Ellsworth M. Toohey

Ellsworth M. Toohey is a fictional character from Ayn Rand's novel "The Fountainhead." He represents the archetype of a manipulative, collectivist intellectual who seeks to undermine individualism and promote mediocrity. Toohey is an architectural critic who uses his influence to control the opinions of others while championing conformity and social approval over creative genius. His character explores themes of power, morality, and the conflict between individual creativity and societal pressures, making him a significant figure in discussions about individualism versus collectivism in philosophy and literature.