The Kite Runner

Which Character Is Most Responsible for Determining the Character of Amir? 12th Grade

An individual's personality is quite often determined by the actions and remarks of another person. One can become timid because another person has caused one hurt or worry. One can become brave because another person has made one fight for position or pride. No matter what the case, these actions help to create the identity of the person that reflects on the actions. In the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Amir's character continuously changes, as the novel progresses, from a coward to a hero, from a heavy feeling of guilt to the weightless feeling of redemption. Throughout the novel, Rahim Khan is most responsible for determining Amir's personality by being a father-like figure and mentor, by acting as a conscience when Amir moved away and by guiding Amir away from his guilt and back to his true character.

The character of Amir was greatly influenced by Rahim Khan as a father-like figure in Amir's life. Because Baba, Amir's father, always wanted a perfect son who was big and strong, Baba was always criticizing Amir and he wished Amir would be more like himself. Rahim Khan, Baba's long time business partner and friend, always felt compassion for Amir, but knew that Amir was never going to live up to his father's...

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