Firstly, in terms of Nick's description, he comes from a prominent, well-to-do family from the Midwest, which implies that they were middle class. His father ran a wholesale hardware business which was founded by his grandfather's brother. Tom, on the other hand came from an enormously wealthy family, so much so, that "even in college his freedom with money was a matter of reproach."
Furthermore, Nick seems to have been quite bookish and academic at college, the same one Tom attended. He mentioned that he "was rather literary in college." There is no mention of his participation in any sport, whilst Tom in contrast, "had been one of the most powerful ends that ever played football at New Haven" and was some sort of national figure in a way. Nick had also come to the East to find work, more particularly, "to learn the bond business," whilst Tom evidently, because of his family's wealth, did not have to work at all. He instead, traveled at whim, with no particular reason to do so.
Another clear difference between the two characters seems to lie in their intelligence. Tom tends to easily believe what he reads as the truth, without making any informed decisions, which makes him appear gullible. This is displayed in his referencing of books which are obviously based on stereotypical and prejudiced notions, whilst Nick seems to be more circumspect. This also indicates that Tom himself is quite prejudiced towards those of another racial disposition since he makes obnoxious remarks in this regard. Nick, on the other hand, does not come across as so severely judgmental.
This does not mean to say that Nick is completely objective though, because he does pass judgment on a number of characters, such as those who attend Gatsby's parties, Tom and Daisy, the characters who attend Tom's get-togethers, including Myrtle Wilson and even Gatsby himself, whom he clearly favors above everyone else. He states, for example, that Jay is 'worth the whole damn bunch put together' and that 'they're a rotten crowd'.
In terms of character, it seems that Nick is more morally upright than Tom. Tom indulges in seedy extra-marital affairs and seems to be not much concerned about what he does. He is hardly ever apologetic and seems to feel no guilt for what he does because he continuously indulges in these secretive tete-a-tetes. Added to this, he is also a hypocrite stating: 'Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they’ll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white', whilst he is involved in an extra-marital affair. The last part of his remark also displays his bigotry. Nick, in opposition, shows some moral conscience when firstly, he rejects Gatsby's offer of a job for reward in having agreed to arrange a meeting between Jay and Daisy.
Nick also expresses some guilt in having ended an affair with a previous girlfriend and even about breaking up with Jordan Baker, which he found "awkward and unpleasant." He is also the one of only two Jay's 'friends' who attend his funeral, the other being the man with the owl eye glasses. It can, however, be said that in indulging and assisting Jay by arranging a meeting between him and Daisy, Nick is complicit in their adultery. He also remains silent about the affair, which indicates that in this regard, he lacks moral responsibility.
Nick also displays greater humility than Tom could ever hope to have. Tom comes across as boorish and arrogant - a man made supercilious by his wealth, whereas Nick does not seem to display a similar characteristic.
One can also mention one other minor disparity between the two men. Nick had done military service and fought in the First World War, whilst there is no reference about Tom having done the same. In the end, it is this polarity between the two which informs Nick's great dislike for Tom. In their final encounter, he makes this pertinently clear:
“What’s the matter, Nick? Do you object to shaking hands with me?”
“Yes. You know what I think of you.”
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