Which character is notably associated with the pursuit of an unattainable dream in "The Great Gatsby"?

Jay Gatsby is the character in "The Great Gatsby" who embodies the pursuit of an unattainable dream, particularly his aspiration to win back Daisy Buchanan and recreate the past they once shared. Gatsby’s dream is intricately tied to the idea of the American Dream, which suggests that anyone can achieve their desires through hard work and determination. However, Gatsby's idealistic vision is ultimately revealed to be flawed, as it is based on an illusion of perfection and an idealized version of Daisy that cannot be realized in reality.

Gatsby's extravagant parties and accumulation of wealth are all part of his efforts to gain the attention and affection of Daisy, who represents both his love and the broader aspirations of success and acceptance in society. His relentless pursuit leads to his tragic end, highlighting the emptiness of his dream and the critique of the American Dream itself, illustrating how the pursuit of such dreams can lead to disillusionment and despair. This complex interplay of ambition, idealism, and disillusionment positions Gatsby as a quintessential tragic figure in American literature.