Leonard, Steve
Summary
Steve Leonard serves as a central figure in the Saga, initially introduced in the first volume, Cirque Du Freak, as a young boy and Darren’s closest companion. Their friendship takes a dark turn after attending a performance of the Cirque du Freak, where Steve recognizes Larten Crepsley/Vur Horsten as a vampire from an ancient text he had previously studied. Driven by this revelation, Steve secretly follows Darren to confront Crepsley, begging to be transformed into a vampire and taken on as an assistant. Crepsley initially consents but rejects Steve after tasting his blood, which he deems evil. Humiliated and enraged, Steve departs with vows of vengeance. Although Darren is initially frightened by Steve’s obsession with vampirism, the two reconcile after Darren steals Madame Octa, demonstrating his control over the spider to Steve. Tragically, while handling the arachnid, Steve is bitten and poisoned. With no apparent cure available, a desperate Darren pleads with Crepsley for help. Crepsley agrees only on the condition that Darren becomes his half-vampire assistant. Darren reluctantly accepts, curing Steve before attempting to flee Crepsley’s influence. However, he soon loses control of his bloodlust, nearly attacking his sister and biting a friend during a soccer game. Steve witnesses this incident and realizes the truth about Darren’s condition. Darren returns to Crepsley to officially become his assistant. Later, after Darren fakes his death and is dug up by Crepsley, Steve ambushes him, pressing a stake to his heart and accusing Darren of conspiring with Crepsley to have Madame Octa attack him. Unable to kill Darren, Steve vows to become the world’s greatest vampire hunter, promising to return and slay both Darren and Larten Crepsley in the future.
