This excerpt provides insights into the world of computer security, identity theft, and ethical hacking through various perspectives. It showcases contributing authors with diverse backgrounds in penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and information security training. The text is structured as a series of narratives, each focusing on a specific aspect of "stealing character," such as evasion tactics, codebreaking, and social engineering. Furthermore, the excerpt explores the motivations and methods of both cybercriminals and those who attempt to stop them, highlighting the constant cat-and-mouse game between attackers and defenders in the digital realm. Finally, it also delves into the human element of these scenarios and the personal costs associated with a life of hacking.