The adjective “Kafkaesque” can be used to refer to numerous combinations of qualities that frequently appear in the fiction that Franz Kafka wrote, including real-life events and literature. The key elements are confusion, frustration, fear, and powerlessness, especially as experienced by the protagonist; illogical situations and events, often organized into a convoluted plot; rigid and often unjust authority figures; and a cumbersome administrative structure within church, state, or both.

The Castle includes several character-related elements specific to K that frequently appear in his other works. The difficulties that K experiences throughout the novel are pertinent. He cannot reach his destination, and he does not understand why. K initially admires the idea of the Castle but finds its real appearance disappointing; however, his desire to reach and enter it remains a strong motivator. Other characters seem to be sympathetic and supportive, but by providing partial or misleading information, they actually prove to be obstacles.

K’s confusion grows as he increasingly doubts his ability to trust other people. Klamm is a bureaucrat who exerts tremendous authority; he might enable K to succeed but generally blocks his progress. K cannot understand the reasons he cannot enter the Castle because he is constantly thwarted in his desire to understand how it functions and what would constitute the key. The closer he comes to grasping the solution, the more elusive it becomes. The resulting exhaustion further impedes him, as when he falls asleep in the audience he finally achieved with Bürgel; only in his dream is he victorious—leading the reader to question if the entire experience is K’s dream or nightmare.