Identity and Appearance

Characters often hide their true selves behind respectable facades—Sir Clinton cultivates an inconspicuous appearance, the moneylender Spratton resembles the Chief Constable, and the anonymous 'Mr. Justice' uses coded messages to conceal his identity.

The impostor's resemblance to Sir Clinton and the use of a single eyeglass underscore the theme of mistaken identity.

The ring's initial B, the fake photographs, and the use of disguises (amateur theatricals) highlight issues of identity and deception.