Atlas Shrugged

Main Characters and Their Development

• Dagny Taggart — Vice President of Operations for Taggart Transcontinental Railroad. A strong, independent woman passionately dedicated to her work. Throughout the novel, she stands as a defender of reason and free enterprise, fighting against government interference and social experiments that lead to the downfall of successful industrial enterprises.
• Henry Rearden — A gifted metallurgist and entrepreneur, inventor of a metal superior to all existing alloys. At the beginning of the story, he exemplifies a self-sufficient capitalist, but gradually his conflict with government regulations and his own internal struggles reveal him as a principled fighter for his beliefs.
• John Galt — The enigmatic leader of the movement against state socialism and collectivism. His identity and motives remain unknown for a long time. He is the mastermind behind the strike of the minds, aimed at demonstrating that the world depends on creative individuals capable of innovation and leadership. His philosophy is unveiled in a famous radio speech.
• Francisco d'Anconia — Heir to a copper empire, initially portrayed as a playboy and socialite, but later revealed as one of the key participants in the strike of the minds. His development shows deep commitment to the ideals of individualism and economic freedom.
• Cheryl Brooks — A young woman from the lower strata of society who marries James Taggart, unaware of his true nature. Her tragic fate underscores the destructive impact of lies, hypocrisy, and government interference on the lives of ordinary people.