The narrative centers on the moral and social dilemmas faced by Sir Charles Grandison as he navigates the expectations of the English aristocracy and his own personal integrity. Grandison, a paragon of virtue, finds himself caught between the demands of his family, the expectations of society, and his own romantic interests. The novel utilizes an epistolary framework, relying on letters exchanged between characters to reveal their internal motivations and the external pressures placed upon them. Richardson constructs a world governed by strict social codes where the protagonist must balance his desire for autonomy with the rigid requirements of his station.

Discussion often centers on Richardson's ability to maintain narrative momentum through the letter-writing format. Readers frequently highlight the contrast between the protagonist's idealized virtue and the complex, often flawed characters surrounding him. Critics note that the work serves as a significant example of the transition between different literary styles in the mid-18th century. The pacing is often described as deliberate, reflecting the slow-moving social interactions of the period. Many readers appreciate the depth of characterization, even while acknowledging the dense prose style typical of the era.