Johnson scatters many metafictional elements throughout the novel, often for comedic effect. Characters frequently mention in passing that they know that they are works of fiction, such as when Malry's mother says to him that she has been his mother for the purposes of the novel (27), or when Christie complains that the novel contains too many exclamation marks (166).
Johnson incorporates numerous narrative tricks and literary devices throughout the book, frequently for comedic purposes. Characters occasionally remark on their fictional status in passing, like when Malry's mother notes that she has served as his mother within the context of the novel or when Christie expresses frustration over the excessive use of exclamation marks.