The Idea of self-discovery in the novel "A Separate Peace-, is something very apparent in many of the characters. All of the characters, Gene, Finny, Leper, find their true selves by the end of the story. Gene's battle to find himself is the main topic of the story. In the beginning he's a very impressionable, "Go with the flow- type of person. He is the first to agree, and do what Finny wants him to do. However, by the last few chapters he becomes true to himself, and starts to have a self-realization. The boys' not knowing their true selves set the plane for an eventful story, with many twists and hidden meanings.
Gene's struggle to find his self leads to a very roller coaster type ride for his high school life. His journey takes him from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. All along he knows he isn't being true to himself, but he doesn't know if he wants to be true to himself for fear of not being accepted. Before he starts his expedition on finding himself, he's a very agreeable person. "Let's go to the beach- Finny tells Gene. Although the beach was hours away and forbidden to go to, Gene responds with a simple "All Right.""(37) After playing head games with himself, putting himself to the test and an emotional battle internally, Gene wins his struggle, and finds his separate peace. .
Phineas is the not your "stereo-typical- jock. He does excel in any sport you put in front of him, but there is much more to him. For being such a young student, he is confident in his self, and is a natural born leader. "Well, in case suitors begin clamoring at the door, you can tell them I'm wearing this as an emblem.""(18) Finny said with a sarcastic voice, in response to Genes comment about his bright pink shirt. " Pink! It makes you look like a fairy!-(17) To any other Devon High School student a pink shirt makes you nothing short of a homosexual. With Finny however, it just enunciates his personality.