Becoming the Mask

A character takes on a fake identity for some reason, and as time progresses, finds themselves growing more and more comfortable in the fake identity and the way they are treated. A possible sole reason is that the character falls in love with someone who they're supposed to be taking advantage of. Either way, they end up wanting to remain in the fake identity.

A slight variation is when a hero is pretending to be a villain (likely a henchman or the like) and finds himself forced to commit some terrible act while in the persona, then later is forced to come to grips with what they have done.

Samples:
• Intertia pretending to be Impulse, finds himself liking the love and friendship he receives
• Hawkgirl in Justice League, who joined the team as a spy, but came to appreciate them. Fell in love with someone she was supposed to be duping, AND betrayed her people by staying with the League.

Another variation is when a character creates a fake personality to be able to act anonymously, but becomes so involved and committed to the personality that they eventually become the fake persona, and their real self becomes the mask. (Batman/Bruce Wayne, Walter Kovacs/Rorschach)

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