Many times, a character may need to hide their true identity not because they did anything wrong, but because someone wants to do them harm. This could be the case if the character is hiding from a violent ex or stalker, has been falsely accused of a crime, or they testified against a kingpin and are now living in witness protection. This entry focuses on law-abiding characters (rather than nefarious ones) having a new identity because the old one must be kept secret. 

Hidden Identity

BEING A SECRET AGENT, HIDING THEIR ROYALTY OR NOBILITY, USING A FALSE IDENTITY

A LOVED ONE DYING, A SECRET BEING REVEALED, BEING ATTACKED, BEING JUDGED, BEING RETURNED TO AN ABUSIVE ENVIRONMENT, BEING UNSAFE, CONFLICT, DISCRIMINATION, LOSING AUTONOMY, TRUSTING OTHERS

Having to navigate life without help or support
Having to be constantly vigilant about potential ‘giveaways' that could alert others to where they are
Having to sacrifice certain freedoms that would be too dangerous to indulge in
Friction with children who are struggling to adapt to a new life and identity
Having to give up a passion or career because it's too easy to trace
Needing to be careful about letting people get close
Feeling disingenuous in new relationships (which causes self-esteem conflicts)
An ever-present burden of strain that is difficult to manage, especially at low points when the character yearns to reach out to those they loved in their old life
Finding it hard to trust people or feel truly safe

Transforming their appearance (changing hair color, wearing colored contacts, using make up, etc.)
Learning their new identity inside and out so they can speak about themselves with consistency
Coaching children on the dangers of sharing the past, getting everyone on the same page