How does Nick change over time and events?

Nick begins the novel as a character who is excited at the prospect of starting a new job in New York. He comes from money, but he's moved into the unfashionable section of the Egg. He socializes with his cousin Daisy, Tom, and Jordan, but we never get the feeling he really likes them. His midwestern background and values don't match-up with the New York lifestyle, and eventually he realizes that. Note, he does enjoy and even becomes a part of it over the course of the novel.

Nick begins his narration with some advice from his father,"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." Nick doesn't follow this advice all the time, and yet he constantly reminds us how honest he is. Far from honest, Nick is as judgmental as anyone else, maybe more so.

In the end, Nick sees what he's becoming, the changes he's made because of his involvement in high society....... so he walks away to embrace the values he was raised with.