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

Typical! I break my neck trying to get here, and I find you peacefully tidying up!

I don’t think I will get married,” Polly said as she stood up. “I’m going to train to be a hero instead.

When have you looked?" said Sophie. "Oh, how your rears flap and your long nose twitches", Howl croaked.

Nobody can buy a hat without gossiping.

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!

Christopher discovered that you dealt with obnoxious masters and most older boys the way you dealt with governesses: you quite politely told them the truth in the way they wanted to hear it, so that they thought they had won and left you in peace.