That they were psychic was another Telemachus Family Fact, in the same category as being half Greek and half Irish, Cubs fans and White Sox haters, and Catholic.
-- Matty (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote highlights the importance of identity within the Telemachus family. For the grandchildren who were not involved in the psychic act, their entire individual identity must be constructed by themselves without the easy connection to a shared family experience. However, for the characters who did participate in the show business, they struggle to define their identity outside of the psychic lifestyle.

It was true that he was unusually nostalgic for a kid, though what he pined for was a time before he was born. He was haunted by the feeling that he’d missed the big show…especially when Mom was feeling good, he’d be suddenly filled with confidence, like the prince of a deposed royal family certain of his...
-- Matty (chapter 1)