The Great Gatsby: Gatsby's Role Prior to Introduction

"'Really? I was down there at a party about a month ago. At a man named Gatsby's. Do you know him?'
'I live next door to him.'
'Well, they say he's a nephew or a cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm's. That's where all his money comes from.
'Really?'
She nodded.
'I'm scared of him. I'd hate to have him get anythin on me.'"
pg. 33

Prior to his actual appearance in the story, I think Gatsby still plays a very important part in the story. The mere rumors about his lavish lifestyle and mysterious personality are vital to his development as a character. The way he is portrayed to Nick by those who have met with him imspires the curiosity and awe that nick establishes for him. Whenever Nick is asked about Gatsby, or whenever someone asks him, he is often met with comments on the man's wonder and air of prestige and power. This not only affects Nick's perception of Gatsby but also the reader's perception of Gatsby. It makes the reader as curious about this man as Nick is. The way that people describe him without fully explaining what they mean creates an air of mystery about him that makes the reader want to know more about this seemingly extraordinary man. While many of the events up until the point where Gatsby is finally physically brought into the picture seem trivial, the occasional comment made about this man keeps the reader interested and wanting to move forward in the story. It provides an unknown aspect in the mostly relaxed and exposed lifestyles of these rich and showy individuals.