A masquerade is a literary trope that is used to conceal the identity and certain characteristics of a figure. This concealment has the effect of highlighting some unique or noteworthy aspect of a character or situation, despite its suggested intention of subtlety. Contemporary uses and meaning of the word has become more broad, but initial uses only served to define the literal act of donning a mask or in the context of a masquerade ball. This motif evolves and becomes more complex at the beginning of the Middle Ages with the introduction of separation of character and identity of an individual by Augustine of Hippo and experienced further growth beyond this time period. As its use increased the masquerade became associated heavily with themes of female promiscuity and sexual freedom. The focus placed on masquerade is comparatively primitive and sparse in this original production. However, it has been considered to be the inspiration of the emergence of various subsequent performances, each of which have provided contributions to the formation of the contemporary masquerade trope. These hidden groups are sometimes referred to as a "wainscot society", wherein they live parallel to mainstream society in a covert manner, but overall remain their own distinct entity with their own culture.
In a fantasy context, it can mean that magic is hidden, whether in secret locations, such as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, or by magical forces, such as the Mist in Percy Jackson, or a glamour placed on individuals.