The Kite Runner: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Kite Runner" is a poignant novel by Khaled Hosseini that delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption through the lives of its major characters. At the heart of the story is Amir, a sensitive Pashtun boy who seeks his father's approval and grapples with guilt after failing to protect his loyal friend, Hassan, a Hazara servant, during a traumatic encounter. Their complex relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a changing Afghanistan, revealing deep social divides and personal struggles.
Hassan, despite being Amir's servant, is portrayed as a loyal friend and a gifted kite runner, embodying the innocence and bravery that Amir lacks. The novel also explores the relationship between Amir and his father, Baba, a powerful figure whose expectations weigh heavily on Amir, contrasting with the unconditional love shown by Ali, Hassan's father. Rahim Khan serves as a guiding figure for Amir, encouraging him to confront his past and seek redemption.
As the narrative progresses, the devastating impact of war and personal choices leads to tragic outcomes for Hassan and his family, culminating in Amir's journey to rescue Hassan's son, Sohrab. This act of redemption highlights the themes of forgiveness and the possibility of healing. Other significant characters, including Amir's wife Soraya and adversary Assef, further enrich the narrative, providing insights into Afghan culture and the complexities of human relationships. Ultimately, "The Kite Runner" offers a profound exploration of the bonds that tie individuals together, even amidst great adversity.
The Kite Runner: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Khaled Hosseini
First published: 2003
Genre: Novel
Locale: Kabul, Afghanistan; Peshawar, Pakistan; Fremont, California
Plot: Social morality
Time: July 1973-December 2001
Amir, a literary, sensitive elite Pashtun who yearns for the love and approval of his distant father, Baba. One of his favorite activities is kite fighting with Hassan, his devoted personal servant. On one occasion, while chasing after the winning kite in the city tournament, a terrified Amir watches but fails to defend Hassan as Assef sodomizes him. Amir wants only to secure the kite and, with it, he believes, his father's love. Afterward, feeling guilty over his cowardice, Amir shuns Hassan and eventually frames him for theft, driving Hassan and Ali away. In the United States, Amir's relationship with his father improves. Decades later, Amir returns to Afghanistan, where he learns that Hassan was actually his half brother. Amir rescues Hassan's orphaned son, Sohrab, at great personal risk and cost, and eventually Amir and his wife, Soraya, adopt him. In the United States, Amir coaxes a smile from the traumatized Sohrab when the two participate in kite fighting.
Hassan, Amir's friend, with a face like a china doll and a harelip, and a lower-class Hazara. He is the presumed son of Ali and is Amir's personal servant. One of their favorite activities is kite fighting, and Hassan is one of the best kite runners in Kabul. While chasing after the winning kite in the city tournament, Hassan is beaten and sodomized by Assef. When Amir later shuns Hassan and frames him for theft, Hassan falsely confesses. Baba, Hassan's true father, refuses to banish him and Ali, but they leave anyway. Decades later, Hassan and his lovely, devoted wife, Farzana, are executed for defending Baba's home, leaving their son, Sohrab, an orphan.
Baba, Amir's father, a wealthy Pashtun and a larger-than-life, almost mythic character in Afghanistan. He does not understand Amir's literary and sensitive spirit and worries that Amir will not possess the honor and pride valued in Afghan culture. Baba appears to prefer Hassan to Amir. He is a combination of virtues and vices: although Baba hides the truth about his fathering Hassan, during his and Amir's escape to the United States, Baba risks his life to defend a young woman from rape by a Soviet soldier. In the United States, his star does not shine as brightly, and he fades from overwork as a gas station manager. However, his old character comes through in his refusal of government assistance and chemo-therapy. As Baba's star fades, Amir and Baba deepen their relationship. Baba confesses his pride in Amir at his high school graduation and spends his life savings on Amir and Soraya's wedding.
Ali, a Hazara and a devoted father to Hassan and faithful servant to Baba, the two having grown up together. Ali's lower facial muscles are paralyzed, and his left leg is twisted and atrophied from a bout of polio. Ali gives Hassan and even Amir the paternal tenderness Baba does not. When Hassan falsely admits to theft to save Amir, Ali insists on leaving Baba's household, despite Baba's forgiveness and pleading. Later, Amir learns that Ali is sterile and that Hassan was fathered by Baba, a secret kept from the boys by Baba, Ali, and Rahim Khan.
Rahim Khan, Baba's closest friend and a second father figure to Amir, especially encouraging him in his writing. After the attack on Hassan, Amir suspects Rahim knows everything. When Hassan's son Sohrab is orphaned and abducted, Rahim calls Amir and promises that there is a way to be good again. When Amir returns to Afghanistan, Rahim admits Hassan told him about the attack and that he knew Amir framed Hassan for theft. Rahim also says that he recognized that Amir longed for his father's love and encourages Amir not to be too hard on himself or his father. He tells Amir that Hassan was Baba's son and calls on him to rescue Hassan's son, Sohrab, newly revealed to be Amir's nephew. He dies peacefully soon after Amir leaves.
Sohrab, Hassan's son, who greatly resembles his Hazara father. After Sohrab is orphaned, Assef buys and sexually abuses him. When Amir comes to redeem him from Assef and a fight ensues, Sohrab uses his slingshot to gouge out Assef's eye. He and Amir escape, and Sohrab stays with Amir as he recovers from his broken bones. When bureaucracy delays Amir's adoption of him, Sohrab attempts suicide. Soraya's uncle Sharif facilities the adoption, and Sohrab comes to the United States but remains distant from Amir and Soraya. However, one day when Amir and Sohrab fight kites together, Sohrab offers a small smile.
Assef, a good-looking Pashtun and the neighborhood bully who beats and sodomizes Hassan as Amir watches. Decades later, Assef joins the Taliban and buys the orphaned Sohrab and sexually abuses him. When Amir tries to redeem Sohrab, Assef insists on a fight to the death. Assef loses when Sohrab takes his eye out with a slingshot.
Soraya, Amir's Afghan wife, whom he meets and marries in the United States. According to Afghan culture, she is considered unsuitable for marriage due to an earlier dalliance, but Amir loves her beauty, courage, and kindness and marries her anyway. Although hesitant to pursue traditional adoption, she is eager to adopt Sohrab.
General Iqbal Taheri, Soraya's father, who was a friend of Baba. He is officious and fiercely guards Afghan traditions. Soraya and Amir have a close, if sometimes difficult, relationship with him.
Jamila, General Taheri's kindly, traditional Afghan wife and Soraya's mother, who adores Amir, partly out of gratitude for marrying Soraya.
Sanaubar, Hassan's attractive, promiscuous mother and Ali's wife. Soon after Hassan's birth, she runs off with the gypsies but returns decades later as a mutilated, broken woman seeking to reconnect with Hassan and becomes a loving grandmother to Sohrab.
Sofia Akrami, Amir's beautiful, intelligent mother who dies in childbirth. Although Amir never knows her, he is drawn to her books, where he encounters epics, poetry, and compassion toward the Hazara people.