He imagined the generations of priests…doing God’s work…The thought of such unsung devotion humbled him...
-- Narration (chapter 2)

Importance: At the beginning of the novel, Fairfax is an idealistic young priest, and he is very loyal to the Church. Fairfax has a strong moral sense, and he decided to become a priest because he thought that it would be the best way to help people. As his character arc continues, he becomes disillusioned with the Church as he makes troubling discoveries about its corruption, but his desire to help humanity remains strong.

…smooth and shiny, fashioned out of plastic and glass…What images might it have once conveyed, what sounds might have emerged form it?...On the back was the ultimate symbol of the ancients’ hubris and blasphemy—an apple with a bite taken out of it.
-- Narration (chapter 3)

Importance: These lines of narration constitute the first hint that the novel takes place in...