The Kite Runner
Character Analysis Of: BABA & Ali
Baba
Baba (Profile)
Physical Attributes
Strong, Powerful, Dominant
Toophan Agha or also known as Mr Hurricane
Personality
Egotistical
Respects honour and pride
Expects Amir to carry his name and honour
Disappointed by Amirs cowardice (p. 23 & 24)
Persistent
Accomplished his dream while others doubted him
Rejects medication
Has high hopes in Amir to be successful (Initially rejects Amirs decision to be a writer)
Understanding
Eventually accepts Amir for who he is
Baba (Profile)
Generous
Builds orphanages
Many charitable endeavours
Respected by the Afgan community (p. 189)
Believes in justice
Opposes organised religion
Stood up to oppose against immoral behaviour
Dismisses warnings of the mullahs
Hardworking
Works hard in his business
Rejects food stamps from Ms. Dobbins (p. 142)
Earns to fund Amir to college
Hypocrite
Educated Amir that theft is a sin (p. 19)
Committed same sins himself
Redemption
Builds orphanages and commit towards charity work
Make up for his wrongdoings
Baba (Profile)
Relationships/Family
Amir
Stern towards his son
Had high hopes on him
Did not get along with each other after his wifes death
Hassan
Biological father to Hassan
Did not dare to admit him as his own son
Bought presents for him
Ali
Living under the same roof together when young
Foster brother to him
Grew up as childhood playmates
Mischievous when young
Caring towards Ali and his son, although they work as servants
Baba (Profile)
Relationships/Family
Rahim Khan
Business partner
Good friend
Advisor to him
Sofia Akrami
Wife of Baba
Ached for her
Sanaubar
Husband to Ali
Slept with Baba
Gave birth to Hassan
Baba (Profile)
Religion
Beliefs
Ultimate sin is theft
Race
Justice, honour and pride
Principles
Islam
Afghani
Ethnicity
Muslim
Pashtun/Sunni
Occupation
Prosperous merchant
Issues of Identity and Belonging
What determines his identity?
Pashtun/Sunni
Most populated in Afghanistan
Higher class in terms of status
A successful merchant
Charitable person
Well respected man
Does he accept his identity?
Yes
Still acknowledges his status as a famous merchant despite living in America
Unwilling to change his behaviour to adapt in America
Does he challenge his identity?
Yes
He was doubted when young and was encouraged to study law like Amirs grandfather
Insist in running his own business with Rahim Khan and became a rich merchant
Doubted that he would marry well, proved them wrong by marrying Sofia Akrami
Issues of Identity and Belonging
Where does he belong to?
Afghanistan
Was well respected by the Afghan community
How does he fit in?
He doesnt
When moving to America, rejected food stamps, doesnt want to receive charity money
Wanted to buy oranges but asked for an ID, raged and complained that no one trusts anybody (p.
139)
What does he gain or lose in order to belong?
Gain:
Has closer relationship to Amir
Able to witness Amirs success and marriage
Loss:
Hassan and Ali
His pride
His homeland
His wealth
Ali
Ali (Profile)
Physical Attributes
Has congenital paralysis of his lower facial muscles
Crippled in one leg due to poilio
Personality/Values
Caring
Loyal
He is extremely loyal to Baba and Amir
Carry out house chores
Rejects dishonor
He cared Hassan as his own son
Insists on leaving Baba and Amir even though Baba has forgiven Hassan rather than living
the shame of his son being thought as a thief
Tolerant
Endures the ridicule of the local boys for his pronounced limp and gnarled appearance
Ali (Profile)