Gail Wynand Powerful publisher of vulgar tabloids. Wynand combines a mixture of independent and dependent methods of functioning. In his personal life, he lives by his own judgment, but he panders shamelessly to the masses in his career. He is Roark's closest friend, yet the way he has sold his own principles to gain power is in sharp contrast to Roark's integrity. Wynand's life shows that it is impossible to attain happiness by embodying mutually exclusive premises.
Alvah Scarrett Wynand's chief editor. An unthinking "mom and apple pie" type of conservative, he is invaluable to Wynand as a means of gauging public opinion. Though loyal to Wynand, his abject conformity makes him easy prey for Toohey. He embodies the trite conventionality of popular culture.
Austen Heller Newspaper columnist who defends the rights of the individual. That he gives money generously to help political prisoners around the globe shows his respect for the independent mind. He gives Roark his first commission by hiring him to build a private home, then remains a trusted friend.
Steven Mallory Sculptor of significant ability, who portrays man the exalted hero in his figures. He sculpts the statue of Dominique for Roark's Temple of the Human Spirit. He, too, is a valued and loyal friend of Roark's.
Mike Donnigan Construction worker. He knows construction, scorns social opinion, and goes by his own judgment. A lifelong friend of Roark's, Mike's life shows that a person does not have to be a genius to be independent, but he must be willing to live by his own judgment.
Roger Enright Innovative businessman. He conceives a new idea for an apartment building — the Enright House — and hires Roark to build it. As a man who overturns previous thinking when entering a field, he is naturally attracted to Roark's revolutionary designs. Enright's life shows the independence necessary to be a successful entrepreneur.
