A Separate Peace2Breaking the mold In A Separate Peace by John Knowle, there is a transformation in all the key elements of the book, from rivers to trees, from seasons to characters. The transformation is seen specifically in Leper, Gene, and Phineas. These three young people experience change not only because of the passage through adolescence. These changes also occur due to war, school, and injury. The leper Lepellier is a very strange young man. He is quiet and always finds himself taken by surprise. He's not really popular and that doesn't bother him in any way. Leper doesn't really have any real friends at Devon school, but he talks to Gene. He enjoys collecting snails, looking for damn beavers and skiing. His personality does not allow him to depend on anyone for help. As time passes and the other boys begin the winter session he decides to enlist in the war. A couple of months later Gene receives a telegram from Leper telling him he is in 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 ran away" and says he did it to please himself. He's starting to realize the things that are happening in the world. He no longer lives in his bubble. Gene Forrester is a quiet, envious, introverted and lonely young man. Her insecurities are especially seen 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 is seen when Phineas asks him to jump down from the tree. Phineas says, “You were very good, once I put you to shame. ..I'm fine with you like this. Otherwise you have a tendency to back away from things. and Gene states “you didn't shame anyone. I have never backed down from anything in my life." Gene would never have jumped from the tree if it weren't for Finny. Gene depends on Finny as his security blanket. As time passes the rivalry grows and the tension in Gene's head worsens. When Gene can't stand Finny and his abilities, his jealousy takes over and he gasps..