George has the least “page time” of the seven major characters, but is important because of the crucial role he plays in the novel’s conclusion. Because of this, we don’t know quite as much about George’s personality, motivations, or characteristics as we do about other characters.

This guide goes over what we do know about George and explains why he is so important. Read on to learn more about the man underneath the ash.

This initial description makes it clear to the reader that George is a much less active, ambitious person than his wife, setting up his resentment and the power struggle that leads to his extreme violence at the end of the novel.

Tom Buchanan starts doing business with George Wilson’s garage a few months before the start of the novel, even promising to sell him a car. But unbeknownst to George, Tom Buchanan patronizes the garage since he is having an affair with Myrtle. The affair is Myrtle’s first (2.117). Perhaps this is why George Wilson remains in the dark about it until the novel’s tense climax.