Confessions of a Mask

Kochan is the narrator and protagonist of Confessions of a Mask. The novel functions as his personal memoir, with much of the text reserved for Kochan’s introspection instead of dialogue or development of other characters. Kochan’s narrative voice is that of his future self, although it is not specified how much time has passed since the novel’s end. He provides insight into his entire childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood through his narration.

The novel reveals little about Kochan apart from his thoughts and internal monologue, but this is enough to characterize him as withdrawn, brooding, and obsessive in nature. While the memoir-like structure of the novel may contribute to this characterization, Kochan himself notes at many points that his introspective personality causes him great pain, as he is unable to stop overanalyzing every aspect of himself and others. Due to his sexuality and his fascination with blood and violence, he does not feel able to truly fit in with the world; his external personality—polite, heterosexual, and refined—is the titular mask that protects him from being an outcast.