The Kite Runner Characters
The main characters in The Kite Runner are Amir, Baba, Hassan, Assef, and Soraya.
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Amir is the narrator and protagonist. As a child, he struggled to win his father’s love and felt jealous of Hassan’s connection to Baba.
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Baba is a respected member of the Afghan community who struggles to adapt to life in the US.
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Hassan is a servant at Baba’s house and Amir’s childhood friend. He is fiercely loyal to Amir despite Amir’s betrayal.
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Assef is a bully with fascistic beliefs. He becomes a high-ranking official in the Taliban.
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Soraya is Amir's wife. Her past and rebellious attitude alienate her from the community.
Characters
Amir
Amir, the protagonist and narrator of The Kite Runner, is born into a privileged Pashtun family in Kabul, Afghanistan. His mother died during childbirth, leaving Amir to be raised by his father, Baba, in a lavish mansion. Despite the luxury, Amir yearns for Baba's affection, which is rarely shown, causing Amir to live in the shadow of Baba's indifference. Baba's servants, Ali and his son Hassan, also reside on the estate in a modest mud shack. Hassan, although illiterate, is Amir's playmate and kite runner, yet their friendship is tainted by ethnic divides—Amir is a Pashtun, and Hassan is a Hazara. This societal prejudice prevents Amir from openly acknowledging Hassan as a friend, and Amir frequently manipulates Hassan's loyalty and gullibility to win Baba's favor, culminating in a series of betrayals.
Amir's most profound betrayal occurs when he witnesses Hassan's rape by Assef and does nothing to stop it, later framing Hassan for theft to rid himself of his guilt. This act stems from a desperate desire to win Baba's approval—with the blue kite, a symbol of his father's love, becoming the ultimate prize. As Amir matures, he is haunted by his past cowardice and seeks redemption by returning to Afghanistan to save Hassan's son, Sohrab. During a climactic encounter with Assef, Amir is beaten but experiences a cathartic release, laughing through the pain as he discovers newfound courage and selflessness.
Amir's life in America marks a journey towards personal growth. He becomes a writer after moving to the United States with Baba, who sacrifices greatly to ensure Amir's education. After marrying Soraya Taheri, Amir grapples with his guilt but finds a semblance of peace through the act of adopting Sohrab, fulfilling a promise to Hassan and offering a chance for atonement.
Hassan
Hassan, the son of Ali, is born with a harelip and raised as a servant in Baba's household. Despite being illiterate, Hassan displays remarkable intelligence and loyalty, declaring to Amir, "For you, a thousand times over." His relationship with Amir is complex; although Amir hesitates to call him a friend due to societal pressures, Hassan remains steadfastly devoted. Hassan's unwavering honesty becomes a tragic flaw, as his belief in the goodness of others leaves him vulnerable to exploitation.
The pivotal moment in Hassan's life is his rape by Assef, an event that he silently endures, bearing "the look of the lamb"—a symbol of sacrificial innocence. This incident marks him as the sacrificial lamb that Amir "had to slay" to win his father's affection. Despite this, Hassan covers for Amir by falsely confessing to theft, showing his enduring loyalty. Even after leaving Baba's home with Ali, Hassan harbors no resentment towards Amir, instead telling his son, Sohrab, that Amir was "the best friend he ever had." After becoming a father, Hassan returns to Baba's house, where he rekindles a relationship with his estranged mother, Sanaubar, and forms a loving family until his murder by the Taliban.
Baba
Baba, Amir's father, is a larger-than-life figure—a wealthy and respected merchant known for his philanthropy and moral code, particularly his belief that "theft" is the greatest sin. Baba's inability to show Amir affection stems partially from seeing his son as unlike himself—Amir is introspective and bookish, whereas Baba is outgoing and commanding. Baba's relationship with Hassan is complicated by his own guilt over his affair with Sanaubar, Hassan's mother, making Hassan his illegitimate son. Baba can only show Hassan kindness in small ways, constrained by societal norms, such as arranging for Hassan's cleft palate surgery.
