R.O.D the TV follows the journey of the “Paper Sisters,” three young women with the supernatural ability to manipulate paper who become bodyguards for the reclusive novelist Nenene Sumiregawa. The series explores themes of found family, the profound influence of literature on the human soul, and the struggle to protect one’s identity against powerful global organizations.
This collection highlights the most impactful quotes from the series, capturing the balance between high-stakes action and the quiet, emotional bonds shared by the characters.
Please give me back my book!
(Episode 25: The Deserted Village)
Yomiko Readman
This repeated plea highlights Yomiko’s simple yet unwavering devotion to literature as her ultimate source of comfort.
Even if there isn’t a God, a miracle can still happen
(Episode 12: Twilight of the Papers, Part I)
Michelle Cheung
Michelle asserts her belief in human agency and the power of love to create miracles for her sisters.
It has to be a bug in the system
(Episode 24: In the Leaves)
Nenene Sumiregawa
Nenene defies a global brainwashing attempt, proving that her fierce sense of self is stronger than any technological control.
Don’t blame me if you die
(Episode 23: The Heart of Silence)
Drake Anderson
Drake’s gruff warning to the sisters showcases his role as the pragmatic, protective “Badass Normal” in a world of superpowers.
I already do
(Episode 23: The Heart of Silence)
Nancy Makuhari
In a tragic moment of self-reflection, Nancy acknowledges the heavy burden of her past actions and her destiny.
I don’t really like it. It makes me sound like a porn star
(Episode 1: The Papers Have Landed)
Nancy Makuhari
A moment of levity where Nancy critiques her “Miss Deep” code name, highlighting her desire for a normal identity.
I’m Nenene Sumiregawa, a writer!
(Episode 1: The Papers Have Landed)
Nenene Sumiregawa
Nenene defines herself by her craft even when facing terrorists, establishing her courage and stubborn pride early on.
Three Sisters Vote!
(Episode 12: Twilight of the Papers, Part I)
Michelle Cheung
Originally a tool for Michelle to outvote Anita, this becomes a symbol of their unbreakable, unanimous bond during crises.
Books are useless. They don’t fill your stomach
(Episode 2: Rise Up, Oh Terrible One)
Anita King
Anita’s early rejection of books contrasts with her sisters’ obsession, grounding her character in practical survival.
Maggie is the strongest Paper Sister
(Episode 8: Seduced by the Night)
Anita King
Anita acknowledges her sister’s quiet strength, showing the deep respect and protection that exists beneath their bickering.
John Smith is in a grove
(Episode 21: In a Grove)
Maggie Mui
This cryptic line references the dark secrets and literary mysteries the sisters must unravel to find the truth.
If you’re just gonna end up in Arizona then being dead isn’t that much of a downgrade
(Episode 15: In the Deep)
Drake Anderson
Drake uses dark humor to highlight the dire situations the group faces while maintaining his cynical outlook.
I left The Three Stooges at home
(Episode 4: The 7th Grade)
Nenene Sumiregawa
Nenene’s nickname for the sisters demonstrates her growing, albeit prickly, affection for her unconventional bodyguards.
Don’t be tricked, you idiot! He’s the bad guy!
(Episode 18: The Literature of the Land)
Anita King
Anita’s bluntness often cuts through the manipulation of the series’ villains, acting as the group’s moral compass.
I will rain chaos, even if it hurts me
(Episode 26: The World of the Papers)
Mr. Gentleman
The ultimate antagonist reveals the destructive lengths he will go to to maintain control over the world’s knowledge.
The only silver lining is when we break through, we find familiar faces
(Episode 19: The Family)
Maggie Mui
Reflecting on their journey, Maggie finds hope in the fact that they have stayed together through every trauma.
Life could be beautiful or it could be ugly, but that’s on you
(Episode 10: The Christmas Carol)
Michelle Cheung
During a peaceful moment, Michelle encourages her sisters to find beauty in their own chosen family.
Every decision you make holds meaning by affecting your next decision
(Episode 22: The Deserted Village)
Yomiko Readman
Returning to her mentor role, Yomiko explains the weight of responsibility that comes with their abilities.
The strong should aid and protect the weak
(Episode 5: The Reading Girl)
Maggie Mui
Maggie’s personal mantra explains why she often takes the brunt of attacks to keep Anita and Michelle safe.
There are certain things one can’t bear without changing one’s clothes
(Episode 7: The Book Fair)
Nenene Sumiregawa
Nenene speaks on the necessity of evolving and leaving the past behind to move forward as a writer.
I am no longer a hero
(Episode 14: The Library of the World)
Yomiko Readman
Yomiko grapples with the fallout of the British Library’s actions and her own complicated legacy as an agent.
My name is Oliver Queen… Wait, wrong show!
(Episode 6: The Writer)
Junior
A moment of fourth-wall breaking or meta-commentary on the tropes of secret agents and secret identities.
My only regret is that I never got to see her finish the book
(Episode 25: The Deserted Village)
Junior
Junior’s tragic final thoughts focus on his human connection to the sisters rather than his mission.
One day, I’ll write a story that makes everyone happy
(Episode 13: The Book of the World)
Nenene Sumiregawa
Nenene’s ultimate goal shifts from personal fame to using her words to heal a broken world.
We are the Paper Sisters!
(Episode 26: The World of the Papers)
Anita, Maggie, and Michelle
The final declaration of their identity, choosing their sisterhood over the organizations that created them.
