A film adaptation
followed in 2008.
Examples:
- Anachronic Order: In the book, entries from Margaret's diary are mixed with entries from Selina's; the latter predate the former by about two years.
- Butch Lesbian: Ruth Vigers, who successfully passes herself off as Selina's male spirit guide in order to seduce and/or sexually abuse young girls at seances. This also qualifies her as a variant on the Psycho Lesbian trope - Waters (obviously) isn't arguing that lesbianism is evil, but this particular lesbian definitely comes across that way.
- Canon Foreigner: Margaret's fiancé only exists in the adaptation.
- Driven to Suicide: A year before the novel begins, Margaret attempts a fatal overdose of sleeping medicine after learning that her female lover is planning on marrying her (Margaret's) brother. Margaret's narrative ends with her about to attempt suicide again after she learns that Selina has betrayed and deceived her. This second attempt is implied to be successful.
- Gayngst: The primary source of Margaret's depression is over her homosexuality, following her ex-lover's marriage to Margaret's own brother.
- Heroic BSoD: Margaret has this reaction when she learns that Selina's been Using Her All Along.
- Old Maid: Margaret, who is twenty-nine, is considered past her prime for marriage.
- Psychic Powers: Selina works as a psychic medium, and claims to commune with spirits.
- Queer Romance: There are romances between Margaret and Selina and Margaret and Helen. Also Selina and Ruth, and (depending on your interpretation) Selina and Mrs Jelf.
- Spooky Séance: Selina works as a spirit medium before being sent to Millbank.
- Stalker with a Crush: Margaret realizes she's become this when she tries to steal Selina's hair and is struck by the sudden understanding of how creepy it actually is.
