Revealing Characteristics (Priya Dhairyawan)

This week’s reading helped to further develop each of the characters and the specific qualities that define who they are as individuals. For one, Ayn Rand exemplified certain traits in Francisco that, in my opinion, made him a more likeable character. Up until now, small things about him would frustrate me, such as when he tricked others into getting involved with a bad investment. He seemed to be far more selfish then as he is currently. Now, he is becoming more respectable. When Rearden slaps him after discovering that Francisco is still in love with Dagny, Francisco does not fight back; he simply leaves from the situation. I think this action, although small, demonstrates Francisco’s courage. He could have easily fought back against Rearden for the woman he loves, but he knows that Dagny loves Rearden. Rather than further complicate the situation, Francisco has the right mind to leave. Dagny seems to be attracting a lot of attention from the men that work close with her. First Francisco and Rearden, and now it appears that the track worker has an interest in her as well. I think the interest that these men have in Dagny reveals that she is indeed a likeable character. It has been known since the start of the novel that Dagny is a strong-willed and independent woman, but all of this attention she is getting further solidifies the idea. The revelation about who John Galt is also accentuates some of Dagny’s qualities. She makes it her mission to find out more about him and the effect he has left on so many people. I think this demonstrates that Dagny will do whatever it takes to complete a task that she believes in and has a passion for.