Character Analysis Several factors contribute to the development of a character in a novel. These methods work together to develop your understanding of the character and his or her role in the story. In Chapters 1-7 of The Kite Runner, you have met several major characters including the young narrator, Amir, his father Baba, their servant Ali and his son Hassan, and the bully, Assef. To learn about the elements used to analyze a character, watch the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRhteCMgYoU
- The novel begins with a flashback.
What do you think is its purpose?
What do you learn about the narrator? - a) Who is Hassan? Describe him physically.
b) Describe the relationship between Hassan and Amir. - a) What does it mean to be Hazara, Shi'a Muslim, Afghanistan's minority group?
b) Who, in the story thus far, is Hazara? - a) What does it mean to be Pashtun, Sunni Muslim, Afghanistan's majority group?
b) Who, in the story thus far, is Pashtun? - a) How does Amir describe his home?
b) What do the details of the family pictures in Amir's house reveal? - Who is Ali? What do the neighborhood children call him? What does it mean? Why do they call him this?
- How does Amir feel about his father in these chapters?
- Who is Baba? Describe him. What are his values? How does he relate to extremely religious leaders?
- Who is Assef? What is his ancestry? What is he famous for? What is his political vision?
- What happens between Assef/Wali/Kamal and Amir/Hassan? What does Assef threaten (foreshadow)?