In America, Baba faces the loss of his status and the weight of his past, but his relationship with Amir improves as he witnesses Amir's achievements and marriage to Soraya. Baba never remarries after Amir's mother's death, instead surrounding himself with friends and focusing on providing for Amir. He works tirelessly at a gas station in the US to fund Amir's education, ultimately finding peace as he witnesses Amir's maturation and success.
Rahim Khan
Rahim Khan is Baba's closest friend and business associate, serving as a mediator between Baba and Amir. He supports Amir's aspirations to become a writer by gifting him a journal and offering encouragement, often stepping in during father-son conflicts. Rahim Khan also harbors family secrets, revealing to Amir as an adult that Hassan was his half-brother. In his later years, Rahim Khan seeks out Hassan to live with him in Kabul during the war, becoming a father figure to him. As his health declines, Rahim Khan calls Amir back to the Middle East, urging him to rescue Sohrab and find "a way to be good again."
Assef
Assef is the embodiment of cruelty and bigotry in The Kite Runner. As a child, he was a bully with a neo-Nazi ideology, idolizing Adolf Hitler and advocating for ethnic cleansing in Afghanistan. He terrorizes Hassan and Amir, later raping Hassan in an act of brutal dominance. As an adult, Assef's sadism finds an outlet in his role as a Taliban leader, where he continues his campaign against Hazaras and engages in the abuse of children, including Sohrab. Assef's encounter with Amir in later years is marked by violence, with Amir finally standing up to him and Sohrab exacting justice by blinding Assef with his slingshot.
Soraya Taheri
Soraya, Amir's wife, is an intelligent and compassionate Afghan woman who navigates the challenges of her community's expectations. Her past, involving living with a man out of wedlock, casts a shadow over her reputation, yet she is undeterred by gossip. Soraya supports Amir's writing career and takes care of her family, aspiring to be a teacher. Her relationship with Amir offers both a refuge and an opportunity for collaboration in building a future together, including adopting Sohrab.
Sohrab
Sohrab, the son of Hassan and Farzana, inherits his father's physical traits and skill with a slingshot. After the Taliban execute his parents, Sohrab is forced into an orphanage, where he suffers abuse. Amir's rescue of Sohrab from Assef marks a turning point in both their lives. Despite initial trauma, Sohrab eventually joins Amir and Soraya in America, where he struggles with silence but gradually begins to heal, symbolizing hope and continuity as the new "kite runner."
Ali
Ali, Baba's loyal servant, is a Hazara afflicted by polio, leaving him with a limp. Despite facing discrimination, Ali maintains his dignity and remains devoted to Baba and Amir. He stands by Baba even when faced with the shame of Hassan's alleged theft, choosing to leave rather than live with dishonor. As a father, Ali is deeply caring, though he endures personal loss and ostracism.
Sanaubar
Sanaubar, Hassan's mother, initially abandons her family but returns later in life seeking redemption. Her reconciliation with Hassan and her role in Sohrab's life illustrate themes of forgiveness and familial bonds. Despite her past, Sanaubar finds meaning in her final years by nurturing her grandson, becoming "the center of her existence."
Farid
Farid, a former mujahedin fighter, serves as Amir's driver and guide when Amir returns to Afghanistan. Initially suspicious of Amir's intentions, Farid comes to respect him for risking his life to save Sohrab. Farid's own experiences of loss and struggle under the Taliban regime create a bond between him and Amir, underscoring themes of loyalty and redemption. Despite personal responsibilities, Farid aids Amir's mission, showcasing his integrity and honor.
General Iqbal Taheri
The father of Soraya and a prominent figure in the Afghan community of Northern California, General Taheri clings to his former status and rejects common work. With his wife, he maintains connections with fellow immigrants, hoping for an eventual return to Afghanistan. The General's pride and adherence to traditional values often clash with the realities of his new life in exile.
Khanum Taheri
Also referred to as Khala Jamila, Khanum Taheri is Soraya's mother, known for her lively demeanor and hypochondria. Once celebrated for her singing, she is now restricted by her husband's wishes. Despite these limitations, she remains a supportive figure in her family's life, embodying the challenges faced by women in maintaining cultural traditions abroad.
