August does not cry.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: At the beginning of the novel, August is emotionally reserved and suppresses her feelings. She believes that expressing her emotions is a sign of weakness that could open her to further hurt and disappointment. As evidenced by this quotation, August does not outwardly emote what she is experiencing internally because she is afraid of being weak. Later, August is able to articulate her emotions when she unpacks her negative core beliefs and fear of rejection.

You're like me- you don't need anyone. Remember that.
-- Suzette (chapter 2)

Importance: The author develops the relationship between Suzette and August in order to unpack her main character’s motivations. While August asserts her desire to remain solitary at the beginning of the novel, her conversation with Suzette reveals the impetus for her isolative behavior. August pushes people away and avoids making connections because of her mother’s belief that independence mean not needing...