Mogor dell’Amore goes by many names. He is introduced as a stranger or a foreigner. He tells people that he is nicknamed “Uccello,” a slang term for penis. Finally, when he enters the court, he tells the emperor that his name is Niccolo Vespucci, named for the two best friends of his father. For most of the novel, however, Akbar knows and refers to his intriguing new companion as “Mogor.” To Akbar, Mogor is a storyteller, and only at the end of the story does he understand why the name Niccolo Vespucci may or may not be important.

The array of names and identities used by Mogor is a reflection of his role as a storyteller and a magician. He lies, cheats, and steals, playing with the truth and altering reality as though it were another trick hidden up his sleeve. He tells outlandish stories because he knows that they are captivating, luring the attention of his audience away from his less-than-moral actions. Mogor kills a man and, even though he is found innocent at the trial, the majority of the court accepts that he is likely a murderer. Despite this, Akbar is willing to entertain Mogor’s presence.