The Last Tycoon: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Last Tycoon" is an unfinished novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that explores the intricacies of the Hollywood film industry through its major characters. Central to the narrative is Monroe Stahr, a talented young film producer whose passion for cinema is matched only by his drive for success. Stahr's deep emotional turmoil stems from the loss of his beloved wife, which leads him to engage in a destructive relationship with Kathleen Moore, a woman who evokes memories of his late spouse. Kathleen, torn between her obligations and her affection for Stahr, ultimately marries another man but continues her affair with him.
Supporting characters include Pat Brady, Stahr's business partner, who is solely focused on financial gain and often clashes with Stahr’s artistic vision. Cecilia Brady, Pat’s daughter and the story's narrator, experiences heartbreak and mental distress due to her unrequited love for Stahr, alongside her turbulent life choices. Other characters, such as Wylie Whyte, a screenwriter with ulterior motives, and Pete Zavras, a cameraman who benefits from Stahr's support, contribute to the complex dynamics of ambition and personal relationships within the film industry. The narrative also touches on themes of ambition, loss, and the often harsh realities of Hollywood life.
The Last Tycoon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
First published: 1941
Genre: Novel
Locale: Hollywood, California
Plot: Social realism
Time: The 1930's
Monroe Stahr, a brilliant, young film producer, as much interested in the artistic value of motion pictures as in making money. Having lost his wife whom he had loved deeply, he now courts death through overwork. He is extremely interested in the welfare of his employees, although he is not always appreciated by them. His short but passionate affair with Kathleen seems to be at the center of this unfinished novel.
Kathleen Moore, Stahr's mistress, who reminds him of his dead wife. She later marries another man out of a sense of obligation but continues her affair with Stahr.
Pat Brady, Stahr's partner. Interested only in making money, Brady is a cold and calculating man. He often opposes Stahr's policies although he understands almost nothing of the technical end of the industry.
Cecilia Brady, Pat's daughter, the narrator of the story. She falls in love with Stahr, but he pays no attention to her. After an affair with another man, she suffers a complete breakdown; she relates the story from a tuberculosis sanatorium.
Wylie Whyte, a screenwriter who tries to marry Cecilia and thus gain her father's influence.
Pete Zavras, a cameraman whom Stahr helps to find work. He later helps Stahr when Kathleen's husband finds out she is having an affair.
Schwartz, a ruined producer who commits suicide.