Characters
This narrator tells the story and struggles with guilt.
Who is Amir?
This childhood activity defines Amir and Hassan’s friendship early on.
What is kite running/flying?
“For you, a thousand times over” is said by this character.
Who is Hassan?
The country where the story begins.
What is Afghanistan?
The objects that symbolize both competition and Amir’s desire for approval.
What are kites?
Amir's loyal friend and servant who is a Hazara
Who is Hassan?
Amir wins this major winter event, hoping to earn Baba’s approval.
What is the kite tournament?
“There is a way to be good again” is said by this character.
Who is Rahim Khan?
The city where Amir and Hassan grow up.
What is Kabul?
This facial feature marks Hassan as different and later becomes a powerful symbol of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of Amir’s silence.
What is the cleft lip?
Amir’s father, known for his strength and moral code.
Who is Baba?
This traumatic event happens to Hassan in the alley after the tournament.
What is Hassan’s assault by Assef?
This character says, “A boy who won’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t stand up to anything.”
Who is Baba?
The ethnic group to which Hassan belongs.
What are the Hazaras?
The item that symbolizes Amir’s betrayal.
What is the watch?
The antagonist who bullies Hassan and later becomes more dangerous.
Who is Assef?
Amir frames Hassan by hiding this item under his mattress.
What is a watch and money?
Hassan’s line “Amir agha and I are friends” shows this belief about their relationship.
What is that they are equals?
The country where Baba and Amir resettle.
What is the United States?
The animal imagery associated with Hassan that represents innocence and sacrifice.
What is a lamb?
This kind, educated man befriends Amir and encourages his writing.
Rahim Khan
Amir and Baba flee Afghanistan due to this major historical event.
What is the Soviet invasion?
Amir’s statement “I ran because I was a coward” refers to this moment.
What is Hassan’s assault?
The 1979 event that leads to mass displacement in Afghanistan.
What is the Soviet invasion?
The larger idea symbolized by kite running.
What is the pursuit of redemption?