Deception and Disguise

Characters frequently adopt false identities and disguises—Wenk as a country gentleman, Mabuse as multiple personas—to infiltrate gambling dens and manipulate others, highlighting the pervasive deceit in both criminal and official spheres.

Wenk's practice of disguising himself and playing detective is highlighted as a key aspect of his investigative method.

Mabuse's multiple disguises and his ability to deceive others are central to his character and the plot.

The stranger Balling uses a false identity and address, and Hull's own mind seems deceived into losing.

The mysterious gambler appears in endless variety—young sportsman, provincial, artist, prince—using disguise to evade detection.