The disillusionment of the American dream in The Great Gatsby is portrayed through the tragic events of the novel. The main character, Jay Gatsby, is a man obsessed with wealth and conspicuous consumption in order to win the heart of his one true love, Daisy Buchanan. Despite his American Dream of wealth and happiness, Gatsby’s efforts ultimately come crashing down when Daisy chooses another man, leaving Gatsby broken and eventually dead. Additionally, while some characters such as Tom and Daisy are from old money and “win” against Gatsby in the novel, they are ultimately unfulfilled and lonely as a result of their decisions. Tom and Daisy’s years of wealth and privilege cannot buy them love or contentment. Through his characters, Fitzgerald illustrates the danger of trying to achieve the flawed notion of the “American Dream” and highlights the importance of self-awareness and individual responsibility.