Steve Leonard

Steve Leonard (better known as Steve Leopard) is the main antagonist of the Darren Shan's The Saga of Darren Shan series. In the first book, he was Darren's best friend, but after Darren became a half-vampire, Steve felt betrayed and swore to track him down and kill him. Before it, though, he was obsessed with vampires and collected stakes. He is the father of Darius Shan, who he had with Annie Shan. He is killed by Darren in the last book.

The Coffin of Fire
The Coffin of Fire was a magical coffin that when closed, would burst into flames but only harming the one inside. Whoever survived the flames would be the Lord of the Vampaneze. Steve was that one. Steve was chosen to enter the coffin by Gannen Harst, brother of Vancha March.

Lord of the Vampaneze
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 enimies 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
"In Death may you be triumphent" -Vampire motto

Steve and Darren met in a final battle at Darren's old home, Annie's present home. They dueled to the death. In the end 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 didn't want to be used by Mr. Tiny, signalled Steve to stab Darren, to foil Mr. Tiny's plans. After a few failed attempts to see the signal, Steve got the clue and and stabbed Darren. They both died.

Appearances

 * Cirque Du Freak
 * Hunters of the Dusk (unknown until his true identity is revealed)
 * Allies of the Night
 * Killers of the Dawn
 * Lord of the Shadows
 * Sons of Destiny

Short Stories

 * An Essay on Vampires by Steve Leonard
 * Annie's Diary
 * Shanta Clause