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0
M
Molly C
14/12/2025
English Literature
Characters/themes in the Kite Runner
228
•
14 Dec 2025
•
Major Characters and Themes in 'The Kite Runner'
M
Molly C
@mollyc06
1 / 4
Main Characters: Amir and Hassan
Amir, the Pashtun narrator, constantly struggles with feelings of inferiority and guilt. Despite being privileged, he manipulates Hassan's loyalty to feel superior, yet becomes powerless when facing bullies like Assef. His journey from America back to Afghanistan represents his attempt to reclaim power and find redemption.
Amir's rebellion often takes destructive forms - he frames Hassan for theft because he can't bear the daily reminder of his cowardice during Hassan's rape. He throws pomegranates at Hassan, desperately wanting punishment that never comes. Even his pursuit of Soraya defies General Taheri's obvious disapproval.
Hassan, the Hazara servant, possesses intelligence and loyalty but remains powerless due to his social status. His famous line "for you a thousand times over" shows his unwavering devotion to Amir. Though denied education, he secretly learns to read and write.
Key insight: Hassan's bravery with his slingshot against Assef shows he'll rebel to protect Amir, even when society tells him to submit to Pashtuns.
Hassan endures horrific abuse - rape, social discrimination, and emotional manipulation from Amir. Yet he never retaliates, accepting even false accusations of theft with heartbreaking grace.
Father Figures: Baba, Ali, Assef, and Rahim Khan
Baba represents traditional Afghan masculinity and power in Kabul. However, his move to America strips away his authority - he struggles with Western culture and slowly deteriorates. His secret affair with Sanaubar reveals his abuse of power, denying Hassan knowledge of his true parentage.
Ali, despite his physical disabilities from polio, maintains dignity through loyalty and faith. Unlike others, he never abuses whatever small power he has. His decision to leave with Hassan shows rare rebellion against the servant-master relationship, prioritising his son's wellbeing over Baba's pleas.
Assef embodies pure evil and represents Afghanistan's worst elements. This racist bully idolises Hitler and wishes to eliminate Hazaras. He uses his power to inflict violence and sexual abuse on the vulnerable, showing how unchecked authority corrupts absolutely.
Key insight: Assef's gift of Hitler's Mein Kampf to Amir shows his disturbing attempt to spread his toxic ideology.
Rahim Khan serves as Amir's father figure and moral compass. He manipulates Amir into returning to Afghanistan, knowing about the events in chapter 7. His own forbidden love for a Hazara woman shows how even sympathetic characters must sometimes surrender to societal pressures.
Supporting Characters: Farid, Sanaubar, and the Taheri Family
Farid initially judges Amir as a privileged traitor who abandoned Afghanistan. However, once he understands Amir's true mission, he risks his life to help find Sohrab. His transformation from critic to ally shows how understanding can overcome prejudice.
Sanaubar experiences a complete reversal of fortune. Once beautiful and powerful enough to seduce Baba, she returns disfigured and powerless, seeking redemption through caring for her grandson. Her early abandonment of Hassan represents the ultimate abuse of maternal responsibility.
Soraya breaks Afghan gender expectations through her education and independence. Despite General Taheri's attempts to control her, she finds ways to communicate with Amir. Her past relationship scandal shows her willingness to rebel, though she later submits to traditional marriage arrangements.
Key insight: Soraya's inability to have children makes her feel powerless, showing how societal expectations around motherhood affect women's self-worth.
General Taheri embodies traditional Afghan patriarchy, believing he has complete authority over his wife and daughter. He forbids Jamila from singing and threatens Soraya with violence. His gradual weakening in hospital allows the women in his family to reclaim small freedoms.
Jamila represents the oppression of Afghan women, losing her singing voice to marriage. Yet she finds subtle ways to rebel, helping Amir court Soraya and singing secretly to her hospitalised husband.
Minor Character: Kamal's Transformation
Kamal serves as a powerful example of how victims can become perpetrators and vice versa. As Assef's childhood follower, he participates in Hassan's rape, blindly following orders he likely doesn't fully understand or agree with.
His character arc represents the cycle of abuse that destroys Afghanistan. During the escape from Afghanistan, Kamal becomes weak and eventually dies, symbolising how power built on cruelty ultimately collapses. The implication that he too was raped shows how violence spreads and consumes both perpetrators and victims.
Kamal's reluctance to fully participate in Hassan's assault suggests he recognises the wrongness of Assef's actions but feels trapped by peer pressure and fear. This makes him a tragic figure rather than purely evil.
Key insight: Kamal's death during the escape represents the broader destruction of innocence and humanity in war-torn Afghanistan.
His transformation from abuser to victim illustrates one of the novel's central themes - that unchecked power and violence ultimately destroy everyone involved, regardless of their initial position of strength or weakness.
