I don't like it, Papa. But then I dare say soldiers -- even brave ones -- don't really like going into battle.
-- Sara Crewe (Chapter 1: Sara paragraph 2)

Importance: Early on, Sara sets the tone of her character through this quote. At only seven years old, she knows people have obligations and things are expected of them that they do not like, yet the brave ones endure them.

Haven't -- got -- any--mam---ma-a!
-- Lottie (Chapter 4: Lottie paragraph 1)

Importance: When Sara hears Lottie's tantrum, she thinks she can help. Sara's mother has also passed away, giving the girls something in common right away. The quote is also important because as it draws Sara to Lottie, the reader sees a nurturing side of Sara in addition to her intelligence and her imagination.

That girl has been listening.
-- Lavinia (Chapter 5: Becky paragraph 2)

Importance: Lavinia stops Sara's storytelling to point out that Becky, a servant girl, is listening. The statement makes it clear that there is a social separation between the...