Amir is forever troubled by his acts of treachery against his friend/servant Hassan. He fails to come to his assistance when he is gang-raped by Assef, and then plants evidence that implicates Hassan in a theft in the household. Amir is only able to vindicate himself by returning to Afghanistan to rescue Hassan's son from the hands of the Taliban. Amir is likewise troubled by the relationship with his dominating father, Baba. He eases his conscience by doting over him and reviving their love after Baba is diagnosed with cancer. The author creates a complex character in Amir, who shows weakness and selfishness as a youth; intelligence and regret as an adult; and a heroic streak mixed with a desire to become a true family man in the later chapters.