The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

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The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

1. Amir is a Pashtun and Hassan is a Hazara. Pashtun's are some of the richest people in Afghanistan. The Pastuns have always been the upper class and the Hazaras belonged to the much lower class. They often worked for richer Afghanis, trying to get by on a meager living. The two remain on different levels primarily due to religion. The Pashtun's are Sunni Muslims, while the Hazara's are Shi'a Muslims. The Sunni Muslims are far more traditional beliefs and therefore are often more extreme.

Amir and Hassan are best friends, although in society this is regularly unacceptable. However, because Hassan is Amir's Hazara, or his servant, they easily get away with spending time together. The two are very close in age. Amir's father Baba seemed to treat Hassan very much like a family member. This makes Amir very jealous, which is one of the reasons Amir never played with Hassan when friends or visitors are over. At the same time Amir did not want to admit that Hassan was his friend, even to himself.

Hassan would do anything for Amir. He would protect him against bullies like Assef, another Pashtun. He would run kites for him and clean his room. Amir was a quiet boy who did not live up to the reputation of Baba, but tried for his love. Baba was very fond of Hassan and invited him everywhere, but Amir would lie and say Hassan was unavailable because he wanted his father for himself. He did not want a Hazara to be seen with him and his father.

Amir at home would do everything with Hassan and one time he was being hassled by Assef in public with Hassan by his side. Amir trying to sound like a real Pashtun denied Hassan, even though Hassan eventually saved him. Hassan would later risk his life, his dignity, for Amir as he said, "For you, a thousand times over."

2. Baba is one of the most respected men in Kabul. He has many friends and has been all over the world. He is very wealthy and loves to show off his wealth in a multitude of ways. He built the biggest house in Kabul.

Baba loves children. He feels they are the future of Afghanistan and need to have a place to live when there are no parents.

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