A character who has made regrettable choices may need to distance themselves from their old life through a false identity. Perhaps they're wanted by police, they tried to shake down a vengeful enemy, or they've adopted an alter ego to hide criminal behavior. This entry will focus on nefarious reasons for living under a false name. For someone needing to use a new identity through no fault of their own, see ASSUMING A NEW IDENTITY.

Hidden Identity

ASSUMING A NEW IDENTITY, BEING A SECRET AGENT, BEING WANTED FOR A CRIME, LIVING ILLEGALLY IN A COUNTRY

BEING ATTACKED, BEING JUDGED, BEING RETURNED TO AN ABUSIVE ENVIRONMENT, BEING UNSAFE, DEATH, GOVERNMENT, LOSING AUTONOMY, LOSING ONE'S SOCIAL STANDING, LOSING THE RESPECT OF OTHERS, PERSECUTION

Being unable to have open, honest, and trusting relationships (lest someone finds out)
Needing to avoid certain places, people, and situations where they might be recognized
Never feeling truly safe or at ease (always looking over their shoulder)
Being restricted to activities that will not require a thorough document check
Having to choose a job for its anonymity rather than an interest or skill
Having to give up certain activities, relationships, and preferences tied to the old identity
Being unable to connect with others via social media
Having to ‘settle' into a life that may not be fulfilling
Being unable to work a job that requires a background check
Being unable to secure health insurance or anything requiring a lot of personal documentation
Needing to avoid places that are closely monitored by cameras

Changing their appearance
Being skilled at lying and deception