How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"What about Father?" … Alanna shook her head. "He'll forget us, once we're gone." (1.19-20)
Harsh but true. Lord Alan of Trebond doesn't seem to care much about his children's needs or wants. On the one hand, this makes it easier for them to get away with their switcheroo, but on the other hand, it's not too fun to come from an unloving home.
Quote #2
Luckily she had her story planned. Looking up, she shrugged, her face a little sad. "He forgets, you see, I don't think he's ever been able to tell my brother and I […] apart." (2.210-212)
The sad thing about this exchange between Alanna and Duke Gareth is that Gareth totally buys Alanna's lie, because remembers Lord Alan from his time in the palace back in the day. To him, it seems like a totally realistic scenario for Lord Alan to not be able to tell his sons apart. That's a plus for Alanna getting away with her masquerade, but a definite minus for her sense of familial love.
Quote #3
"Ralon of Malven has beggars and thieves for ancestors…He's the son of a lizard and a demon. He has all the honor of a weasel." (3.205)
Insulting someone's family is great way to tick them off, especially if they're noble (what with duty and honor and all that junk). That's why Alanna is sure to insult Ralon's family while challenging him to a fight in order to restore her own honor: there's no chance he could refuse after she badmouths his family.