Final answer:
Literary characters like Odysseus and Jay Gatsby show the varied outcomes of cunning schemes, where Odysseus's wit leads to triumph in 'The Odyssey' and Gatsby's machinations end in tragedy in 'The Great Gatsby'. Real-life manipulations also offer mixed results, emphasizing the intricacies of human behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature and film, there are numerous examples of characters whose cunning schemes have led to both their rise and fall. A famous figure from literature whose manipulations worked in their favor is Odysseus from Homer's 'The Odyssey'. Known for his quick wit and deceptive acts, such as the Trojan Horse scheme, Odysseus successfully navigates through a myriad of challenges to return home to Ithaca.
On the flip side, a character whose machinations did not yield the desired results is Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. Despite his elaborate attempts to reinvent himself and win back the love of Daisy Buchanan, his dreams ultimately lead to his tragic downfall.
In real life, manipulation and scheming can lead to both success and ruin. For instance, the cunning but ethical manipulation of political figures can result in societal reforms, while unethical manipulations often result in scandal and disgrace. These contrasting outcomes reflect the complex nature of human behavior and the unpredictable ramifications of manipulation in both fictional and real-world scenarios.