Farzana
Farzana, the devoted wife of Hassan and mother of Sohrab, shares her husband's fate at the hands of the Taliban. Her compassionate nature is evident in her dedication to Hassan's mother, Sanaubar, and her nurturing of Sohrab. Farzana's untimely death highlights the relentless persecution faced by the Hazara community.
Kamal
A reluctant accomplice in Hassan's assault, Kamal later becomes a victim of his own circumstances, suffering a similar fate. His tragic death during an escape attempt underscores the pervasive violence and desperation facing Afghan families.
Zaman
Zaman, the director of a struggling orphanage in Kabul, provides Amir and Farid with crucial information about Sohrab's whereabouts. His role reflects the dire conditions faced by Afghan children and the limited resources available to protect them from exploitation.
Expert Q&A
Who is Kamal in "The Kite Runner?"
Kamal is a minor character in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, serving as one of Assef's cowardly and obsequious "lieutenants." Alongside Wali, Kamal follows Assef's lead in bullying others, including participating in the attack on Hassan. Kamal's character is emblematic of weakness and subservience, and his tragic end—dying of asphyxiation—adds poignancy to the story, further highlighted by his father's subsequent suicide.
Does Baba, in The Kite Runner, have another name?
Baba's real name is never revealed in The Kite Runner. Amir always refers to him as "Baba," meaning "father" in Arabic, emphasizing Amir's idealized view of him. Baba is also known as "Toophan agha" ("Mr. Hurricane"). The family name might be Akrami, inferred from Amir's mother's name, Sofia Akrami, mentioned in the novel.
Why did Hassan name his son after a Shahnamah character?
Hassan named his son Sohrab after a character from the "Rostam and Sohrab" story in the Shahnamah, a favorite childhood tale he often read with Amir. This epic, featuring themes of familial bonds and tragedy, deeply resonated with Hassan, who identified with the wounded Sohrab. The emotional connection and cherished memories of reading under the pomegranate tree influenced his decision to honor the character by naming his son after him.
Who are Wali and Kamal, and what happens between them, Assef, Amir, and Hassan?
Wali and Kamal are friends of Assef and help him torment Hassan. Both are depicted as followers who admire and fear Assef. Initially, they are shocked when Hassan stands up to Assef. Later, they reluctantly assist in holding Hassan down while Assef rapes him. Ironically, Kamal is later revealed to have been raped himself, leaving him traumatized.
What are the external conflicts between Amir and Hassan in The Kite Runner?
The external conflicts between Amir and Hassan in The Kite Runner include their differing cultural and social statuses, as Amir is a privileged Pashtun and Hassan is a marginalized Hazara. This disparity influences their relationship and societal treatment. Additionally, the character Assef introduces conflict by bullying both boys and later raping Hassan, creating a significant rift. Amir's eventual rescue of Hassan's son, Sohrab, symbolizes the resolution of these conflicts.
In The Kite Runner, what symbols represent Rahim Khan?
In The Kite Runner, Rahim Khan is symbolically linked to Amir's journal and the phone call he makes to Amir. The phone call symbolizes Amir's unresolved guilt and his need for atonement, as Rahim Khan prompts Amir to confront his past. The notebook Rahim Khan gifts Amir for his birthday represents his encouragement and support for Amir's writing aspirations, symbolizing Rahim Khan's role in nurturing Amir's identity and dreams.
What are the birth dates (day/month) of Amir and Hassan?
The exact birth dates of Amir and Hassan are not specified in Khaled Hosseini's novel. However, clues suggest that Hassan was born in the winter, as indicated by the gift of surgery for his cleft palate during that season. Amir's birthday is in the summer, as noted when he turns thirteen in 1976, accompanied by a large birthday party. The specific days and months remain unspecified, allowing readers to imagine them.
Characterize Hassan's physical features and relationships in The Kite Runner.
What are some character weaknesses of young Amir in The Kite Runner?
Young Amir in The Kite Runner displays several character weaknesses, including entitlement due to his privileged background and a lack of genuine friendship with Hassan, whom he often manipulates. He plays pranks without considering consequences and allows Hassan to take the blame for his misdeeds. Amir's cowardice is evident when he fails to defend Hassan during an assault, later feeling guilty but too afraid to confess. He struggles with self-centeredness, guilt, and a lack of courage throughout his youth.
