Read this student model describing the plot of chapter one of The Great Gatsby.

Nick Carraway, a war veteran from a rich Midwestern family, moves to New York to work in the bond business. There, he becomes reacquainted with his cousin Daisy and her wealthy husband, Tom. Their marriage is damaged by Tom’s affair. Nick is aware of a not-so-subtle difference between West Egg, where he lives, and East Egg, where Daisy and Tom live. The difference, which seems to be related to the cultural and social scene of the 1920s, foreshadows a conflict between the types of people who live on each “egg.”

Compare your plot description with that of the model. Which of the following do both your response and the model include? Check any of the boxes that apply.

Elements of exposition

The role of characters in developing the plot

The role of setting in developing the plot

An analysis of relationships between events

Summarizing rather than retelling