Other characters

Rahim Khan

Rahim Khan is Baba’s best friend and associate in the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Throughout Amir’s childhood, Rahim Khan plays the role of a father figure and tries to offer Amir the warmth and affection that Baba cannot deliver. 

For example, in one photograph, Amir is in his father’s arms but seems to turn his affection to Rahim Khan instead: “I am a baby in that photograph and Baba is holding me, looking tired and grim. I’m in his arms, but it’s Rahim Khan’s pinky my fingers are curled around” (Chapter 2, 33%). At one point, Amir wishes for Rahim Khan to be his father instead of Baba, but he feels so guilty at this thought that he throws up (Chapter 4, 75%). 

Rahim Khan also functions as the voice of reason and tries to convince Baba that he is too hard on Amir: “ ‘Children aren’t coloring books. You don’t get to fill them with your favorite colors’ ” (Chapter 3, 89%). He advises Baba to allow Amir to find his own way, and he is also the one who encourages Amir to pursue a writing career. In his note to Amir, Rahim Khan offers him his unconditional help and support.

Rahim Khan changes the course of Amir’s life when he asks him to meet in Pakistan. He tells Amir the truth about Hassan’s identity, and he tries to help him redeem himself for what he did to Hassan: “There is a way to be good again, he’d said” (Chapter 18, 50%). 

Soraya

Soraya is Amir’s wife. She is the daughter of General Taheri, who is a strong influence in her life. When she was eighteen years old, Soraya ran away with an Afghan man and disgraced her family. This is why, when Amir meets her, she is reluctant to speak to him ...