In The Kite Runner, is Baba a hero or a hypocrite?
Baba can be seen as both a hero and a hypocrite. As a hero, he is charitable, builds an orphanage, treats Ali and Hassan like family, and bravely confronts a Russian soldier to protect a woman. He sacrifices his affluent life in Kabul for his son's future in America. However, he is a hypocrite for fathering Hassan and never acknowledging him due to his Hazara ethnicity, despite being close friends with Hassan's supposed father, Ali.
Was Amir in "The Kite Runner" a coward, a hero, or neither?
Amir proves himself both a coward and a hero in the novel. While his actions as a child show insecurity and a lack of courage, his adult life shows bravery, compassion, and heroism. This is seen when Amir faces numerous dangers to rescue Hassan's orphaned child and make up for his past mistakes.
In The Kite Runner, how does Baba feel about his son?
Baba initially feels disappointed in his son, Amir, due to his literary interests and perceived weaknesses, such as needing protection from Hassan. Baba's pride is momentarily restored when Amir wins a kite flying contest, but it diminishes again following Amir's request to dismiss Hassan. However, their relationship improves after emigrating to America, as Amir matures, graduates, becomes a writer, and marries, allowing them to grow closer before Baba's death.
Who are Assef's friends in The Kite Runner?
Assef's friends in "The Kite Runner" are Kamal and Wali. They share some of Assef's prejudices against the Hazaras, including Hassan, and assist Assef in chasing Hassan to retrieve a kite. Although hesitant, they reluctantly participate in Assef's assault on Hassan, illustrating their fear and desire to fit in. Later, the narrative reveals that Kamal also suffers a similar fate when trying to escape to Pakistan, suggesting a form of karmic justice.
How do the similarities and differences in Amir and Hassan's personalities define their relationship?
Amir and Hassan's relationship is defined by both similarities and differences in their personalities. Despite their different backgrounds—Amir being a privileged Pashtun and Hassan an oppressed Hazara—they share a love for literature and kite fighting. Amir is literate and reads to Hassan, while Hassan excels in athletics. Amir lacks confidence and seeks his father's approval, whereas Hassan is confident and humble. Their complementary traits and shared interests strengthen their bond, making them an effective pair.
What does this quote reveal about Amir's character and feelings in The Kite Runner?
"Maybe it would be for the best. Lessen his suffering. And mine too. Either way, this much had become clear: One of us had to go."
This quote reveals Amir's deceitful and self-serving nature, as he plans to frame Hassan for theft to rid himself of guilt. Amir justifies this betrayal by convincing himself it will lessen both their sufferings, but his actions are driven by jealousy and a guilty conscience. Unlike his father, Amir lacks strong character traits and prioritizes his own interests, failing to consider the consequences for Hassan and Ali.
What is Amir's ethnicity in The Kite Runner?
Amir is a Pashtun, a member of the predominant Sunni ethnic group in Afghanistan. As Pashtuns, Amir and his father Baba enjoy privileges and status that the oppressed Hazara minority do not. The Pashtuns have historically dominated Afghanistan, often discriminating against Hazaras, who are a Shiite minority. Hassan and Ali, who are Hazaras, work as servants for Baba. Despite being Hassan's biological father, Baba does not acknowledge him due to his Hazara ethnicity.
What role do minor characters play in The Kite Runner?
Soraya and Amir's Personalities and Father Relationships in "The Kite Runner"
In Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, Soraya and Amir share complex relationships with their powerful fathers, shaped by their Afghan upbringings. Both fathers, Baba and General Taheri, were influential figures in Afghanistan but struggled to adapt in America. Amir seeks Baba's approval, often feeling inadequate due to his non-masculine traits, while Soraya openly challenges her father's expectations. Both characters carry past secrets—Amir's betrayal of Hassan and Soraya's elopement—yet find redemption and strengthened familial bonds as they mature, particularly through their shared adoption of Sohrab.
