A discussion of the
role(s) played by minor character(s)
Between chapters sixteen and twenty one of The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, a
middle aged Afghan man is introduced to Amir. Farid is placed into Amir’s path
by being his driver to Kabul. Near the beginning of their meeting, Farid was
very harsh and cold towards Amir. After staying in his brother’s home for the
night; Farid discovered the good intentions behind Amir’s visit and changed his
attitude. Farid promised to help Amir find his nephew and return him safely to
the orphanage. Fair is not only Amir’s tour guide however, he also helps guide
him into facing his past and what is going on currently in Afghanistan. Farid
shows Amir all the places he used to know, as well as showing him the new truth
behind his home county. Farid states “Kabul is not the way you remember it”, as
a way to prepare Amir for what he is about to see. Farid’s relevance to the work
is simple. He is Amir’s voice of reason and is there to keep him motivated in
order to complete his final task by finding the little boy. Without Farid, Amir
would not have the back bone to face his fears. Everyone needs a friend to help
them through rough times; therefore Amir relies on Farid for his company as
well. Another minor character that is brought up in these chapters is an
elderly man that uses to teach at the University. He was begging on the side of
the road and just so happens to give Amir a piece of advice on not looking
directly at the Taliban. After talking to the man, Amir discovered that he knew
his mother a long time ago. They both taught at the same place and had a talk
right before she died giving birth to Amir. She was incredibly happy and was
worried something might ruin it shortly. By talking to this man, Amir was able
to learn things about his mother that were never known before. The man provides
Amir a sense of closure that he could never fill due to the fact anyone would
discuss his mother. Amir may not be completely satisfied with the quantity of information;
however some was more than nothing at all.
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