A Separate Peace

A Separate Peace (1959) is a novel written by John Knowles set in a school named Devon in New England during World War II. The book explores themes of hate, vengeance and guilt. In 1972 it was adapted into a movie starring Parker Stevenson and John Heyl.

Characters

Gene

The narrator, from whose viewpoint the book is written. A very competitive student, his ambition is to earn the best grades in school. He is a sober, contemplative character, whose personality contrasts sharply with that of his best friend, Finny. His personal conflict is the basis for almost all the action in the book.

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Phineas

Arguably the protagonist of the work, as the book focuses on him far more than the undeveloped Gene. Finny is a very outgoing and nonconformist character, with a magnetic personality. Others are drawn to him as a leader, especially when he develops his creative games. Finny is pure of heart and noble in character, which contrasts heavily with his best friend, Gene.

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Brinker

Brinker is the closest the book has to an antagonist. A noted "joker", he first accuses Gene of causing Phineas's accident. Later in the novel Brinker organizes a "trial" with his cronies to "uncover the facts" behind Finny's accident, precipitating the climax of the novel.

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