List of Characters
Amir: Amir is the narrator of the story who grows up in Afghanistan as an entitled and jealous boy. Desperate for his father's approval Amir betrays his best friend, causing the rest of his life to become a tale of punishment and redemption. Amir is driven by guilt, and even after immigrating to America is still haunted by his past.
Hassan: Hassan is Amir's best friend and servant, and they grow up together as brothers. Despite being Hazara, an ethnic group considered inferior, Hassan is sweet, intelligent, and loyal. Hassan loves Amir deeply, and will do anything to protect him. It is Hassan's rape that acts as the first catalyst of the story.
Baba: Baba is Amir's father. A respected business man, Baba is wealthy and powerful until he immigrates to America, where he becomes a gas station attendant until his death. Although Amir has always craved Baba's approval, Baba is distant and often hard on his son due to his inability to show affection to Hassan.
Sohrab: Sohrab is a miniature version of his father, Hassan. An orphan, Sohrab was traumatized after being sexual, physically, and emotionally abused by the Talib. Sohrab becomes the focus of Amir's redemption in the end of the novel.
Assef: Assef is the novels antagonist. He starts off as the neighborhood bully, aspiring to be like Adolf Hitler. Assef then grows up to join the Talib. He is a racist, a murderer, a sociopath, and represents the evil that destroyed Afghanistan.
Ali: Ali is a servant of Baba's and acting father of Hassan. Having suffered partial paralysis from polio and being a Hazara, Ali is teased by the children of the neighborhood. Despite his hard life, Ali remains religious, humble, and cherishes Hassan.
Rahim Khan: Rahim Khan is Baba's business partner, and a father figure to Amir. Rahim Khan supports Amir's love of reading and writing, and is the person who brings Amir back to Afghanistan after 20 years.
Farid: Farid starts off as Amir's resentful driver, but after learning the reason for Amir's return to Afghanistan becomes a loyal friend. Farid is a great help in Amir's search for Sohrab.
Soraya: Soraya is Amir's wife. Described as beautiful, intelligent, and stubborn, Soraya is a turning point in Amir's prolonged depression. Unfortunately, Soraya is unable to have children, and spends much her time taking care of her ill father-in-law rather then a child.
General Taheri: Soraya's head-strong father. The general places a great importance on Afghan traditions, including the role he plays as a male and his expectations for his family.
Jamila: Soraya's mother. Jamila is a typical submissive wife, and loving mother/mother-in-law.
Hassan: Hassan is Amir's best friend and servant, and they grow up together as brothers. Despite being Hazara, an ethnic group considered inferior, Hassan is sweet, intelligent, and loyal. Hassan loves Amir deeply, and will do anything to protect him. It is Hassan's rape that acts as the first catalyst of the story.
Baba: Baba is Amir's father. A respected business man, Baba is wealthy and powerful until he immigrates to America, where he becomes a gas station attendant until his death. Although Amir has always craved Baba's approval, Baba is distant and often hard on his son due to his inability to show affection to Hassan.
Sohrab: Sohrab is a miniature version of his father, Hassan. An orphan, Sohrab was traumatized after being sexual, physically, and emotionally abused by the Talib. Sohrab becomes the focus of Amir's redemption in the end of the novel.
Assef: Assef is the novels antagonist. He starts off as the neighborhood bully, aspiring to be like Adolf Hitler. Assef then grows up to join the Talib. He is a racist, a murderer, a sociopath, and represents the evil that destroyed Afghanistan.
Ali: Ali is a servant of Baba's and acting father of Hassan. Having suffered partial paralysis from polio and being a Hazara, Ali is teased by the children of the neighborhood. Despite his hard life, Ali remains religious, humble, and cherishes Hassan.
Rahim Khan: Rahim Khan is Baba's business partner, and a father figure to Amir. Rahim Khan supports Amir's love of reading and writing, and is the person who brings Amir back to Afghanistan after 20 years.
Farid: Farid starts off as Amir's resentful driver, but after learning the reason for Amir's return to Afghanistan becomes a loyal friend. Farid is a great help in Amir's search for Sohrab.
Soraya: Soraya is Amir's wife. Described as beautiful, intelligent, and stubborn, Soraya is a turning point in Amir's prolonged depression. Unfortunately, Soraya is unable to have children, and spends much her time taking care of her ill father-in-law rather then a child.
General Taheri: Soraya's head-strong father. The general places a great importance on Afghan traditions, including the role he plays as a male and his expectations for his family.
Jamila: Soraya's mother. Jamila is a typical submissive wife, and loving mother/mother-in-law.