Amir has an affinity for storytelling and is greatly influenced by his mother's interest in literature. Amir is a very self-conscious child who writes stories to express his emotions. Amir has a desire to become a writer and also enjoys the creative process involved in storytelling. As a child, Amir spends the majority of his leisure time reading from his mother's book collection. Amir is also motivated to write stories to impress his father. He desperately desires his father's affection and hopes that Baba will praise him for writing a marvelous fictional story. As an adult, Amir becomes a writer and uses his gift of storytelling to earn a living.

Hassan enjoys stories and is captivated by the characters, situations, emotions, and settings described in various genres of literature. Unlike Amir, Hassan is not afforded the opportunity to go to school and is illiterate. Despite the fact that he cannot read or write, Hassan loves stories and continually encourages Amir to read to him. Hassan is particularly interested in Persian epics. One could argue that Hassan enjoys stories because they allow him to escape from his difficult environment and fantasize about a better life. He is also entertained by stories and enjoys being around Amir while he reads them.