The Go-Between : Leo Character Study
             Leo appears in 'The Go-between' as a boy of 12, and also as a man of about 60. As a man, he narrates the story, as well as being the main character. Using this technique, the reader can compare what he thinks now against what he thought then to realise how naive he was when he was younger. It gives the reader a feel as to how life was for children in the early 1900's.
             He was very superstitious as a boy, following the zodiac, and believing he was a magician. Many times he put spells on various things; children at school, the weather, and also on himself when he wanted to catch measles to avoid visiting Brandham Hall.
             He recognised class distinction at a young age, noticing he didn't fit in at Brandham Hall, surrounded by people in the upper-middle to upper classes. Many times, the Maudsley's would be quite rude to him, but he would not notice this. At one point, Marcus tells Leo that 'No-one should wear school clothes during the holidays' He goes on to say that 'You mustn't wear your slippers at breakfast. I think bank clerks do it.' This hurt Leo, as his father was a bank clerk before he died, but. Half due to the fact he felt he shouldn't, and half because during the times, subjects like this would not be mentioned, her did not tell Marcus about his father, as this would change the Maudsley's perception of 'Court Place'.
             Leo easily becomes uncomfortable, and anything he doesn't lie, he tries his very best o change it, often with his 'magical' skills. For example, his name being Lionel, he does not like it, so he goes by Leo, taking the 'lion' from his name. This also shows his love of the Zodiac again.
             He is very intelligent for a boy of twelve. Of course, some of this is due to his public school life, but he is also quite intelligent before his father dies and he is allowed ...