Identity plays a crucial role in the play. Although Lincoln shares his name with "The Great Emancipator," he is certain of his own identity even before donning his costume. “I was Lincoln on my own before any of that,” he confidently states. This self-awareness allows him to wear his costume on the bus without any internal conflict about who he is. In fact, Lincoln is able to con a “little rich kid” out of twenty dollars because he knows that once he leaves the arcade, he is no longer Honest Abe. The Lincoln who takes the bus is free to hustle as he chooses.

Booth, on the other hand, has a more complicated understanding of himself. He frequently envisions himself as someone else, whether it’s as a ladies' man, a respectable husband, or a skilled three-card monte dealer like his brother. To solidify his new identity, Booth even adopts a new name: “3-Card.” His sense of self is so fragile that he won’t allow anyone, not even Grace, to call him by his real name. He insists on being called “3-Card” or nothing at all. After losing the final card game to Lincoln and admitting to shooting Grace, Booth seeks vengeance, declaring, “That Booth [sh——t] is over. 3-Card's thuh man now—.” Only by fully embracing his new identity can 3-Card (Booth) bring himself to commit the unforgivable act of killing his brother.