The Kite Runner Amir Character Analysis

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In the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini there are a number of characters who trick and deceive for many different reasons. One prime example of this type of character is Amir. Amir uses deception to keep his father from figuring out his true self, and it drives him to change his attitude toward Hassan whom he shared a special bond with. The motives that push Amir to withhold what he saw Assef do to Hassan are strong and seem logical to him. Amir believes that if Baba knows that he watched helplessly as Hassan was raped, then he will never forgive him. From the onset of the novel, Hosseini makes it clear that Amir is an insecure boy that strives for his father’s approval. Hosseini emphasizes it while Amir is dreaming of “Baba… read[ing] one of [his] stories… and maybe [being] pardoned for killing [his] mother” (The Kite Runner 56). In Amir’s mind, if he were to really show his true, cowardice self, then Baba would never accept him. It is this fear of rejection that drives Amir to deceive Baba and Ali by acting as if nothing happened. …show more content…
That selfishness that is almost an intrinsic part of young Amir is another strong driving force in his deception. Though he does feel guilt often, it is never strong enough to make him confess. Amir bottles up his emotions and continues to keep vital information away from Ali and Baba. Amir uses excuses and flimsy justifications, believing Hassan is “just a Hazara” and not worthy of his loyalty (The Kite Runner 77). Ultimately, this deception that Amir creates is what makes Ali and Hassan leave Baba and Amir. The selfish desires of a son who wants all his father's attention, breaks a decades long bond between Ali and Baba, and forever changes the relationship between Amir and his