Howard Roark is a fiercely independent Modernist architect who works according to his own uncompromising standards. Striking in appearance with bright red hair, he possesses immense practical knowledge and a profound dedication to his craft. He prefers working as a common laborer rather than altering his original designs to satisfy the traditional tastes of clients or architectural boards. His architectural vision prioritizes functional truth over historical imitation.

Dominique is the beautiful, highly educated daughter of a prominent New York architect. She writes a column for the tabloid paper The Banner, a publication she secretly despises. She operates with a severe, self-imposed isolation, believing the world is too corrupt to appreciate true greatness. She intentionally seeks out situations that challenge her desire for a pure, uncorrupted existence.

Peter is a handsome, charming, and highly ambitious young architect who builds his career on the approval of others. He secures a position at the prestigious firm of Guy Francon, where he actively curates his image and climbs the corporate ladder through manipulation. Despite his public accolades, he secretly relies on Howard Roark to solve complex design problems.

Ellsworth Toohey is a prominent author, columnist, and self-proclaimed humanitarian. He writes a popular column for The Banner and authored the successful book Sermons in Stone, positioning himself as a champion of the common man. Behind his gentle demeanor, he actively works to suppress individual greatness in favor of mass conformity and collective dependence.

Gail Wynand is a fabulously wealthy media mogul who rose from extreme poverty in Hell's Kitchen to build an empire of sensationalist newspapers. He caters exclusively to the lowest common denominator of public taste to secure his power and fortune. Despite his immense success, he harbors a deep-seated cynicism about human nature and virtue.

Guy Francon is a highly successful, socially prominent architect in New York. He relies heavily on historical styles and the actual drafting work of his subordinates rather than his own creative talent. He is highly concerned with public appearances, prestigious commissions, and social networking.

Henry Cameron is an aging, impoverished architect who was once a celebrated pioneer of the Modernist movement. Following a shift in public taste toward historical imitation, his career collapsed, leading him to alcohol addiction and isolation. He runs a failing office but retains his sharp eye for genuine architectural talent.

Catherine is a modest, unassuming young woman who lives with her uncle, Ellsworth Toohey. She lacks the ambition and social polish of the society women Peter Keating usually associates with, but she offers him genuine, uncomplicated affection. She spends much of her time performing administrative tasks for her uncle.

Mrs. Keating is Peter's overbearing mother who runs a boarding house. She actively pushes her son to pursue wealth, status, and advantageous social connections above all else. She employs passive-aggressive tactics to ensure Peter aligns with her vision for his future.

Austen Heller is a wealthy, independent-minded businessman who refuses to settle for standard architectural designs. He possesses the confidence to trust his own aesthetic judgment over the opinions of established architectural firms. He provides Howard Roark with his first major independent commission.

Mike is a highly skilled construction worker and electrician who values physical competence and structural integrity. He previously worked for Henry Cameron and shares a deep respect for architects who understand the physical reality of building construction.

Alvah Scarret is the pragmatic editor-in-chief of The Banner. He faithfully executes Gail Wynand's directives and manages the paper's daily operations, fully embracing the publication's focus on sensationalism and mass appeal.

Steven Mallory is an intensely talented sculptor who struggles to survive in a society that rejects his heroic, idealized depictions of the human form. He experiences profound terror and disillusionment regarding the cultural forces that seek to suppress individual greatness.