Personality Clash Between Siblings- Atlas Shrugged

The first chapter of "Atlas Shrugged" contains extensive characterization. Through descriptive language and imagery, the reader is able to get a clear picture on the personalities of the Taggart siblings, who have developed a railroad empire. Although they are related and are business partners, James and Dagny Taggart have conflicting personalities, which leads to conflict between the two.

The different personalities of the two siblings is evident throughout the entire first chapter and plays a huge role in the central conflict that is presented. As displayed through James' business actions regarding his relationship with Orren Boyle, the owner of a small steel company, James values having positive relationships and not going against his word more than the business side of making money.  On the other hand, his sister, Dagny Taggart, has a desire to cancel the contract between Taggart Transcontinental and create a partnership with the much larger Rearden Metal. This action displays her impatient attitude and her desire to make money quickly. She is carefree in what others think as apparent through her doing this without the permission of her business partner and the board.

Another example of the difference in personalities between the two siblings can be seen when Dagny decides to ride in a normal coach cart despite being Vice-President of the company. Due to her inability to be patient, she refuses to wait for her personal cart to get there. When she reveals who she is to an employee on the train, they respond by saying that her brother, James, would have never done that. I am very interested in this personality clash and I want to see if it creates more conflicts as the book continues to go on.