Galt is the most important character in the novel andthe driving force behind its action. The strike that he conceives,organizes, and carries out is the books central, defining event.But his identity remains a mystery until two-thirds of the way throughthe novel, lending him a mythical stature. In Galt, Rand has setout to present man in his most ideal form. She describes him asphysically beautiful, profoundly brilliant, and enormously accomplished.Not only has he been able to develop a revolutionary motor, he hasalso created a philosophy of reason and become a statesman capableof leading the worlds most talented men. Most importantly, Galtis unwaveringly rational and deals directly with the objective factshe encounters. In him, rationality and emotion are fully integrated. Thoughruled by reason, he is able to express and experience his emotionsas well. Just as Rand uses Dagny to shatter the mind-body dichotomythat separates physical pleasure from higher thought, she employsGalt to reject the split between reason and emotion.

Galt represents the main theme of the novel and of Randsphilosophy: the idea that the mind is the only means by which mancan achieve prosperity. The mind is the motive power that drivescivilization, just as the motor Galt develops can drive industry.Galt embodies the mind, and the question Who is John Galt? isnot only a literal question about the mysterious man who has disappeared,but a figurative question as well. The question asks whatis the mind? and what happens when the mind disappears? Galt knowsthat without his mind and the minds of the worlds great thinkers,the motive power of the world will be lost and the motor of theworld will stop.

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SparkNotes: Atlas Shrugged: John Galt