Dagny Taggart

Dagny Taggart is the main <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/protagonist/">protagonist</a> of the novel and its only major female character. She is active and dynamic, facing even the most serious problems head on and instinctively taking charge of those under her authority. Her actions and decisions are a major driving force behind events in the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/narrative/">narrative</a>. Although she is the last of Galt’s chosen few to surrender her interests in the outside world, this is presented as a testament to her strength and loyalty rather than a weakness; she agrees with <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Themes" href="https://www.supersummary.com/atlas-shrugged/themes/#504166">The Objectivist Perception of Morality</a> from the outset and simply needs to exhaust the alternatives before agreeing to their methods. Through this quality in Dagny, Rand hence presents and then quashes perceived counterarguments to her philosophical ideas. Dagny is presented as a character who always follows through in the course prescribed by her objectivist beliefs, standing—alongside her male counterpart, Galt—as one half of the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/personification-in-literature-definition-examples/">personification</a> of objectivist virtue. This role is emphasized in the novel’s final scene in which she and Galt stand side-by-side looking out over the world below. She is shown to be determined, independent, hardworking, and capable of making decisions and solving problems under immense pressure and against near insurmountable odds.

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Explore Atlas Shrugged reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Atlas Shrugged

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Overview

Rand’s fictional exploration of individualism and unregulated capitalism remains divisive. Learn why with this summary of Atlas Shrugged.

Atlas Shrugged Summary and Study Guide

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Get ready to explore Atlas Shrugged and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Atlas Shrugged Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Non-Contradiction”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Atlas Shrugged Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

Atlas Shrugged Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Either – Or”

Part 2, Chapters 1-5

Atlas Shrugged Part 2, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 6-10

Atlas Shrugged Part 2, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “A Is A”

Part 3, Chapters 1-5

Atlas Shrugged Part 3, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 6-10

Atlas Shrugged Part 3, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

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Atlas Shrugged Character Analysis

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Atlas Shrugged Themes

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Atlas Shrugged Symbols & Motifs

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Atlas Shrugged Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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Atlas Shrugged

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