.This thesis deals with the neo-Victorian novels of Sarah Waters. It analyses how the problem of gender identity is approached in the novels. The thesis discusses the tricks used in the novels and their importance for the plot. The presence of tricks indicates that not everything is what it seems, which is why the notion of the gaze, as defined by Laura Mulvey, plays an important role. The thesis looks into the importance of the gaze when it comes to controlling the situation. Moreover, it looks at how the gaze is used for introducing the protagonists with other characters. Since performances are a big part of the novels, the thesis discusses their importance. It explores the stages the characters use for their performances. Furthermore, the thesis looks at the reasons behind the performances and discusses how successful these performances were in expressing the characters’ desires and emotions. Besides that, it argues that performances of the characters question the stability of gender identity and social norms. It discusses the importance of clothes in performing and constructing gender. Lastly, it shows how characters can easily adopt and imitate social roles when necessary, and in that way challenge the stability of identity and of the norms set by society.