RIn 1922, Nick Carraway, a young World War I veteran, arrives in New York to work as a bond salesman his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Nick travels directly across the bay to the home of his cousin Daisy and her husband, his old-money Yale college acquaintance Tom Buchanan. Daisy introduces Nick to her friend, golfer Jordan Baker, Daisy is pleased to see Nick flourish in New York and implies that her marriage is unhappy Daisy and Jordan learn that Nick has received an invitation to one of Gatsby's famous parties; but Jordan is eager to experience the lavish party and asks Nick to take her During the party, Gatsby sends for Nick; they meet privately in the study, where Gatsby shows Nick his war medals for valor. Gatsby confesses that he has built his fortune and estate to win back his pre-war sweetheart, Daisy, whose father had rejected him as a suitor for Daisy before the war because of his poor social position. He asks for Nick's help in reacquainting them Nick is hesitant, finding the overture distasteful, since his cousin is married.

Tom takes Myrtle and Nick (who thought they were going for a day at the Met) to the apartment of Myrtle's and they carry on their affair.. As Gatsby had suggested, Nick invites Daisy to an afternoon tea. Gatsby is to casually drop by, but he panics and provides Nick's cottage with decor. and the two converse privately inside the cottage. Daisy goes with Gatsby back to his mansion, finds out that her father had destroyed Gatsby's wartime letters to her, and the two begin an affair

Tom demands Daisy leave but they should visit the Plaza Hotel with Nick, Jordan and Gatsby instead. Tom, driving stops at tWilsons' garage; Jordan loudly says they are going to the Plaza so Myrtle will hear. At the Plaza, Daisy and Gatsby's affair comes to light, infuriating Tom. Gatsby demands that Daisy swear she never loved Tom, Tom reveals that Gatsby's fortune is from bootlegging. Myrtle has been walking to the Plaza, She is hit and killed by a yellow Rolls-Royce which was Gatsbys.