Structure

This text is divided into ten chapters, each with a concise and unique title. Each seems to cover a part of the path one must take in order to develop character. In order, these are: The Summoned Self, Self-Conquest, Struggle, Self-Mastery, Dignity, Love, Ordered Love, Self-Examination, and The Big Me. The chapters are similar in length, with slight variations.

Brooks divides the content into chapters by topic, specifically the parts listed above.. In addition, each chapter generally features one main character. Some feature two, while the first chapter does not feature any main character aside from Brooks himself serving as the narrator. The last chapter, as well, does not prominently feature any characters. Brooks is simply developing big ideas and wrapping up conclusions in this chapter.

Most of the chapters are then divided once more into smaller sections of a few pages with titles formatted as headings...