Greta liked knowing people's secrets.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: At the start of the novel, the author introduces Greta's character by way of her work and work history. Although Greta is 45 years old and her mother committed suicide decades prior to the narrative present, Greta has yet to accept this loss or to heal from it. She therefore prefers to listen in on other people's therapy sessions with Om via her transcription work for him than to engage in therapy for herself. This moment is therefore revealing of Greta's deflective and avoidant tendencies. Although she knows she has unresolved pain, she prefers to bury it and hide from it, obsessing over others' secrets rather than interrogating the meaning behind her own.

I don't believe it explains everything about me, because I haven't made it part of my identity.
-- Big Swiss (chapter 1)

Importance: Greta is first introduced to Big Swiss by way of Om's audio recordings of their therapy...