However, it's important to consider the context within which the characters are presented. Anthem is set in a dystopian society where individuality and personal expression are suppressed, with characters assigned names based on numbers instead of individuality. In such a setting, the characters' pursuit of freedom and their defiance against the oppressive system require a level of idealism and determination to be believable. The exaggerated traits in the characters can be seen as necessary for driving the narrative and conveying Rand's philosophical themes.
One of the key aspects of the novel is Equality 7-2521's struggle against collectivism and his journey to embrace his individuality. His quest to understand the concept of the "I" and his eventual transcendence of societal limitations represent an idealized representation of the triumph of the human spirit over oppressive forces.
Furthermore, the characters in Anthem serve as mouthpieces for Rand's philosophical ideas, expressing her views on individualism, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. As symbols of these ideals, they may lack some of the complexities and flaws that are commonly associated with more psychologically realistic characters.
Ultimately, whether the characters in Anthem come across as too idealized to be believed is a matter of individual perception and the reader's interpretation of the novel's context and underlying themes. While they embody ideals and represent larger philosophical concepts, they also serve to drive the story forward and convey Rand's message of the importance of individual freedom and the pursuit of excellence.