Jack Burden

Jack Burden is the novel’s narrator. He is also the character that most resembles a protagonist. Burden comes from an affluent political family whose ancestors founded the town he is from. Regardless, Jack is extremely lazy and complacent. A college dropout, he begins working for Willie Stark after being a newspaper reporter for a short time. As Willie’s “right-hand man,” Jack uses his research and investigative skills to find incriminating evidence against Willie’s political enemies. Earlier in his life, Jack believed life was causal; because so many things can happen to a person, nobody should take responsibility for his or her actions. However, he learns personal responsibility is essential in order to live a moral life.

Willie Stark

Willie Stark is a smooth-talking, powerful political figure. Once a lowly county treasurer, Willie inspires the poor people and wants to give them equal treatment. He...