The relationship between Baba and Hassan in The Kite Runner, elucidated by past events revealing Baba as Hassan's father
The relationship between Baba and Hassan in The Kite Runner is complex, as it is later revealed that Baba is Hassan's biological father. This secret shapes their interactions, as Baba's guilt and affection for Hassan are evident, yet constrained by societal norms and personal pride.
Deaths of Key Characters in "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, key characters who die include Hassan, who is executed by the Taliban, and Baba, who succumbs to cancer. These deaths significantly impact the protagonist, Amir, driving much of his emotional journey and quest for redemption.
Assef's Role and Symbolism in The Kite Runner
Assef in The Kite Runner is a significant antagonist symbolizing cruelty and ethnic hatred. As a teenager, he is depicted as a sociopath, known for his violence, including carrying brass knuckles and idolizing Hitler. Assef's actions, such as bullying and sodomizing Hassan, reflect his belief in Pashtun superiority and ethnic cleansing of Hazaras. Born into privilege, he seamlessly transitions into a Taliban official, continuing his oppressive actions under their regime.
Characterization of Soraya in The Kite Runner
Soraya in The Kite Runner is portrayed as a compassionate, strong, and resilient woman. She overcomes cultural and personal challenges, including a troubled past, to build a loving relationship with Amir. Her character is marked by her kindness and dedication, particularly in her role as a supportive wife and a caring teacher.
Baba's qualities as a father to Amir in The Kite Runner
Baba is a complex father figure to Amir, displaying both strengths and weaknesses. He is authoritative, hardworking, and principled, often emphasizing the importance of honor and integrity. However, Baba struggles to connect emotionally with Amir, sometimes appearing distant and critical, which creates a strained relationship. Despite his flaws, Baba's actions ultimately demonstrate his deep, albeit imperfect, love for his son.
Amir's Transformation in "The Kite Runner"
In Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, Amir undergoes significant transformation, maturing from a guilt-ridden boy into a responsible, paternal figure. This change is catalyzed by his experiences in America, where he becomes a successful author and marries Soraya, and by returning to Afghanistan to rescue his nephew Sohrab. Amir's journey towards redemption involves confronting his past sins and forgiving himself, ultimately becoming an honorable man as he embraces his new role as Sohrab's guardian.
Analysis of Baba and Ali's character dimensions in The Kite Runner
Baba is portrayed as a complex character, embodying both strength and moral contradictions, while Ali is depicted as humble, loyal, and caring, despite his hardships. Baba's actions reflect his internal struggles and societal expectations, whereas Ali's character highlights themes of loyalty and resilience.
Baba's character analysis in The Kite Runner: tragic hero or admirable figure
Baba in The Kite Runner embodies both a tragic hero and an admirable figure. His tragic flaws include his infidelity and pride, which cause significant pain to those around him. However, he is also admirable for his bravery, generosity, and commitment to principles, particularly his efforts to provide for others and stand up against injustice.
Favorite and most sympathetic characters in The Kite Runner
Many readers find Hassan to be the most sympathetic character in The Kite Runner due to his unwavering loyalty and innocence despite suffering numerous injustices. Additionally, Amir's journey of redemption and growth earns him sympathy as he seeks to make amends for past mistakes.
Amir's Heroism in The Kite Runner
In The Kite Runner, Amir is portrayed as a flawed hero whose journey is driven by a quest for redemption rather than traditional heroism. Initially, Amir fails to defend Hassan from Assef, a cowardly act that haunts him. However, he later returns to Afghanistan, risking his life to rescue Sohrab from Assef, demonstrating courage and selflessness. Amir's actions, including adopting Sohrab and confronting societal prejudices, ultimately reflect his growth into a heroic figure despite his past failings.
How are the characters Rasheed, Luke O'Neill, and General Taheri similar and different?
Rasheed, Luke O'Neill, and General Taheri are all overbearing, sexist, and self-centered. General Taheri, from The Kite Runner, is a conservative traditionalist who values honor and respects his family, making him the most sympathetic. Luke O'Neill, in The Thorn Birds, is mean-spirited and exploits women for personal gain. Rasheed, from A Thousand Splendid Suns, is violent and oppressive, more powerful due to his societal context, unlike the ineffectual Luke.
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