# Identity and Disguise in Scaramouche

> Theme guide for Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini.

André-Louis adopts multiple identities—lawyer, mob-orator, actor (Scaramouche), and fencing master—reflecting his adaptability and the theme that one's role in society is often a performance, shaped by circumstance and survival.

## Where it surfaces

- [II: The Service of Thespis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/ii-the-service-of-thespis): André-Louis adopts a new role as a player, hiding from his pursuers within the troupe, while the actors themselves embody their stage identities.
- [Exit Monsieur Parvissimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/iv-exit-monsieur-parvissimus): André-Louis is forced to adopt the stage identity of Scaramouche to evade capture, blurring the line between his true self and his performed role.
- [V: Enter Scaramouche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/v-enter-scaramouche): André-Louis adopts the persona of Scaramouche, using makeup, costume, and a fake Spanish accent to conceal his true identity and past.
- [VIII: The Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/viii-the-dream): André-Louis's dual life as Scaramouche and his hidden past create tension; the troupe misinterprets his connection with Aline as proof of noble lineage.
- [Book III: The Sword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/book-iii-the-sword): André-Louis's dual identity as Scaramouche allows him to move between social classes and manipulate perceptions.
- [I: Transition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/i-transition): André-Louis discards the livery of Scaramouche but reflects on his role as a stirrer of strife who slips away; his hidden identity in Paris.
- [III: President Le Chapelier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/iii-president-le-chapelier): André-Louis continues to operate the academy under des Amis' name, appending 'Conducted by André-Louis'—a Scaramouche-like expedient.
- [V: At Meudon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/v-at-meudon): André is identified as the author of the Omnes Omnibus pamphlets, a hidden identity that contributes to his conflict with his godfather.
- [Madame de Plougastel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/vi-madame-de-plougastel): André-Louis reflects on his past as a player and his lack of known parentage, which shapes his rejection of birth-based status.
- [VII: Politicians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/vii-politicians): André-Louis adopts the role of a politician and potential duelist, reflecting his Scaramouche persona as a 'rascal who tries to be honest.'
- [XIV: The Overwhelming Reason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/xiv-the-overwhelming-reason): André-Louis's true parentage is revealed, reshaping his identity and his relationship with Mme. de Plougastel.
- [XV: Sanctuary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/xv-sanctuary): The Marquis disguises himself as a sansculotte, and André-Louis appears as an official, underscoring the theme of hidden identities.
- [The Barrier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/xvi-the-barrier): The revelation of André-Louis's parentage shatters previous identities and forces a re-evaluation of relationships.
- [Safe-Conduct](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/xvii-safe-conduct): The revelation of André-Louis's true parentage shatters his known identity and redefines his relationships.
- [Sunrise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/xviii-sunrise): André-Louis reflects on his roles as lawyer, politician, swordsman, and buffoon, and his self-identification as Scaramouche.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/themes/identity_and_disguise
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scaramouche_se/themes