If read afterward we easily see it is the letter of a disturbed woman who wants to hide the truth about her start in life.
-- Narrator: Alasdair Gray (Introduction)

Importance: The fictional Alasdair Gray's introduction to Poor Things establishes his desire for power over Bella's story. He intentionally places Victoria's letter at the end of Archie's manuscript in order to discredit her version of events. He places his narration at the start of the text in order to claim authority over the Poor Things narrative. The way he describes Victoria, or Bella, underscores the novel's overarching explorations of power, autonomy, and truth.

Godwin Baxter was the only one I talked with as an equal because . . . we were the two most intelligent and least social people attached to the Glasgow medical facility.
-- Narrator: Archie McCandless (chapter 1)

Importance: Archie attaches himself to Baxter, because he is envious of his famous parentage and bold scientific experimentation. He asserts that he likes Baxter because...