Steve Leonard

Steve 'Leopard' Leonard is the main antagonist in the Saga of Darren Shan series.

In the books

 * In Cirque du Freak, Steve was Darren's best friend. This changed, however, when Darren stole Madam Octa the spider who bit Steve. Darren had to become a half-vampire in order to save his friend. Mr. Crepsley, the vampire who changed Darren, had been asked by Steve to turn him into a vampire. He refused to do it, saying that Steve's blood was evil.
 * The Coffin of Fire is a magical coffin, which will burst into flames when somebody steps into it. Only the person who is true leader of the Vampaneze can survive this. Steve was chosen for this.
 * Steve was careless as the Lord of the Vampaneze. He would make plans that were too complicated for his minions to follow. They were too theatrical. And if he got one of his enemies in his clutch, he would gloat and give them a chance to escape.

He was the Lord of the Vampaneze as of book seven, Hunters of the Dusk.

Death

 * Darren and Steve fight to death in their hometown. Darren got the upper hand and stabbed Steve in the chest. It was fatal, but not an immediate kill. Steve lay there, paralyzed with shock, when Desmond Tiny showed up. Mr. Tiny announced that he was the father of the two battling parties. Steve begged Mr. Tiny to take him as a son, since Mr. Tiny chose the winner, Darren, to be at his side. Evanna was present at this time and was as shocked as anyone else. Her brother Mr. Tall, had died earlier that day, and was shocked to find out she had two more brothers. Mr. Tiny disowned Steve at that moment and left him to die. Darren, who did not want to be owned by Mr.Tiny, let Steve stab him until they both died.

Personality
Steve is rash and a bad influence. He is quick to judge and will get into fights easily. He can hold a grudge easily and will go through elaborate plans to get what he wants.