Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead closely examines the definitions and differences between altruists and egoists. Each of the character in the book represents either the altruism or egoism. Howard Roark, the main character in the book, made a speech at the end of the book that clarifies Ayn Rand's idea about the two conceptions. Roark is symbolized as a true egoist, one who has absolutely no desire to involve in other peoples' business. Ellsworth Toohey is a prefect example of second-hander, which uses the principle of altruism to demand men to live for others and place others above themselves. Peter Keating and Katherine Halsey are the victims of the preaching by Toohey, however, Katherine is more a second hander-wannabe and Peter already has the basic essentials to become an altruist before he met Toohey. Howard Roark, on the other hand, lives his whole life not depending on others, and...