I think a lot about that moment in Profit and loss where Garak could shoot Quark and possibly have his exile lifted. The writers leave it sort of open whether he would have had that douche Cardassian not said what he said.
But also it’s such a defining moment for his character. We get to see and sense that Garak’s loyalty is to Cardassia, not the present rulers of it. That is also the thread that continues in all his episodes. Up to his return to Cardassia Garak always motivates his actions from this principle.
