Back then there was only one person in the world who I knew preferred me to Aamir…Naani Jaan.
-- Anvar (narration) (chapter 1)

Importance: Throughout his youth, Anvar often feels disfavored by his family, with his older brother Aamir being the favored child. The only person who prefers Anvar seems to be Anvar's grandmother, Naani Jaan. Anvar and Naani Jaan have a close familial relationship, and Naani Jaan teaches Anvar various sage lessons about life. Tragically, they are separated when Naani Jaan is too old to emigrate from Pakistan with the rest of the family.

You’re the woman of the house, Safwa. The kitchen is yours. The days of mourning are over. Time to go back to living now.
-- Abu (chapter 2)

Importance: One of Abu's main guiding character traits is the misogynistic element of his worldview. Throughout the novel, Abu does not appear to view Safwa/Azza as having her own autonomy. He expects her to be...