F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick Carroway proceeds through two stages of development as the novel unfolds. Beginning with tolerance of the other characters' actions; ending with full moral responsibility dealing with their conflicts, Nick Carroway found that immoral decisions lead to harmful situations.

In the beginning, Nick Carroway was very tolerant of the numerous affairs happening within his circle of friends and acquaintances. Shortly after Nick was first introduced to Daisy's husband Tom, he learned of an affair happening between he and another woman from New York. Nick seemed surprised to hear this, yet he kept quiet about it. Nick was also introduced later to the woman Tom had been having an affair with, Myrtle Wilson, the gas station attendant's wife. Nick did not speak to Tom of his infidelity he instead remained tolerant of it. And later when Tom and Nick met her in town, he still kept his thoughts to himself, rather than becoming involved in the conflict. Also, with Daisy and Gatsby's relationship Nick remained tolerant of the scandal. For example, when he set up the reunion of Daisy and Gatsby within his own home. He was aware of the sin, but he did not actually come forward with his opinion on the matter. Daisy would often go to Gatsby's house in the afternoons, and still Nick would remain tolerant of the immoral acts performed by his cousin.

Towards the end of the novel as things became more involved Nick realized the error of his ways, and became a more moral character. He did not involve himself in either of the affairs any longer. In one enlightening evening, when Gatsby proclaimed Daisy's love for him, and Tom admitted to his own disloyalty, Nick made a decision to be moralistic. When Tom, Nick, and Jordan had arrived back at Tom and Daisy's home, Nick parted ways. When he drove away from the house, he spotted Gatsby. Who had decided to watch over things, and make sure Daisy would be alright that evening. Instead of trying to help Gatsby in any way, Nick drove home, and stayed out of his business. Making the decision that pursuing any further with the conflict was a bad idea.

Through all the friction Nick Carroway learned that playing a part in others' personal matters led to even more conflict than the beginning matter. Throughout all the deceit and unfaithfulness, friendships were broken and lives were taken.