Will Hamilton

Will Samuel Hamilton is Samuel Hamilton's son who has parlayed his intelligence into commercial success, becoming a banker and businessman of considerable influence in the Salinas Valley. Unlike his father, Will is fundamentally interested in profit and power rather than philosophy or human understanding. He is shrewd, calculating, and willing to exploit others' weaknesses for gain. Will represents a particular type of moral failure—the elevation of commercial success above human connection or moral consideration.

Will commands respect through his obvious competence and wealth but inspires little affection. He is not evil in any theatrical sense, but he is indifferent to suffering and incapable of the generosity of spirit that characterizes his father. His relationship with his family is cordial but distant, based on commercial interest rather than genuine affection.