The protagonist attempts to write his autobiography, only to be perpetually derailed by his own digressive thoughts and the eccentricities of his family. Tristram Shandy struggles to recount the story of his life, beginning not with his birth, but with the circumstances of his conception. He faces the constant interference of his father, Walter, and his Uncle Toby, whose obsessive interests and long-winded anecdotes frequently hijack the narrative. The work utilizes a non-linear, metafictional framework that prioritizes the process of storytelling over the actual progression of the plot.

Discussion often centers on the innovative structure of the text, which challenges traditional narrative expectations through its chaotic organization. Readers frequently highlight the humor found in the characters' inability to communicate effectively despite their constant talking. Critics often examine how the work anticipates modern literary techniques, particularly regarding the fluidity of time and memory. The balance between character-driven comedy and philosophical inquiry remains a primary point of interest for those studying the evolution of the novel. Many readers appreciate the playful tone, though some find the lack of a conventional plot trajectory demanding to follow.