More than anything is this strange life, I want Tony to be happy. We found out a long time ago that we weren't meant to fall in love with each other. But a part of me still fell in hope with him. I want a fair world. And in a fair world, Tony would shine.
-- Paul (narration) ("Now Away We Go")

Importance: This piece of narration from Paul in the opening chapter of the novel describes his supportive feelings of his friend, Tony. In contrast to all of the other gay characters in the novel, Paul's life is not negatively affected by his homosexuality, a dynamic that occasionally creates a gap between himself and the other characters. Tony does begin to thrive later in the novel, as he finds mature ways to seek compromises with his parents. However, Tony's process to becoming this mature person is mostly private and does not involve Paul.

What you feel is...
-- Mrs. Benchly ("Paul is Gay")