I am a believer in free will. If my dog chooses to hate the whole human race except myself, it must be free to do so.

I am a total zombie just after I wake up. It takes me half an hour even to get my eyes open. Ask anyone who knows me. I can't see; I can't talk properly; I can't do anything without help. The only think I can do properly is think. And I know how to exploit my condition. I've had years of practice.

I feel ill," [Howl] announced. "I'm going to bed, where I may die.

Tell me about this Wizard Howl of yours." "He's the best wizard in Ingary or anywhere else. If he'd only had time, he would have defeated that djinn. And he's sly and selfish and vain as a peacock and cowardly, and you can't pin him down to anything." "Indeed? Strange that you should speak so proudly such a list of vices, most loving of ladies." "What do you mean, vices? I was just describing Howl. He comes from another world entirely, you know, called Wales, and I refuse to believe he's dead!

Sophie did not care to think how Howl might react if Fanny woke him by stabbing him with her parasol.

But most dragons seem to have interesting personalities--besides probably having quite good reasons for what they do, if only one could understand them

I've got a hangover." "No, you hit your head on the floor." "I can't stay. I've got to rescue that fool Sophie.