In "The Fortress of Solitude," Jonathan Lethem explores the dynamic nature of identity through the experiences of the protagonist, Dylan. He observes the people around him as they stand on the brink of transformation, always on the verge of becoming someone new. This constant potential for change highlights the fluidity of human character and the complexities of personal evolution.

Lethem's insight into people's evolving identities suggests that everyone carries various masks and personas, often ready to discard one for another. Dylan's unique ability to recognize this transformation offers a deeper understanding of the human condition, emphasizing the transient nature of self and the inevitability of change in personal narratives.