The film tells the story of Stanley Ipkiss (played by Jim Carrey), a meek and timid bank clerk who stumbles upon an ancient wooden mask that once belonged to the Norse god of mischief, Loki. When Stanley puts on the mask, he transforms into a cartoon-like alter ego, known as "The Mask." This alter ego is a manifestation of Stanley's repressed desires and id, allowing him to break free from the shackles of his mundane life.