The primary themes in Masque, center on the conflict between good and evil and in the beginning, it is clear that evil has the upper hand. The gloms dominate society, mimes are at the mercy of their handlers and humans are pitted against the mimes whom they see as taking away their economic security.

Tristan, who longs for selfhood, explicitly states that selfhood, a permanent form, is what every mime strives for. Therefore, selfhood, as defined in these terms, is good.

As his story progresses, he comes to realize that selfhood is more than just a permanent shape. Integrity, dignity, purpose, brotherhood, love and truth must be part and parcel of selfhood or humanity. He had thought to have selfhood as a reward for his completion of dangerous missions and loyalty to Kaze Glom, but found that selfhood cannot come as a gift, but...