You can tell a lot about a character just by the way they speak. Take a look at the opening and closing lines of the Guardians for example.
The Guardians of the Galaxy have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the MCU. No one really believed that a movie based on one of Marvel's more obscure comics would be a box-office hit. Yet, from the moment the first movie premiered in 2014, the Guardians became instant stars, and the perfect way to introduce the cosmic corner of the Marvel universe.
So far, two movies have been released, with a third one coming. While the team began with five members, fans have seen more people join in, making this group one of the most versatile and colorful in the MCU. Both Guardian's movies are comedies, so that means that this lot has a lot of really funny lines. However, and considering all their tragic backgrounds, it shouldn't come as a surprise that sometimes, their dialogue goes straight for the heartstrings.
Peter Jason Quill, the de facto protagonist of the franchise, speaks his first line as a child, in the opening minutes of the first movie. As his mom lies dying, he is taken to her bedside, where she asks him why he's been fighting with other kids. "They killed a little frog that ain't done nothing," he replies, signaling his good-hearted nature.
After his adventures against Ronan and Ego, and the eventual defeat of Thanos in Endgame, Thor joins the Guardians and debates with Quill about who's the leader. Peter's last line is a hesitant "Me. Right?" and audiences can surely expect to see him battling for control in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 when it premieres in 2023.
The adoptive daughter of Thanos, Gamora's first line is spoken during her introduction scene aboard Ronan's Kree warship, the Dark Aster. When Nebula says it would be her honor to go retrieve the Orb from Xandar, Gamora replies "It will be your doom," a line that quickly and successfully establishes the rivalry between the two.
Her last line is spoken by the brought-from-the-past Gamora, during the climactic battle at the end of Avengers: Endgame. Upon first meeting Quill, she immediately bests him in combat and hilariously asks "This is the one? Seriously?" in disbelief. Nebula's response is equally funny, and after the battle ends, Gamora escapes. Her current whereabouts are unknown.
Drax, the Destroyer is first introduced about half-an-hour into the first film. Once the other four Guardians arrive at the Kyln prison after their fight in Xandar, Drax prevents an attack on Gamora's life. "You dare? You know who I am, yes?" he asks at the would-be attackers, who then confirm his identity.
On the final Guardians scene during Endgame, Drax is part of the discussion about how Quill and Thor should settle the leadership matter. In fact, he's the one who suggests they should fight to see who should lead the Asgardians of the Galaxy. "Yeah, use knives," is the last line he speaks. At least fans will meet him again the third film.
Despite having a vocabulary of only three words, Groot has proven to be just as complex as all the other characters and one of the reasons for the Guardians' success. As many fans know, "I am Groot" is both his first and final lines since these are the only three words he is famous for. However, the words are seen to have different meanings but are only understandable to those who "speak Groot."
Groot is also notable for having gone through significant transformations during his time in the MCU. He started as an adult, then went back to being a baby and small child, and is currently something close to an adolescent. By the time Guardians 3 premieres, he will probably be back to being an adult.
The loud, aggressive, and cynical loose-cannon of the team, Rocket is the result of illegal experimentation with a raccoon. Proud and very intelligent, Rocket has slowly become one of the funniest and most interesting parts of the team. He's introduced via voice-over, and his first line perfectly sums up his character: "Xandarians. What a bunch of losers. All of them in a hurry to get from something stupid to nothing at all. Pathetic."
This witty momentum was also carried on during the Asgardians of the Galaxy scene, as Rocket is the one who suggests adding an extra layer of violence to the hypothetical fight between Quill and Thor. "I got some blasters, unless you guys want to use knives," he says, to Quill's slight horror.
Introduced during the second Guardians film, Mantis is Ego's servant, an empath mainly used to help the Living Planet sleep. She earns the Guardians' trust, and eventually joins their ranks. She first speaks while on the bonfire scene where Ego reveals himself as Quill's father. "I am Mantis," she simply and naively says to Drax. Because she's been alone for so long, she's unable to function properly in social interactions, something used for comedic effect.
After participating in the final battle against Thanos, Mantis is seen with the rest of the team, discussing who will take on the role of leader. "Oh yes, please, use knives!" she happily states, as she claps her hands together in excited anticipation. As one can tell, her comic relief will continue in the other movies.
The second adoptive daughter of Thanos, she shares an adversarial relationship with Gamora (one of the single most interesting dynamics in the MCU). Nebula becomes more important with every new film she appears in, playing large supporting parts in both Guardians films, and in both Infinity War and Endgame.
"Ronan, Korath has returned," she first says, as both she and Ronan are introduced in the first film. After going through a fascinating journey, where she goes from sadistic villain to complicated antihero, she officially joins the Guardians at the end of Endgame. "Sounds fair," is her final line, in agreement with Drax's suggestion that Quill and Thor fight for the team's leadership.
Another member of the team who suffered a significant transformation, Yondu Udonta was Peter Quill's father figure. Despite his tough exterior, Yondu cared deeply for Quill, as demonstrated by his selfless acts in both movies. When he's first introduced, he yells at Peter for failing to show up on Morag with the stolen Orb: "Quill! I'm here on Morag. Ain't no orb, ain't no you."
Over the course of both films, Yondu's softer side comes to light, eventually leading to his sacrifice to save Quill's life. "I'm damn lucky you're my boy," are his final words before he dies in the vacuum of space, in one of the most emotional scenes. Yondu might perhaps return someday, but for now, he went out like a true hero.
Though not an actual member of the Guardians, Kraglin helped them enough times to be at least considered an ally. "Yeah, Cap," are his first words, which is fitting considering his unwavering loyalty to Yondu.
Despite being the one that inadvertently provokes the mutiny against Yondu in the second film, Kraglin remains loyal. He helps Yondu, Rocket, and Groot escape and destroy the treacherous crew, and even aids the Guardians in their final fight against Ego. Visibly shaken by Yondu's death, he's touched when Quill gifts him Yondu's arrow and control fin. His final words are cheers of joy as he sees the other Ravagers arriving for the funeral.
