A Separate Peace2Breaking the moldIn John Knowle's A Separate Peace, there is a transformation in all the key elements of the book, from the rivers to the tree to the seasons to the characters. The transformation is specifically seen in Leper, Gene and Phineas. These three young men are not only experiencing change because of the transitions through adolescence. These changes are also due to war, school and injury. Leper Lepellier is a very strange young man. He is calm and always finds himself surprised. He's really not popular and that has nothing to do with him. Leper really doesn't have any real friends at school in Devon, but talks to Gene. He entertains himself by collecting snails, looking for beavers and skiing. His personality does not allow him to depend on anyone's help. As time passes and the other boys begin the winter session, he decides to enlist in the war. A few months later, Gene receives a telegram from Leper informing him that he is at his "Christmas place." This is the first sign that Leper shows that he needs people. He realizes that happiness, fear and anger must be shared with others. Leper then tells Gene "I escaped" and he says he did it for fun. He begins to realize what is happening in the world. He no longer lives in his bubble. Gene Forrester is a quiet, envious, introverted and lonely young man. His insecurities are especially visible when Finny is around. There is a constant rivalry between them through Gene's eyes. He always chooses to compete or argue with Phineas. The first example of his competitive personality appears when Phineas asks him to jump from the tree. Phineas said, "You were very good, once I shamed you." .. I'm good for you this way. Otherwise, you tend to distance yourself from things. and Gene says, “You didn’t shame anyone.” I have never backed down from anything in my life. Gene would never have jumped out of the tree if it weren't for Finny. Gene depends on Finny as his security blanket. As time passes, the rivalry increases and the tension in Gene's head worsens. When Gene can't stand Finny and his abilities anymore, his jealousy takes control and he jumps up..