Immigrants are important characters. People like the Irish who came during the potato famine, or the Chinese who worked on the railroads. Their stories of struggle and contribution are part of 'The American Story'. Also, leaders throughout American history, like Abraham Lincoln, who fought to end slavery and keep the nation united, are important characters.
The Quiet American himself is an important character. He is likely a young American with certain ideals and a sense of mission, but his actions have complex and often negative impacts.
His wife, Taya, is also an important character. She represents the family life that Chris has back home. Her relationship with Chris shows how war can impact the family unit. There are also his comrades in the military. They play significant roles as they are in the same dangerous situations as Chris. They share the bond of brotherhood in arms.
The most important character is Chris Kyle, the American sniper himself. He is the central figure around which the whole story revolves.
The most important character is Chris Kyle, the American sniper himself. He is the central figure around which the story revolves. His wife, Taya, is also an important character as she represents the family life that Chris has to balance with his military career.
Clyde Griffiths is the most important character. He is the central figure whose actions and decisions drive the plot. His mother also plays an important role. She represents a religious and moral influence in Clyde's life.
There are several key characters. Jay Gatsby is central. He is a mysterious figure who has reinvented himself to pursue Daisy. His parties are a means to an end. Daisy Buchanan, she is a beautiful but somewhat shallow woman. She is torn between Gatsby and her husband Tom. Tom Buchanan is a wealthy, brutish man who is unfaithful to Daisy. Nick Carraway is another important character. He is the narrator of the story and serves as a sort of moral compass, observing the actions and relationships of the others.
Patrick Bateman is obviously a key figure. He embodies the contradictions of the 80s yuppie culture. His co - workers like Timothy Bryce and Craig McDermott are important too. They are part of the corporate world that Patrick is in, and their interactions with him show the competitiveness and shallowness of that environment. Then there's Jean, the secretary, who is one of the few characters who seems to have some genuine kindness and is in contrast to the others.
I'm not entirely sure without more specific knowledge about this particular 'american rust novel'. But typically, there would be a protagonist who is likely at the center of the story, facing the challenges presented in this 'rusty' American context. There might also be a mentor - like figure who could offer guidance or a foil character who contrasts with the protagonist in some way.
Patrick Bateman is the most important character. He is a wealthy investment banker by day and a deranged serial killer by night. His character is complex, as he tries to maintain a facade of normalcy while indulging in his violent tendencies.
Technical Boy is one of the new gods. He represents technology and is a symbol of the new powers that are emerging and challenging the old gods. He is brash and confident in his new - found power in the modern world.