Leaky Character Analysis in Skellig

Leaky is one of Michael’s best friends from school. He often appears alongside Coot. Leaky and Coot like to play football and roughhouse, and they don’t know how to address all the difficulties Michael is going through at home. After Michael meets Mina and starts to become interested in art and imagination, Leaky and Coot tease and diminish him. Toward the end of the story, Leaky admits to missing Michael, and he invites him to open up about all the things he’s been going through.

Leaky Character Timeline in Skellig

The timeline below shows where the character Leaky appears in Skellig. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Weakness, Strength, and Hardship Theme Icon

Imagination, Magic, and Faith Theme Icon

...yes. Michael eats his sandwich and thinks of his old house and his old friends, Leaky and Coot. Inside, the doorbell rings and Michael hears Dr. Death’s voice. Michael calls him... (full context)

Love, Empathy, and Caregiving Theme Icon

Although so much has happened to Michael, nothing at school has changed. At recess, Leaky and Coot play football. Disinterested, Michael stands by the fence. Mrs. Dando, one of the... (full context)

During recess, Michael is too tired to play football well. Leaky asks what is wrong with him. Mrs. Dando asks Michael about the baby, and Michael... (full context)

Curiosity, Nature, and Transformation Theme Icon

...from within him, from the place where dreams come from. Suddenly, Michael and Mina notice Leaky and Coot standing behind them, pointing and laughing. (full context)

Michael, Leaky, and Coot play a game of ball. Mina draws in her tree. When Michael repeatedly... (full context)

...and sits against the garage, wishing things could be like they used to be. When Leaky and Coot come over, Michael explains that the baby is really sick; Leaky says he... (full context)

...the blackbird that has landed on the roof. Dad says that he is glad that Leaky and Coot came over; a good game of ball is what Michael needs. (full context)

The boys play another game. Michael keeps looking at Mina’s now empty tree, and Leaky and Coot tease him for missing her. When Leaky and Coot question him, Michael explains... (full context)

...Rasputin asks what would happen if the heart stopped, the class all mime being dead. Leaky meets Michael’s eyes, and Michael can tell he wants to be friends again. (full context)

...the next day, Michael makes amazing plays during the recess football game. After the game, Leaky tackles Michael, and they wrestle. Leaky pins Michael to the ground and looks ready to... (full context)