The main character in "The Great Gatsby," a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a wealthy and enigmatic figure known for his lavish parties and unyielding love for Daisy Buchanan, a woman from his past. The story is set in the Jazz Age of the 1920s and delves into themes of desire, ambition, and the American Dream. Through Gatsby's interactions with other characters, readers discover the complexities of his personality and the societal dynamics of the era. His tragic pursuit of happiness ultimately leads to his downfall, making him a poignant symbol of unattainable dreams.