The narrative centers on the madness of the knight Orlando, whose unrequited love for the princess Angelica drives him to abandon his duties and descend into a chaotic, destructive frenzy. The protagonist seeks to navigate a sprawling landscape of chivalric quests, magical interventions, and shifting alliances while battling both external foes and his own internal instability. The narrative framework utilizes an intricate, non-linear structure that weaves together multiple subplots involving paladins, sorcerers, and mythical creatures. The world operates under the logical constraints of high romance, where supernatural elements frequently disrupt the physical reality of the characters.

Discussion often centers on the complex interplay between the original Italian text and the specific stylistic choices made by Sir John Harington in his English translation. Readers frequently highlight the balance between the poem's lighthearted, often ironic tone and its serious exploration of human folly. Critics note that the work serves as a foundational text for understanding the development of epic poetry in the English Renaissance. The narrative's pacing is frequently described as rapid and episodic, reflecting the author's intent to maintain engagement through constant shifts in perspective and setting.