This study explored a doctoral student’s emotional experience and multiple-identity construction during his doctoral study. Data were collected over a three-year period and mainly contains small stories. Data analysis was conducted at the three levels of the sociocultural framework: microgenesis, ontogenesis and sociocultural history. The findings suggest that the participant experienced emotional changes from inferiority to enthusiasm, and constructed multiple identities varying from learner to researcher. The study reveals the reciprocal and complex relationship between emotions and identities. Emotional changes are interwoven with different identity shifts, which are inseparable with his learning environment, life histories and sociocultural background. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of supporting doctoral students’ emotional development and identity construction in cultivating their academic literacy.