Structure

Priestdaddy is divided into twenty chapters and an Introduction. Most chapters are of roughly equal length but there are a few that stand alone as considerably shorter. These shorter chapters are more self-contained stories and anecdotes that serve to develop character but are not as directly linked to the main narrative. For example, Chapter 4, which is only two pages long, is an aside about Greg Lockwood's love of playing loud electric guitar. Chapter 12, of a similar length to Chapter 4, focuses exclusively on The Rag that Greg uses to wash his legs. While they serve to develop character, they do not have the same narrative strength as the other, longer chapters.

Overall, Priestdaddy follows a chronological structure with the main narrative. It begins with Patricia leaving home at nineteen, her return many years later, and culminates shortly after she moves out again. Interspersed with this overarching chronological story...