There is not a great deal of disagreement among critics as to the importance of identity in the play. More than debating the components of a certain character's identity, critics instead offer myriad examples of how identity is manifested in the play through Aegeon, the twin Antipholi, and Adriana. Barbara Freedman dismisses the notion that the play is merely a farce about mistaken identities, and sees Aegeon's twin sons as representative of Aegeon's divided self, connecting the two plots of the story, and providing resolution and a new sense of self at the end of the play. Gail Kern Paster also notes the importance of Aegeon's personal identity; it is so powerful that the Duke grants him an entire day to save his life instead of condemning him to death outright.

Many critics discuss the identity issues facing Antipholus of Syracuse. Laurie Maguire and R. A. Foakes...