She could stand anything, she thought – a gross guardian, a freaky kid, an ugly, dirty house –so long as she was in charge. She was well on her way.
-- Narrator (1, Page 6)

Importance: This explanation of Gilly truly reaches Gilly's core. It is important because it sets the tone for her character: someone who is tough, unfriendly, manipulative, and willing to do whatever she has to in order to get by.

As she dropped off to sleep, Gilly promised herself for the millionth time that she would find out where Courtney Rutherford Hopkins was, writer to her, and tell her to come and take her beautiful Galadriel home.
-- Narrator (2, Page 15)

Importance: Here, the reader comes to realize just what it is that motivates every fiber of Gilly's being: she wants her mother. She wants her mother to come and rescue her, and take her away from foster families, and out to California.

I hope you’ll give...
-- Mrs. Trotter (3, Page 25)