A main theme of the novel is the role of self-invention in creating one’s identity. Identity in American culture is often interpreted by a series of labels or classifications. The characters in The Human Stain circumvent these labels to construct their own identities for a variety of reasons. Coleman Silk decides to pass as a white, Jewish man upon entering the US Navy at 19. He never reveals to his wife or his children that he is African American. Coleman also never reveals the truth about his identity to his colleagues at Athena College, who label him a racist when others believe he uses a racial slur against African American students.

Other characters also create their own identities. Faunia Farley lies about being illiterate. Illiteracy is an attribute that characters in the novel often use to justify their opinions about the affair between Coleman and Faunia. Other characters in the novel interpret her illiteracy to mean she has little power or knowledge; therefore, her lack of intellectual awareness make Coleman’s sexual advances toward Faunia disgusting and inappropriate to them. As Faunia narrates portions of the novel, she reveals a rich inner life and a deeper awareness of the world around her, despite the trauma of abuse and suffering through the deaths of her children.