In "Middlemarch," George Eliot presents a narrative style that contrasts sharply with contemporary storytelling norms, particularly the modern guideline of "show, don't tell." As noted by Harold Bloom, the novel marks a significant departure from traditional social morality narratives, but it is also characterized by Eliot's direct authorial presence. This approach may be viewed as excessive by today’s readers, who often prefer subtler character development.

Eliot’s technique involves immediately revealing essential traits of her characters, exemplified by the protagonist, Dorothea Brooke. This upfront characterization facilitates a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations right from the start, thereby enriching the narrative's complexity in ways that may not align with current literary expectations.