Symbolism
figurative language uses something material/visible the idea the object symbolizes is abstract/universal
Diction
Author’s choice/tone of words
Personification
figurative language when an inanimate object is give human like qualities
Characterization
the way an author develops a character
Foil
A character serves as a contrast to another character
Juxtaposition
the act of placing together to compare and contrast (done with objects, images, plot details, characters, themes, etc)
Parallel structure
sentences using the same pattern of words, phrases, clauses to show 2 or more ideas have the same level of importance
Syntax
order of words/sentence structure for emphasis, connection between 2 words, emotional implications
Setting
location, history, geography, time period the story takes place
allusion
reference to famous historical or literary figure or event
Amir
Role: The protagonist and narrator.
Description: A sensitive, somewhat insecure boy from a wealthy Pashtun family. He feels a constant need to prove his worth to his father.
Connection: Son of Baba; best friend (and master) of Hassan.
Interests: He has a passion for storytelling and writing, which his father views as unmanly.
Hassan
Role: Amir’s servant and constant companion.
Description: A Hazara boy with a “Chinese doll” face and a cleft lip. He is incredibly loyal, brave, and naturally athletic.
Connection: Son of Ali; servant to Amir and Baba.
Occupation: Household servant; an expert kite runner.
Note: He is famous for his phrase, “For you, a thousand times over.”
Baba
Role: Amir’s father.
Description: A towering, powerful figure in Kabul. He is a man of action and a “force of nature” who struggles to relate to his bookish son.
Occupation: A wealthy and successful businessman (built an orphanage and owns a carpet export business).
Philosophy: He believes there is only one sin: theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft.
Ali
Role: Baba’s servant.
Description: A gentle, polio-stricken Hazara man with a paralyzed lower facial muscle that prevents him from smiling.
Connection: Father of Hassan; childhood companion to Baba (their fathers grew up together).
Occupation: Long-time servant and caretaker of Baba’s estate.
Rahim Khan
Role: Baba’s best friend and business partner.
Description: A quiet, observant, and empathetic man.
Connection: A father figure to Amir who encourages his writing when Baba will not.
Significance: He represents the emotional bridge between Amir and Baba.
Assef
Role: The primary antagonist of the early chapters.
Description: A neighborhood bully of German-Afghan descent. He is a sociopath who admires Adolf Hitler and carries stainless steel brass knuckles.
Connection: The son of Baba’s acquaintances; he torments Amir and Hassan.
Ideology: A fierce proponent of Pashtun supremacy and “cleaning” Afghanistan of Hazaras.
Wali & Kamal
Role: Assef’s “sidekicks.”
Description: Two boys who follow Assef out of fear or a desire for status.
Connection: They assist Assef in his bullying and the pivotal event in the alleyway.
Kamal: Dies trying to escape Afganistan because of gas fumes from the truck
Sanaubar
Role: Hassan’s mother (appears only in backstory/memory).
Description: A beautiful but “immoral” woman who deserted Ali and Hassan shortly after Hassan’s birth.
Sofia Akrami
Role: Amir’s mother (deceased).
Description: A highly educated woman and a descendant of royalty. She died giving birth to Amir.
Karim
The driver/smuggler hired to take Baba and Amir out of Kabul to Pakistan.
Russian Solider
A young soldier at a checkpoint who attempts to assault a fellow passenger, leading to a tense confrontation with Baba.
Kamal’s Father
A man Amir recognizes from his childhood (father of the bully Kamal) who is also fleeing the country. Kills himself after his son dies
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Soraya Taheri
The daughter of General Taheri who becomes Amir’s wife and represents a chance for him to find love and honesty despite his past.
