A very distinct characteristic of the Nō theater is the style of the masks. The masks represent a type of character instead of an actual character. The masks are considered pieces of art themselves because they are made according to exact rules and details, and are not known for being interpretations of the artist. The mask artist would teach his students the details and skills, and then the student would teach his own students. The masks are not very deep, and are meant to simply sit on the face of the actor. Authentic masks are very rare and valuable, and families consider them heirlooms.
The masks each represent a certain character type, so when an actor wears a mask, he is said to become the character. In the time of Nō theater, only men could be actors, but they still were said to become the character of the mask, even if it was a women mask. The actors would sit in front of mirrors and look at themselves in costume and mask, and prepare themselves to become the character when on stage.
The three main masks used in Fumiko Enchi's Masks were:
The Ryō No Onna: The spirit of a women who died of heart break, most commonly from the death of a lover.
The Masagami: A women who has gone mad from confusion and love.
The Fukai: An old, tired women. A mother who has lost a child and is sad and vengeful. Usually represents maternal love.
