The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, depicts the childhood and growth of Amir, a privileged Afghan boy. The character development of Amir is an important literary element of The Kite Runner. Amir is highly influenced by his father, his opportunities in America, and his moral obligations. One source of Amir’s character development is his father, Baba. Amir’s mother dies giving birth to him, so Amir’s only parent and most significant role model is his father. Baba is an affluent, hardworking businessman that exhibits the honor and pride of Afghanistan. He is honest, well known, and opinionated; and he wants his son to be just like himself. Baba also values loyalty and strength. Amir’s sole goal as he grows up is to impress his father;
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America is very different from Afghanistan; in Afghanistan, tradition and lineage are very important. In America, anyone can start new and make a life for themselves. After spending time in America, Amir contemplates, “America was a river, roaring along, unmindful of the past. I could wade into this river, let my sins drown to the bottom, let the waters carry me someplace far”(136). Though he faces challenges in America, Amir is excited because he can create his own future as a writer, which would have been unacceptable in his homeland. Thus, Amir’s new independence allows him to be responsible for his own actions, and being away from people that knew him allows him to be independent from his father. Amir’s moral obligations force him to face his fears and grow as a person. When Amir returns to Afghanistan to find Sohrab, he is forced to finally face his betrayal. In finding his nephew, Amir finally accepts responsibility for his wrongdoings and tries to right his wrongs. In accepting his mistake, Amir becomes a stronger person and is able to begin healing. In standing up to Assef, Amir faces his cowardice. As he awaits his meeting with the Talib official and childhood nemesis, Amir thinks to
America is very different from Afghanistan; in Afghanistan, tradition and lineage are very important. In America, anyone can start new and make a life for themselves. After spending time in America, Amir contemplates, “America was a river, roaring along, unmindful of the past. I could wade into this river, let my sins drown to the bottom, let the waters carry me someplace far”(136). Though he faces challenges in America, Amir is excited because he can create his own future as a writer, which would have been unacceptable in his homeland. Thus, Amir’s new independence allows him to be responsible for his own actions, and being away from people that knew him allows him to be independent from his father. Amir’s moral obligations force him to face his fears and grow as a person. When Amir returns to Afghanistan to find Sohrab, he is forced to finally face his betrayal. In finding his nephew, Amir finally accepts responsibility for his wrongdoings and tries to right his wrongs. In accepting his mistake, Amir becomes a stronger person and is able to begin healing. In standing up to Assef, Amir faces his cowardice. As he awaits his meeting with the Talib official and childhood nemesis, Amir thinks to