Who is Elder/Eldest from Across the Universe and what is their importance?

Elder/Eldest is the name given to the ship's leaders. The Eldest is the main leader; Elder is a leader in training. Each Eldest/Elder is created in a lab on Godspeed. The DNA for all leaders is identical. In the story there are three Elder/Eldests.

Eldest is the ruler of the ship for the majority of the story. He is a gray haired man, age 56 years. Eldest has become a bit twisted with power and leadership. His manner is abrupt and he is a cold and cruel leader.

The first Elder, also known as Orion, was believed to be dead for the majority of the book. Although all of the Elder/Eldests share the same DNA, Orion had his own ideas. Eldest had sent him to be killed in the mental ward but Orion escaped and created a new identity for himself.

Elder, 16, is the youngest member on board Godspeed. Elder is often too curious for his own good, particularly when he unplugs Amy because he wants to meet her. At the end of the story, Elder has become Eldest.