The False Prince

Imitations and fakes are found countless times throughout the story. The main thrust of the plot is that an orphan is going to pretend to be a prince, making him “an orphan in a costume […] Nothing more” (99). A sword that looks just like the real thing is only an imitation of Prince Jaron’s. What Sage believes to be gold is just a worthless stone. According to Conner, “‘We’re all imitators here. So if you’re right about the gold, then there’s no more appropriate thing for me to carry than that rock’” (128).

Playing a part is requires full embodiment of the subject is being copied. As Conner says, “‘The person I choose must have the lie so settled in his heart that he truly believes he is king, that he ceases to think of his own name and answers only to Jaron’s’” (237). Though Sage physically resembles Jaron and has the attitude of a prince, Conner almost does not select him because Sage is reluctant to commit to the lie for a lifetime.

There is also a connection between identity and outside perspective. For example, Mott encourages Sage to see himself as Conner sees him: “‘If Conner can look at you and see a prince, then it’s about time you did the same’” (68).