2008. In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of a minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil for the main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the work.
Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner works to force the bad attributes of Amir through his foil in the character Hassan. The relationship between the two boys is shown to be one-sided with Hassan acting as a friend to Amir, but Amir also forcing to act as a servant. The lack of definition of their relationship causes Amir to display that he cannot act as a true friend because he is jealous and afraid. Hassan, on the other hand, shows that he is truly a good friend and person by treating Amir as a friend even when he does not act like one. Through their relationship, Hosseini displays that redemption can only be found through actions.
Hassan’s admirable attributes only add to Amir’s lack of honorable actions throughout the first half of the book. Amir has more than Hassan in the form of material things, but he can never relate to his father, Baba, like Hassan can. Because of this, Amir channels his jealous into mean quips at Hassan. He tries to push Hassan, asking him if he would let him throw things at him at one point. In reply, Hassan says that Amir would never do that to him. This type of interaction is common as the boys develop their relationship. As time goes on, Amir proves to become more cruel. When Hassan is raped and assaulted trying to defend the kite he won for Amir, Amir runs away and pretends it did not happen. Even after the incident, Amir proves he is not the friend Hassan is, as he tries to push Hassan away. Eventually, he makes it look like Hassan stole his things to try to get him to leave. In his last actions of loyalty, Hassan admits he stole Amir’s things and leaves with his own father. This action shows that Hassan sees Amir as his true friend and Amir is further portrayed as a cowardly character. Though he feels the need to help Hassan, his actions always push Hassan away and make him feel like a servant rather than a friend.
Throughout the remainder of the book, Amir takes actions to make up for what he did to Hassan. At times, Amir conveys that he sees Amir as more than a servant, though he does not ever label him as a friend. Still, towards the end of the book, Amir learns that Hassan is his brother, changing his perspective. The new definition of their relationship makes Amir’s need to make up for his past actions stronger. Though Hassan is dead, he still acts as Amir’s moral compass, steering Amir towards redemption. Many times, Amir seems to show he is sorry for his actions against Hassan, but it is his actions in saving Hassan’s son that redeem Amir. The redefinition of the relationship between Amir and Hassan is the main reason Amir is able to overcome his cowardice and stand up for the relationship he never believed in as a child. Instead of treating Hassan as a servant, he treats him as a brother, and friend, showing that he is no longer a jealous coward, but instead more like the honorable friend Hassan is.
Amir’s growth throughout The Kite Runner is directly defined by the relationship he has with Hassan. At the beginning of the book, Hassan acts as his polar opposite, but by the end, he is the moral guide that Amir follows, leading him towards redemption. Though Amir may feel bad for what he does to Hassan, it is only through his actions that he is truly redeemed. Once he begins to act honorably as Hassan does, he is able to give back to Hassan and prove he is a good friend and brother.
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