The Great Gatsby: Characters Show The Deterioration of the American Dream The primary focus of the American dream is that hard work will lead to success, respect, and social status. In Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby the characters show the deterioration of the American dream. Each character in The Great Gatsby shows the withering away of the American dream. George Wilson works hard at fixing cars but never is successful in life. He gains no social status, respect, power, or wealth. Wilson works hard but no matter how hard he works he can never be accepted into the social status of Tom and Daisy