Amir comes from a privileged background in Kabul.
Amir's father, Baba, is quite wealthy, and his family has associated with the past
rulers of Afghanistan. Consequently, Amir is a bit spoiled, and he never forgets that
his closest companion, Hassan, is but a servant and a Hazari--the most ill-treated and
disrespected tribal group in the country. When Baba pays too much attention to Hassan,
Amir becomes jealous and vindictive. Amir refuses to spend much time in public with
Hassan, because his presence with a Hazari servant embarrasses him. Amir is often
condescending when telling him stories and explaining things he has learned in
school. Amir shows incredible disloyalty and cowardice when he refuses to help Hassan
when he is sodomized by Assef. Amir's deceit intensifies when he plants his birthday
gifts under Hassan's mattress because of his jealousy over Baba's attentiveness to
Hassan. Although intelligent, Amir feels incapable of living up to his father's
expectations, and he has an unquenchable desire to attain his father's love and
respect.
As an adult, Amir eventually matures into an
honorable man and loving husband. Still desperate to receive atonement for his
indiscretions, he willingly risks his life during a courageous return to Afghanistan to
hunt for his nephew, Sohrab.
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