In A Separate Peace, John Knowles describes two maturing boys, each on completely different ends of the personality spectrum. Finny and Gene are roommates at the Devon School in New England, thrown together by chance. Gene Forrester is characterized by intelligence and thoughtfulness, also possessing sparks of competitiveness. Phineas, better known as Finny, possesses undeniable charm and strong athleticism. Their completely different traits leave them in the position where their roommate status is the only driving force behind their friendship. Although they project different worldviews and demonstrate different forms of leadership, if any, they both have hidden insecurities, which connect them in ways that go beyond their apparent characteristics. Opportunities to be a leader present themselves repeatedly during Gene and Finny's teenage years in Devon. Finny takes advantage of these opportunities and proves that he is a born leader. Climbing the largest tree in Devon is a dangerous undertaking, but jumping out of it is a completely new feat that "no one but Phineas could imagine... He obviously saw nothing the least bit intimidating about this... Of course Finny would be the first to try, and with the same naturalness he would have induced the others, us, to try with him” (14-15). Finny's confidence and tenacity make him full of ideas to demonstrate his leadership skills. Not just Finny he is a leader in general, but his charm and cunning skills allow him to easily capture a group of followers to help him Even after falling from the tree, Finny organizes a winter carnival for fun and “since it was an idea of Finny, it went as he said” (129). Leadership is easy for Finny, as he can come up with a new idea and form a group… middle of paper… that easily eclipses the contradictory points of their optimism and pessimism, e. Finny's comparable genes and insecurities illustrate the darker forces of human nature, primarily fear, which all people must learn to come to terms with and then silence by conquering and embracing. Everyone can choose to fight or conquer these fears and forces, for fear is only dangerous when it is allowed to be. Readers can deduce from the two boys' experiences that everyone is insecure in one way or another, despite differences that may seem obvious at first glance. The insecurities found on the inside are another way Knowles demonstrates his theme that things are not what they appear on the outside and what is on the inside is what matters. Knowles delves into new insights and deep thoughts on how to overcome your greatest fears and things that aren't always what they seem.