Burnham is sensitive, and plans with compassion toward his family and the workers of the worlds fair. He is thorough and gives great attention to many of the details in regards to the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of the public at the fair. On page 137, it states “Burnham tried to anticipate every conceivable threat to the fair. He enforced excessive fire prevention projects, over-strengthened structures, and created a few options for clean drinking water. As the project went on, Burnham’s attitude began to change. The fair became the priority. Known for treating his worker’s exceptionally well, on page 155, the shift in his priorities is stated: “The dismissed men, Burnham knew, faced homelessness and poverty; their families confronted the real prospect of starvation. But the fair came first.”

Olmstead is persistent, and detailed often to the point of obsession. He comes from a field not widely applauded yet (landscaping), and it has taken him time to reach the point he is at. It took him some convincing to even take on the fair as a project, and he was at first apprehensive. On page 50 it states “Olmstead did think about it and began to see the exposition as an opportunity to achieve something for which he had fought long and hard but almost always with disappointing results.” Olmstead is determined in his efforts; a good example is in his obsession with the fair’s boat system, at which Burnham becomes annoyed. Olmstead’s persistence and passion for his projects is admirable, but his health often causes him to sacrifice some of the precious time needed for his projects.

Holmes is a dark individual who also has wit and charm on his side, a frightening combination. He is manipulative and is able to make people, especially women, see things his way. A good example is on page 146 it states “Holmes possessed Julia now as fully as if she were an antebellum slave, and he reveled in his possession.” Holmes loves his ability to manipulate, and embraces his morbid behavior as just a part of who he is.