Francisco d’Anconia is a central character in Ayn Rand’s novel “Atlas Shrugged.” He is the owner of d’Anconia Copper, the world’s largest copper mining company, and is known for his role in the plot as one of John Galt’s closest friends and an indispensable ally in the strike. In the novel, Francisco takes on the role of a squandering playboy as a cover for his true intentions, which include helping to expose the corruption in society. He is also a childhood friend and the first love of Dagny Taggart. In the film adaptations, Francisco has been portrayed by different actors including Jsu Garcia in Part I, Esai Morales in Part II, and Joaquim de Almeida in Part III.
Howard Roark is the protagonist of Ayn Rand’s 1943 novel “The Fountainhead.” He is an innovative architect who embodies Rand’s concept of independence and integrity, refusing to compromise his principles even when faced with social opposition. Roark’s character reflects Rand’s belief that individualism is superior to collectivism, and he is opposed by “second-handers” who value conformity over independence. Roark’s buildings are innovative and austere, mirroring his personality. He is described as a self-sufficient individualist who focuses on his personal happiness rather than societal standards. Despite his uncompromising nature, Roark inspires absolute devotion in his followers, such as Dominique Francon, Gail Wynand, and Steven Mallory.
For twelve years, you have been asking: Who is John Galt? This is John Galt speaking. I am the man who loves his life. I am the man who does not sacrifice his love or his values. I am the man who has deprived you of victims and thus has destroyed your world, and if you wish to know why you are perishing—you who dread knowledge—I am the man who will now tell you.” The chief engineer was the only one able to move; he ran to a television set and struggled frantically with its dials. But the screen remained empty; the speaker had not chosen to be seen. Only his voice filled the airways of the country—of the world, thought the chief engineer—sounding as if he were speaking here, in this room, not to a group, but to one man; it was not the tone of addressing a meeting, but the tone of addressing a mind.
“You have heard it said that this is an age of moral crisis. You have said it yourself, half in fear, half in hope that the words had no meaning. You have cried that man’s sins are destroying the world and you have cursed human nature for its unwillingness to practice the virtues you demanded. Since virtue, to you, consists of sacrifice, you have demanded more sacrifices at every successive disaster. In the name of a return to morality, you have sacrificed all those evils which you held as the cause of your plight. You have sacrificed justice to mercy. You have sacrificed independence to unity. You have sacrificed reason to faith. You have sacrificed wealth to need. You have sacrificed self-esteem to self-denial. You have sacrificed happiness to duty.
“You have destroyed all that which you held to be evil and achieved all that which you held to be good. Why, then, do you shrink in horror from the sight of the world around you? That world is not the product of your sins, it is the product and the image of your virtues. It is your moral ideal brought into reality in its full and final perfection. You have fought for it, you have dreamed of it, and you have wished it, and I—I am the man who has granted you your wish.
