This text offers an introduction to issues of identity and representation for students new to literary analysis and literary studies. Its four chapters focus on self-representation, characterization, gender and culture, bringing to students a range of contemporary arguments, theories and positions in these areas. Each chapter begins from a simple, accesible position and gradually works towards more complex ideas, culminating with a creative writing exercise in which the student explores first-hand the issues raised in that chapter. Each exercise is accompanied by further guides and hints for better writing, which develop the student's writing skills as he or she progresses through the book.