Mad Men: How does Pete Campbell know about Don's identity?

Pete Campbell's knowledge of Don Draper's true identity as Dick Whitman is a significant plot point in the TV show "Mad Men." The articles provide insights into the events and clues that lead Pete to this revelation. Pete's suspicions are fueled by inconsistencies in Don's past, encounters with his estranged brother and wife, and ultimately by acquiring Don's personal records from the U.S. Army. The reveal of Don's identity occurs in the Season 1 finale, where Pete attempts to blackmail Don but is thwarted by Bert Cooper's dismissal of the matter.Analysis:Pete Campbell's discovery of Don Draper's true identity is a pivotal moment in the series, as it sets in motion a chain of events that has lasting consequences for the characters and the narrative. The articles suggest that Pete's motivation for uncovering Don's secret stems from a combination of ambition, curiosity, and a desire for leverage. Pete is known for his drive to climb the corporate ladder, and he sees Don's stolen identity as an opportunity to gain an advantage within the company.Pete's initial suspicions about Don's past arise from inconsistencies and vague answers that Don provides when questioned. Through his interactions with Don's brother, Adam Whitman, Pete is unknowingly given clues that lead him to suspect there is more to Don's story. Further confirmation comes from Betty Draper, who shows a level of ignorance about Don's past, raising Pete's suspicions even more.In his pursuit of the truth, Pete takes matters into his own hands and conducts his own investigation. The discovery of a box of Don's personal items in the office, including a love letter from Stephanie, reveals a connection between Don and someone in his past. This prompts Pete to confront Don about his true identity, leading to a tense confrontation between the two characters.Bert Cooper's reaction to Pete's revelation is a surprising twist. Bert dismisses the importance of Don's true identity with a nonchalant "Who cares?" This response not only deflates Pete's attempt to leverage the information but also adds complexity to the significance of Don's stolen identity. Bert's indifference suggests that the revelation is of little consequence to him and raises the question of whether other characters in the show, such as Roger Sterling or Betty Draper, would have responded differently if informed.One possible theory regarding Pete's decision not to inform Roger about Don's true identity is that Roger only knows Don as the persona he presents professionally, not as Dick Whitman. This limited understanding of Don's past may have made Pete less inclined to involve Roger in the revelation. As for Betty, it is suggested that she married Don without knowing his true identity. This raises questions about the dynamics of their relationship and the significance of Don keeping his secret from his own wife.Overall, Pete Campbell's knowledge of Don's true identity adds complexity to the relationships and dynamics within "Mad Men." While the exact details of how Pete discovered the truth are not explicitly mentioned in the articles, the evidence points to a combination of Pete's curiosity, investigation, and chance encounters with individuals connected to Don's past. The significance of Pete's discovery lies in the tension and conflict it creates between him and Don, as well as the broader implications for the characters' personal and professional lives.