Simrat Sangha
Ms. Hommen
ENG3U0
December 7, 2014

In the novel, “Kite runner” by Khaled Hosseini the childhood of a small town boy by the name of Amir unfolds, when we realize that he lives under a shadow of guilt. He grows up, changes and is affected by his environment –whether that is Afghanistan or California. Transforming into a portrait of an immensely likeable and dominant character. After proving himself honorable when he makes up for his mistakes, overcomes his fears and acknowledges his misdeeds.
Amir is a credible protagonist as he took the recognition to become a better person and seek redemption for all his mistakes. Although at first he tried to bury his sins by forgetting the past and living in the present day America, he was called home with an unexpected opportunity to work towards forgiveness. “There is a way to be good again…Rahim Khan had said on the phone just before hanging up, said it almost as an after thought.” (Hosseini, 202) Amir’s opportunity to be “good again” appears unforeseen, when suddenly returning to Afghan seems like the only way to atone for his sins now. He seeks out for Hassan’s orphaned son, Sohrab as he risks his life in order to rescue him. Through saving Sohrab’s life in a way, Amir has saved his own. “Been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years.”(Hosseini, 1) This is a little teaser in the beginning of the book that hints an event that has largely defined the course of Amir’s life ever since. This foreshadows the incident in the alley and him being unable to conceal his feelings because his guilt kept arising. In addition to under going a series of nightmares, which caused him to go on a desperate quest for redemption. Proving to the reader that he is willing to make up for his past selfishness and rectify the situation by going back.

Due to Amir’s ability to defeat his fears, it brings out his genuine intentions and beliefs. “I have a wife in America, a home, a career, and a family. Kabul is a dangerous place, you know that, and you’d have me risk everything for…” (Hosseini, 194) At this moment Amir thinks back at all the other times when his actions could have cost Hassan that chance at these very things. Amir presents an ac of courage, which results from thee crushing guilt of his cowardliness of the many years prior that haunt him. Although Amir had no intentions of putting his life at grave danger, he returns to Afghanistan and suffers his consequences. “We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear” A major event that takes place is when Amir challenges on taking down Assef, also known as his childhood nemesis who is now part of the Taliban. After all those years, a man who clearly has great power against him has him pinned to the floor and nearly kills him. However this situation has Amir feeling proud of him self for once and overflowing with laughter. Presenting him self as admirable, although Hassan is not present, Amir’s actions revolve around his legacy and what he would have done. Amir had to build up his self-esteem and strength in order to save Hassan’s son which leads to him overcoming his fear; Assef. Since childhood Amir has lived with guilt, shame and fear. He has loathed himself for the lack of integrity and audacity to protect his loved ones. Gradually acknowledging that most of it has resulted into his shameful betrayal of Hassan. “How could I, of all people, chastise someone for their past.” (Hosseini, 165) This shows that Amir does not want to call off the wedding because of Soraya’s past. Since he knows he did some terrible things in the past too and he will not judge her for what she has done. “I opened my mouth and almost told her how I betrayed Hassan, lied, driven him out and destroyed a forty year relationship between Baba and Ali.” (Hosseini, 165) Amir is clearly stating all his wrongs that he has done and that he cannot even admit to the love of his life, since he is still paralyzed by his misdeeds. Understanding that he has committed unforgivable mistakes, Amir acknowledges his fault making him a favorable character in the novel.
In summary, Amir establishes himself into a genuine character in the novel by serving for atonement, defeating his cowardliness and open heartedly admitting to his mistakes. Therefore he is proven to be a likeable character despite his grave mistakes, he amends them with honorable actions, and virtuous intentions and fearless attributes just like a real kite runner.

Bibliography
Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. Toronto: Anchor Canada, 2004. Print.