impersonate

To pretend to be (a different person); to assume the identity of, especially when there is an intent to deceive.

The conman managed to impersonate several executives.

Evil can and will always impersonate goodness.

To operate with the permissions of a different user account.

To manifest in corporeal form; to personify.

The shepherds were impersonated, then the Magi, finally Herod himself. In course of time all the elements of a fully developed Nativity play had thus been introduced.