Vidal's most evident technique is the use of history to expand and enrich the fictional story about the Sanfords. His characters include those who are actual historical figures; those who are based on historical figures, but have been renamed; and fictional characters who are placed within the realm of history. The backdrop that Vidal uses is purely historical, which allows his interesting "insider's" view of the events of the 1940s and early 1950s. Vidal was present and active during this time period in Washington, D.C., New York, and Hollywood, thanks to his familial connections and the publication of his first novel at an early age. Therefore, he uses his own personal information and recollections to enhance the portraits of his characters. The effect is somewhat similar to the metafiction of his other novels, although not as pronounced. By allowing characters to occasionally foretell the future by using...