Anthem
by Ayn Rand
In a totalitarian future where individualism is erased, Equality 7-2521 is assigned as a Street Sweeper but secretly pursues scientific inquiry. He discovers electricity, encounters a woman named Liberty 5-3000, and ultimately breaks free from society to embrace his 'I' identity, finding true love and freedom.
Equality 7-2521 (Prometheus)
Born exceptionally tall (six feet) and intelligent, a physical and intellectual standout in a world where uniformity is mandatory. He has strong, capable hands and a sharp mind. He's twenty-one years old at the start of the novel, and experiences pain and suffering for his individuality. Later, his face reflects beauty and trustworthiness when seen for the first time in a stream, and his eyes possess an uncommon intensity.
Liberty 5-3000 (Gaea)
A young woman, seventeen years old, described as tall, straight, and thin as a blade of iron, with dark, hard, glowing eyes that show no fear, kindness, or guilt. Her hair is golden as the sun, shining and wild. She possesses a rare grace and defiant spirit, initially hidden beneath her collective demeanor. Her shoulders are white and glowing, her skin like a blue mist, and her hand trembles when she is deeply moved.
International 4-8818
A tall, strong youth with eyes like fireflies, indicating suppressed laughter and joy, a trait disliked in the communal Home of the Students. They drew forbidden pictures and were thus assigned to be a Street Sweeper.
Union 5-3992
A pale boy with only 'half a brain', sickly and prone to convulsions where their mouth froths and eyes turn white.
Fraternity 2-5503
A quiet boy with wise, kind eyes, who cries suddenly and uncontrollably, day or night, with unexplained sobs.
Solidarity 9-6347
A bright youth without fear in the day, but who screams "Help us!" in their sleep with a bone-chilling voice. The Doctors cannot cure them.
The Council of Vocations
A group of five elderly Council members (three male, two female) with white hair and cracked faces, who appear motionless and emotionless on a high dais. They are responsible for assigning life mandates to all fifteen-year-olds.
Teachers
Three adults in the Home of the Students who lead chants and enforce learning, frowning at any sign of difference or superiority in students.
Judges (of Corrective Detention)
Small, thin men, grey and bent, who oversee the punishments in the Palace of Corrective Detention.
Hooded Punishers
Two strong men, naked save for leather aprons and hoods over their faces, who carry out the lashing punishments.
Council of the Home (Street Sweepers)
The administrative body of the Home of the Street Sweepers. One elder member questions Equality 7-2521 upon his late return.
Collective 0-9
The oldest and wisest of the World Council of Scholars. He acts as their primary spokesperson.
Fraternity 9-3452
A member of the World Council of Scholars who condemns Equality 7-2521's individualism.
Democracy 4-6998
A member of the World Council of Scholars who suggests burning Equality 7-2521 at the stake.
Unanimity 7-3304
A member of the World Council of Scholars who suggests extreme lashing as punishment.
International 1-5537
A member of the World Council of Scholars.
Solidarity 8-1164
A member of the World Council of Scholars who emphasizes conformity in ideas.
Alliance 6-7349
A member of the World Council of Scholars who declares Equality 7-2521's light box useless.
Harmony 9-2642
A member of the World Council of Scholars who fears the new light would 'bring ruin to the Department of Candles'.
Unanimity 2-9913
A member of the World Council of Scholars who warns that Equality 7-2521's invention would "wreck the Plans of the World Council."
Similarity 5-306
A member of the World Council of Scholars who believes any innovation lightening toil is a 'great evil'.
Transgressor of the Unspeakable Word
A young, tall man with hair of gold and eyes blue as morning, who, at the age of ten, Equality 7-2521 witnessed being burned alive at the stake. His tongue was torn out, but his face held a calm and happy smile, specifically choosing Equality 7-2521 from the crowd with his gaze.
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