The Wolf of Wall Street

Main Characters and Their Development

• Jordan Belfort - the main character and narrator of the book. He begins his career on Wall Street as an ambitious young broker and quickly climbs the career ladder by founding his own brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont. In the process, he becomes notorious for his extravagant and illegal business methods, as well as his luxurious lifestyle filled with drugs and parties. Ultimately, his activities attract the attention of the FBI, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. In prison, he begins to reassess his life and decides to change his ways after release.
• Naomi Lapaglia - Jordan's second wife, known for her beauty and luxurious lifestyle. At the beginning of their relationship, she supports Jordan, but over time their marriage begins to crumble due to his infidelity, drug abuse, and criminal activities. Eventually, she divorces him, taking their children with her.
• Donnie Azoff - Jordan's closest friend and business partner. He is also involved in illegal schemes and shares Jordan's love for drugs and a lavish lifestyle. Donnie plays a crucial role in the success of Stratton Oakmont, but his reckless behavior and involvement in criminal activities also lead to his arrest.
• Mark Hanna - Jordan's first mentor on Wall Street. He teaches Jordan aggressive sales techniques and introduces him to the world of drugs and corruption. Although his role in the book is relatively small, he has a significant impact on shaping Jordan's views and behavior at the start of his career.
• Patrick Denham - the FBI agent leading the investigation against Jordan and his company. He represents the opposite of Jordan, demonstrating honesty and dedication to his work. Ultimately, his efforts lead to Jordan's exposure and arrest.