Who is the protagonist in "The Great Gatsby"?

The protagonist in "The Great Gatsby" is Jay Gatsby. He is the central character around whom the story revolves, embodying both the dreams and disillusionment of the American experience during the 1920s. Gatsby is depicted as a mysterious, wealthy man who throws extravagant parties in hopes of rekindling his romance with Daisy Buchanan. His pursuit of the American Dream, marked by his relentless longing for love and acceptance, drives the narrative and ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.

The story serves as a critique of the era's materialism and the hollowness of the American Dream, with Gatsby's idealism contrasting sharply against the moral decay surrounding him. While other characters play significant roles—such as Nick Carraway, who serves as the narrator and Gatsby's friend, and Tom Buchanan, who represents the old money elite—Gatsby's journey and aspirations are at the heart of the plot, making him undeniably the protagonist.