Byatt's most notable technique is her moving back and forth among her major characters throughout the novel; in three consecutive chapters in the first part of the novel, the first word in each chapter is the name of a different character. The closely related subplots add to the complexity as well as unity of the novel.

Byatt also makes use of an omniscient narrator, which gives the novel the sense of being not exactly modern, appropriate for the setting. It also allows for more complete character development than would otherwise be possible. Her focus is interior even during important events such as a wedding, describing the characters' thoughts rather than external actions.