In The Trotsky, Leon Bronstein is portrayed as a highly idealistic and ambitious young man who is convinced that his life is predetermined to parallel that of Leon Trotsky. He goes so far as to dress and act like Trotsky, and even insists on being called Trotsky by his classmates and teachers.
Despite the initial incredulity of his fellow students, Leon quickly gains a following as he organizes protests and rallies against various school policies and societal injustices. He even manages to win over the affections of his history teacher, who becomes his unwilling ally in his quest for revolution.
As Leon's influence grows, he eventually sets his sights on a larger target - the Canadian government. He plots to overthrow the ruling Conservative Party and install a socialist regime, and soon becomes a media sensation across the country.
However, as Leon's plans become more radical and ambitious, he must confront the harsh realities of political activism and the consequences of his actions. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about the nature of power, the importance of compromise, and the limitations of even the most grandiose aspirations.