Trilight Zone

[digital8]

When it is necessary to refer to someone who is anonymous, it is typically necessary to create a type of pseudo-identification for that person. In literature, the most common way to state that the identity of an author is unknown is to refer to them as simply "Anonymous." This is usually the case with older texts in which the author is long dead and unable to claim authorship of a work. Another method, popular when an author is interested in masking their identity, is to create a pen name and use that pseudonym to claim authorship.

Pseudonyms are also used to disguise the identity of sources of information. The most famous of these was Deep Throat, who remained anonymous for several decades before finally revealing himself.

In legal cases, a popularly accepted name to use when it is determined that an individual needs to maintain anonymity is "John Doe." This name is often modified to "Jane Doe" when the anonymity-seeker is female.

The military often feels a need to honor the remains of soldiers for whom identification is impossible. In many countries, such a memorial is named the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.