George Wilson


Wilson is the owner of the “unprosperous and bare” car repair garage in the valley of ashes, where he and his wife, Myrtle, live. For most of the novel Wilson is unaware that his wife has been cheating on him, prompting Tom Buchanan to remark, "He's so dumb he doesn't know he's alive". Also Nick describes him as, "... a blonde, spiritless man, anemic and fairly handsome". After finding out Myrtle's unfaithfulness, Wilson becomes physically ill and determines to move her out west; his illness turns mental, however, once she gets run over by Gatsby's car. The formerly reserved Wilson seeks crazed vengeance for her death and his own pride, ultimately killing Gatsby and himself.

George is a weak man, he simply wants to live a good life with his wife, but is unable to do so in an ever changing world. When he finally discovers Myrtle's affair, he decides to do something that should have been done sooner, to move out of New York, a city which is obviously too fast paced for this mechanic.

George is a dreamer and is ruined by his unrequited love for woman who love Tom.