Character Analysis: The Kite Runner

In The Kite Runner the reader is given a very detailed description of the divided society that is Afghanistan. Through the first ten chapters the reader is told about the main character Amir and his half brother Hassan. It depicts the boys running through the streets of Kabul and chasing kites. However, it also touches on the racial difference between the boys. Amir is pure afghan, whereas, Hassan is chinese/mongol and because of this stands out. It’s because of these racial differences that the two boys lead very different lives and at the same time show the divide of Afghan society. Afghanistan is depicted as a very prideful society with everyone leading lives that are very much centred around the fact that they are afghan. This causes …show more content…
As a child Hassan knew nothing but serving Baba and Amir. He saw Amir as his only friend and he never knew the truth about being Baba’s son. Hassan was outcasted by other kids and when he was with Amir in public he was tormented. From a young age he dealt with horrific acts of hatred and was even raped after Amir became to frightened to stand up for Hassan. This lead Hassan to ultimately moving away and never talking to Baba and Amir again. It’s not until later in the book that the author tells of what happened to Hassan. It’s through a Amir’s family friend that Hassan’s story is told. It starts with Hassan, his wife and their son Sohrab living in a small village and hut. He leads a simple life away from the taliban and all the bloodshed. However, when Hassan did return he at first wasn’t bothered. He stayed at home and helped take care of the house he once live in with Amir and Baba. It wasn’t until it spread that Hassan and his family were the only ones in the house that everything came crashing down. It was this rumor that lead to the assassination of his wife and himself. Ultimately being forced on his knees in the town square and shot in the back of the head. For Hassan life was very discriminatory against him and his people. He lead a life of misery but never let it ruin his spirit as he was mostly described as a happy person. It was the divide between Afghans and Hazaras that lead to his