Character+List

All of the information is taken from the first third of the novel, before any of the true natures of characters or additional cast members are revealed. No Spoilers Here.

Dagny Taggart: The protagonist of the novel, Dagny is the vice president in charge of operations of Taggart Transcontinental, a railroad system built by her ancestor Nat Taggart. Her unwavering determination and brilliant managing capabilities allow her to fight the "Looters", the people and government agencies that steal land and property from the capitalists.  In so doing, she continues to provide the looters with transportation that sustains their system. She mistakenly believes the looters are capable of reason and will understand their mistakes before it is too late.

Hank Rearden: A self made man from Minnesota, he dragged himself up from a destitute future of mining to become the world's greatest industrialist. He spent ten years of his life trying to create a metal stronger, lighter, and more durable than steel. He succeeded, creating Rearden Metal, a blue green alloy of incredible toughness. Throughout the novel, Rearden continues to fight for his mills, inadvertently propping up the Looter's scheme because he accepts the looter's idea that he is bound to serve others.

Francisco d'Anconia: An incredibly wealthy Copper Baron. He was once Dagny's childhood friend, but has developed into a worthless playboy.

Eddie Willers: A hard working employee, Eddie is Dagny's childhood friend and second in command.

Jim Taggart: Dagny's brother and head of Taggart Transcontinental. He simultaneously tries to avoid all the responsibility of running the railroad, pushing everything on Dagny, while taking credit for everything successful.

Lillian Rearden: Hank Rearden's wife.

John Galt: "Who is John Galt?"