Family dynamics and relationships are an important aspect of the novel. The most consequential relationships are those between Kristin and her father and mother, with additional importance added when considering her younger sister Ulvhild and the dynamic that develops between them before Ulvhild’s untimely death. The most interesting dynamic is the unfailing love that Lavrans and Ragnfrid (Ragnfrid to a lesser degree) exhibit towards Kristin even though they would be within their rights to shun her for her entanglement with Erlend.

Time and again Kristin ends up disappointing her parents, no time greater than when she breaks her engagement with the steady and honorable Simon for the infamous, womanizing Erlend, and yet they stand by her side through it all, always attempting to make the best decision for Kristin and not falling prey to any petty desire to see Kristin suffer the consequences of her actions. Even in the end, Lavrans consents to Kristin’s marriage to Erlend because he thinks it best for Kristin’s soul in the long run due to her stubbornness.

Furthermore, for most of Kristin’s relationship with Erlend she has to wonder if she is going to be a mother. As her relationship with Erlend develops, she has to ponder the reality of the decisions that she has made, realizing that she is eventually going to be a mother and that Erlend will be a father.