Holes in a Two-Dimensional Quantum Antiferromagnet

A brief review is presented on the studies of the hole motion in a two--dimensional quantum antiferromagnet. An extended introduction is given to cover the background of the problem. The quantum Bogoliubov--de Gennes formalism which treats the local distortion of the spin configuration and the quantum renormalization process on an equal footing, is outlined. The latest development on the central issue, whether a hole can freely propagate on an antiferromagnetic background, is overviewed.