My parents pretend I’m not gay. It’s easier for them than it sounds.
-- Benson (Narration) (Part 1, Chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration helps to establish the primary tension between Benson and his parents. His parents do not approve of his homosexuality, and thus they are in denial of it. Towards the end of the novel, this tension begins to lessen as Benson's parents begin to accept Benson for who he is.

How was my day. My son leaves the country the morning after I arrive. He leaves me with I don’t know who for I don’t know how long. I haven’t seen him in years, and he’s off looking for my ex-husband, who is rotting from cancer as we speak. My day was fucking phenomenal.
-- Mitsuko (Part 1, Chapter 2)

Importance: Mitsuko makes this sarcastic reply after Benson asks how her day was. This line of dialogue establishes Mitsuko's somewhat curmudgeonly mien in this moment...