He was an angry man, and he was an ugly man...
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration is the first line of the novel. It refers to Victor. despite begin in a coma for nearly the entirety of the main, present-day storyline, he is a central character in that his abusive actions have affected all of the other characters. This opening line helps to quickly introduce the fact that Victor is an angry and cruel person. The use of the word "ugly" may refer to his general immorality.

What I mean is, she never complained about him, really their entire lives...
-- Alex (chapter 6)

Importance: In this line of dialogue, Alex remarks upon the fact that she has never heard Barbra complain about Victor, despite the fact that Victor was a highly abusive husband and father. One of the central sources of narrative drama is the exploration of Barbra and Victor's relationship, especially regarding Barbra's inexplicable...