Characters
This character is the protagonist of "The Kite Runner."
Who is Amir?
This central theme revolves around Amir's quest to make amends for betraying Hassan.
What is redemption?
The withered state of this tree represents the decay of Amir and Hassan's relationship.
What is the pomegranate tree?
The story concludes with this character bringing Sohrab to America, promising him a better life.
Who is Amir?
The story primarily takes place in this city, the capital of Afghanistan.
What is Kabul?
He is the loyal friend and servant of Amir, known for his loyalty and kite-running skills.
Who is Hassan?
This theme highlights the effects of guilt and the journey towards seeking forgiveness and redemption.
What is atonement or remorse?
This symbolizes the fractured friendship between Amir and Hassan.
What is the blue kite or the carving in the pomegranite tree?
This significant event occurs during a kite-fighting tournament, altering the lives of the main characters.
What is Hassan's assault by Assef?
This significant event in Afghanistan's history serves as a backdrop to the novel.
What is the rise of the Taliban?
This character is Amir's father and a respected figure in the community.
Who is Baba (Ali)?
The story addresses this theme, depicting the consequences of social class divisions and ethnic tensions.
What is discrimination or societal hierarchy?
This item symbolizes Hassan's sacrifice and loyalty to Amir.
What is Hassan's slingshot?
This tragic event leads Amir to return to Kabul and rescue Hassan's son.
What is the death of Hassan and his wife at the hands of the Taliban?
Amir and Baba immigrate to this American State to escape the Soviet invasion.
What is California?
He is the childhood bully who later becomes a member of the Taliban.
Who is Assef?
This recurring theme deals with the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal.
What is the nature of relationships?
This recurring symbol represents the hope for redemption and forgiveness.
What is the scar on Hassan's upper lip?
This character's guidance and request for Amir to rescue Sohrab become a turning point in the story.
Who is Rahim Khan?
This location in Kabul becomes a significant setting for Amir's memories and his return as an adult.
What is the old neighborhood, including Amir's childhood home?
He is Hassan's son and becomes a pivotal character later in the story.
Who is Sohrab?
The story explores the impact of this major historical event on the lives of the characters.
What is the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
This motif represents the innocence of childhood and the fleeting nature of happiness.
What are kites?
Amir returns to Afghanistan as an adult and discovers this about Hassan.
What is the revelation that Hassan was Amir's half-brother?
The story highlights the cultural and societal differences between this ethnic group and the Pashtuns.
Who are the Hazaras?