Character Analysis
To understand the book The Fountainhead, one must understand the personalities and roles the characters play.The main character presented is Roark.He plays an essential role in emanating individualism and sets up the main events in part four.his personality shows he is a very individualistic man and does not even consider others opinions.Roark generally stays the same throughout the novel; however he does not explain himself until the end.Roark does not show much change his core personality throughout the novel. In part four, Ayn Rand places the reoccurring personality upon us by showing Roark’s devotion to himself and his integrity. in his work. An example of this was when he created the Cortlandt Homes and they were changed in his absence. Putting his values and commitment first, Roark destroys what he calls the atrocious abomination of a building.This devotion creates a plot in which Roark is tried for the crime of destroying the building. However, he testifies of his firm beliefs for the integrity of his buildings in the final speech given to the masses.
Roark is described to us as a tan, red haired man with a smile and stature that shouted confidence.His body structure is clean and had an angular structure, mirroring his creations. His orange hair was like flames that ignited his creativity,ready to explode at any moment onto a piece of blue, cold construction paper.His tan skin reflected his hard work to achieve his greatness. Creating the ever-contrasting views of the selfish and unselfish types of people. He explains the downfalls of being a“parasite” and the uplifts of being a “creator” as he is. Explaining that the“parasite” is a “Slave” because they live to serve others (such is the case with Toohey), while the creators are the men that stand above the “need of using others”. He defends his reasoning for being the original person and the audience finds themselves captivated by his devout character.
Wynand expresses selflessness greatly, therefore showing the contract to Roark’s individual character .Wynand’s thirst for power causes Wynand to seek control over The Banner, kicking Toohey out of his nest. Wynand. Wynand appears to us with bright blue eyes and dark hair, however Roark’s shine dulls them as it does his accomplishments Both men have outstanding feature however their feature present the difference in identity. Roark stands up for what he wants and stands out, however Wynand sort of blends in and does everything he can to please the crowds.
Dominique is the character stuck between her thoughts and feelings.She is very powerful and forces herself to find no joy in anything she does, this way she cannot hurt or be hurt.However, she changes when she finds herself in the captivating presence of Roark, who sees right through her.She begins to bend her emotions and becomes devoted to Roark. Dominique fascinates her peers with a body of long straight plains and a strong yet feminine face.Once she finds her spiritual connection with Roark, she helps Roark when he asks her to pretend crash her car to draw away the guards of the Cortlandt buildings.She is neither selfish nor selfless throughout the novel, she is very hard to figure out however she shows signs of both extremes. At the beginning of the novel her character is very cold and harsh however as the novel progresses she softens up and begins exposing her emotions.
Toohey, who is the main power seeker in the novel, led people to a selfless,united front. Since he was a child, his approach toward everything was to be in charge, to have all the power.In one of his speeches to Keating, he explains to Keating how he can get to the top and "take a man's soul" and make him"slave".Toohey is described to have "air of
gracious informality and a touch of impertinence"(Rand 553).He is also characterized to have a body like that of a "sloppy x"( Rand 567). This is much different then the clean planes of Roark. These people are different, enforcing the different personalities.Toohey is selfless, believing everyone should depend on another such as he does. Toohey takes control of
The Banner and ruins Roark's reputation in the views of the public he convinces them to hate Roark.Toohey despises Roark for his selfish attitude.
Wynand, Roark, Dominique, and Toohey are all very different characters but unite to bring forth different themes and
ideals.One has to pick apart these characters to truly understand the beauty behind The Fountainhead.