In all works of fiction, the characters learn from their actions. This personal development is inevitable as all people take on board something from their experiences. In Maestro the protagonist, Paul Crabbe, is led on a journey of personal discovery. Paul is at the crossroads between childhood and adulthood. Paul draws on his relationships and interactions with other characters to teach him invaluable lessons. Paul draws on his mentor Eduard Keller, his parents and their musical influence, and also his peers to determine his direction in life. This self discovery by Paul also impacts on the reader. They can, through reading the novel, draw on from Paul's fictional experiences in their own real lives.
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Eduard Keller has a void left by the loss of his family during World War Two. He uses Paul as a method of filling this void. Keller teaches Paul the harsh lessons in life as a father would his son. In the beginning of the novel Paul is arrogant as a result of his parents encouragement. This leads him to become self-satisfied with his capabilities. Keller attempts to rid Paul of his arrogance by insulting Paul's piano playing, "No more. I do not like your Chopin" Keller states. Paul is not accustomed to people insulting his piano capabilities and this creates conflict between the characters. This is an excellent example of Keller's and Paul's relationship. Keller, in his wisdom, knows what is best for Paul. It is not until Paul is much older that he fully comprehends Keller's advice, yet the effects of it are felt earlier. Peter Goldsworthy has given Keller great insight into the human mind. He assess Paul personality very quickly and, almost instinctively, goes about developing him. This wisdom is absorbed by the reader, and becomes part of their experiences. Which inevitably develops them, even if only diminutively. .
Paul's relationships in the novel taught him a lot about life on the whole. He has two contrasting relationships with Rosie and Meagan.
