A Perfect Spy

The world portrayed in A Perfect Spy is fraught with changing identities. The spies, agents, defectors, and con men excel at lying about their names, histories, and intentions, so much so that identity is never fixed for long. These lies shape the characters themselves, and they’re never truly sure who they are and what they want. For most characters, these changing identities result in dissatisfaction. In the espionage world, however, these changing identities are an opportunity too. Pym is the best demonstration of the close tie between alienation, changing identities, and espionage. For his entire life, he has shown the world a calculated and ever-changing identity. He lies often, telling people what he wants them to hear. His family backstory changes depending on his audience, so his teachers, friends, and employers all hear a different version of his father Rick’s life story. Pym lies about his past and, in doing so, changes his identity to suit his environment. He learned this from his father, copying Rick’s charismatic con-artistry and applying it to the world of intelligence. In addition, Pym uses his changing identities to mask his vulnerabilities. He shows a version of his identity to the world to escape judgment.