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Most popular content: The Kite Runner
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Major Characters and Themes in 'The Kite Runner'
M
Molly C
@mollyc06
The Kite Runner explores complex themes of power, rebellion, and abuse through its memorable characters. Understanding how each character wields or loses power, rebels against expectations, and experiences or inflicts abuse is crucial for grasping the novel's deeper meanings.
Main Characters: Amir and Hassan
Amir, the Pashtun narrator, constantly struggles with feelings of inferiority and guilt. Despite being privileged, he manipulates Hassan's loyalty to feel superior, yet becomes powerless when facing bullies like Assef. His journey from America back to Afghanistan represents his attempt to reclaim power and find redemption.
Amir's rebellion often takes destructive forms - he frames Hassan for theft because he can't bear the daily reminder of his cowardice during Hassan's rape. He throws pomegranates at Hassan, desperately wanting punishment that never comes. Even his pursuit of Soraya defies General Taheri's obvious disapproval.
Hassan, the Hazara servant, possesses intelligence and loyalty but remains powerless due to his social status. His famous line "for you a thousand times over" shows his unwavering devotion to Amir. Though denied education, he secretly learns to read and write.
Key insight: Hassan's bravery with his slingshot against Assef shows he'll rebel to protect Amir, even when society tells him to submit to Pashtuns.
Hassan endures horrific abuse - rape, social discrimination, and emotional manipulation from Amir. Yet he never retaliates, accepting even false accusations of theft with heartbreaking grace.
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Father Figures: Baba, Ali, Assef, and Rahim Khan
Baba represents traditional Afghan masculinity and power in Kabul. However, his move to America strips away his authority - he struggles with Western culture and slowly deteriorates. His secret affair with Sanaubar reveals his abuse of power, denying Hassan knowledge of his true parentage.
Ali, despite his physical disabilities from polio, maintains dignity through loyalty and faith. Unlike others, he never abuses whatever small power he has. His decision to leave with Hassan shows rare rebellion against the servant-master relationship, prioritising his son's wellbeing over Baba's pleas.
Assef embodies pure evil and represents Afghanistan's worst elements. This racist bully idolises Hitler and wishes to eliminate Hazaras. He uses his power to inflict violence and sexual abuse on the vulnerable, showing how unchecked authority corrupts absolutely.
Key insight: Assef's gift of Hitler's Mein Kampf to Amir shows his disturbing attempt to spread his toxic ideology.
Rahim Khan serves as Amir's father figure and moral compass. He manipulates Amir into returning to Afghanistan, knowing about the events in chapter 7. His own forbidden love for a Hazara woman shows how even sympathetic characters must sometimes surrender to societal pressures.
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Improve your grades
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Supporting Characters: Farid, Sanaubar, and the Taheri Family
Farid initially judges Amir as a privileged traitor who abandoned Afghanistan. However, once he understands Amir's true mission, he risks his life to help find Sohrab. His transformation from critic to ally shows how understanding can overcome prejudice.
Sanaubar experiences a complete reversal of fortune. Once beautiful and powerful enough to seduce Baba, she returns disfigured and powerless, seeking redemption through caring for her grandson. Her early abandonment of Hassan represents the ultimate abuse of maternal responsibility.
Soraya breaks Afghan gender expectations through her education and independence. Despite General Taheri's attempts to control her, she finds ways to communicate with Amir. Her past relationship scandal shows her willingness to rebel, though she later submits to traditional marriage arrangements.
Key insight: Soraya's inability to have children makes her feel powerless, showing how societal expectations around motherhood affect women's self-worth.
General Taheri embodies traditional Afghan patriarchy, believing he has complete authority over his wife and daughter. He forbids Jamila from singing and threatens Soraya with violence. His gradual weakening in hospital allows the women in his family to reclaim small freedoms.
Jamila represents the oppression of Afghan women, losing her singing voice to marriage. Yet she finds subtle ways to rebel, helping Amir court Soraya and singing secretly to her hospitalised husband.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Minor Character: Kamal's Transformation
Kamal serves as a powerful example of how victims can become perpetrators and vice versa. As Assef's childhood follower, he participates in Hassan's rape, blindly following orders he likely doesn't fully understand or agree with.
His character arc represents the cycle of abuse that destroys Afghanistan. During the escape from Afghanistan, Kamal becomes weak and eventually dies, symbolising how power built on cruelty ultimately collapses. The implication that he too was raped shows how violence spreads and consumes both perpetrators and victims.
Kamal's reluctance to fully participate in Hassan's assault suggests he recognises the wrongness of Assef's actions but feels trapped by peer pressure and fear. This makes him a tragic figure rather than purely evil.
Key insight: Kamal's death during the escape represents the broader destruction of innocence and humanity in war-torn Afghanistan.
His transformation from abuser to victim illustrates one of the novel's central themes - that unchecked power and violence ultimately destroy everyone involved, regardless of their initial position of strength or weakness.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: The Kite Runner
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user