Captain James Taggart is a fictional character from the novel "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. He serves as the president of Taggart Transcontinental, a major railroad company in the story. Taggart is portrayed as a conflicted leader who struggles to maintain his business in a society that increasingly stifles individual achievement and innovation. Throughout the novel, Taggart's character embodies the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in a collectivist society. His relationships with other key characters, such as Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden, highlight the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations. Ultimately, his journey reflects the broader themes of the book regarding capitalism and individualism.