paragraph 2

• Gatsby tells Nick several things about his life


  So that Nick doesn't believe the spreading rumours
• Gatsby tells Nick about his life


  Nick begins to experience serious doubts about him
• Nick: 'With an effort, I managed to restrain my incredulous laughter'
• Nick's reaction


  Emphasises his disbelief and suspicion about Gatsby
• Gatsby: 'I didn't want you to think I was just some nobody'
• Gatsby's statement


  Introduces his fear of being seen as insignificant
• Gatsby's fear of being seen as insignificant


  Triggers sympathy in the reader
• Gatsby's confident act hides many insecurities
• Gatsby faces anxiety before meeting Daisy


  He looks pale as death
• Gatsby: 'Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!'
• Gatsby's exclamation


  Further stimulates sympathy in the reader
• Fitzgerald's characterisation of Gatsby in the rising action of the novel results in complex feelings towards him, ranging from critical to empathetic