shake Nick's hand, Nick refuses and walks away, determined to leave it all behind. Yet, every day, Nick can't help but remember the moments from his life in West Egg. Every day, he thinks of the Great Gatsby.