Thorlby meticulously dissects Tolstoy's approach to character development, revealing how the author crafts multifaceted personalities that reflect the full spectrum of human experience. The analysis demonstrates how each character's internal struggles and motivations are masterfully woven into the narrative fabric, creating a profound exploration of human psychology that transcends its 19th-century setting.

The book examines the intricate relationship between societal constraints and individual desire in Tolstoy's work. Thorlby's analysis reveals how the author portrays the tension between personal fulfillment and social obligation, particularly through the lens of marriage, family, and class expectations in Imperial Russian society.

Through detailed textual analysis, Thorlby explores Tolstoy's sophisticated storytelling techniques, including his use of parallel narratives, symbolic motifs, and thematic resonance. The study demonstrates how these elements work together to create a complex narrative structure that enhances the novel's exploration of love, morality, and human nature.