Mistaken identity is a plot device whereby one person is taken for another and, often, vice versa. It is used in many comical plays, exemplified by the Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors , inspired by Menaechmi and Amphitryon by Plautus. [1] [2] In some cases mistaken identity involves disguise, e.g., accidentally identical costumes. [3] Often it is a base of a romantic comedy. [3]