Who are the main characters in the 'big book of black mask stories'?

There are probably detectives as main characters, as it's a collection of crime stories. They might be tough and resourceful.

There are many main characters as it's a collection of stories. But often there are tough - as - nails detectives who are the central figures in each story, like Sam Spade - type characters.

Detectives are often main characters. They are the ones who drive the story forward by investigating crimes. There might also be criminals as main characters in some stories, showing their perspective on the events.

Dashiell Hammett is one of the authors. His works are known for their tough and cynical view of the world, and his stories in this collection are great examples of the hard - boiled detective genre.

Since I don't have specific knowledge about this novel, we can only make some educated guesses. There may be a protagonist who dons the black mask for some noble or not - so - noble reasons. There could be a sidekick or a love interest who helps or complicates the life of the black - mask - wearing character. And of course, there may be villains or authority figures who are in conflict with the main character.

There could be stories that feature unique settings. It could be set in a seedy underworld, with criminals and anti - heroes. Some stories might revolve around a particular crime that has far - reaching consequences, like a heist gone wrong and the detective's pursuit of the thieves.

There might be a story where a character has to navigate a web of mystery and danger. The descriptions in the 'big book of black mask stories' are so vivid that it really draws you in. For example, the way the settings are described, like the dark alleys and smoky bars, add to the overall atmosphere of the story.

Well, 'The Maltese Falcon' is also quite significant. It introduced Sam Spade, a classic detective figure. The complex plot and the web of lies and greed in the story are what make it stand out in the collection.

One interesting story could be about a detective's pursuit of a shadowy criminal in the city. The complex characters and the gritty settings in these stories often make them captivating.

One notable story could be 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic noir tale filled with complex characters and a gritty setting that showcases the hard - boiled detective genre typical of Black Mask stories.