# Identity and Disguise in The Hollow Needle

> Theme guide for The Hollow Needle by Maurice Leblanc.

Characters frequently adopt false identities and disguises—Lupin appears as a clergyman, a friend, and a baron—highlighting the theme that identity is fluid and can be manipulated for advantage.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Shot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hollow_needle_se/chapters/i-the-shot): Isidore Beautrelet wears a false beard and poses as a reporter, while the murderer's identity remains unknown.
- [The Corpse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hollow_needle_se/chapters/iii-the-corpse): The plaster casts are a form of disguise, hiding the theft of the original statues and the crypt's entrance.
- [IV: Face to Face](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hollow_needle_se/chapters/iv-face-to-face): Lupin's elaborate scheme to fake his death and Mlle. de Saint-Véran's death highlights the theme of hidden identities and staged realities.
- [On the Track](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hollow_needle_se/chapters/v-on-the-track): Lupin's alias as Étienne de Vaudreix and the concealment of Mr. Harlington's true role underscore themes of deception and false identities.
- [X: The Treasures of the Kings of France](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hollow_needle_se/chapters/x-the-treasures-of-the-kings-of-france): Lupin's identity as Valméras is revealed, highlighting his mastery of disguise and deception throughout the story.

## Links

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