Gail Wynand -  A ruthless media tycoon who sells his integrity for power. Wynand comes from New York's slums and is an entirely self-taught, self-made man. He had sought power so he could rule the incompetent and corrupt, but in acquiring wealth he becomes like them. His faith in humanity is restored when he meets Roark, who is incorruptible, and he becomes Roark's great ally and friend before finally betraying him.