The 25 chapter story is narrated by Amir, directed at the reader, except chapter 16 is narrated by Rahim Khan, directed at Amir. The two main characters in the story are Amir, a wealthy Afghan boy and Hassan, a Hazara and son of Amir's father's servant, Ali. The boys spend their days in peaceful Kabul, kite fighting, wandering the streets and acting like boys. Amir's father Baba loves both boys, but seems critical of Amir for not being manly enough. Amir also fears that his father will blame him for his mother's death during childbirth. However, he has a kind father figure in the form of Rahim Khan, Baba's friend, who understands Amir better and supports his interest in writing stories. Assef, a notoriously mean and violent older boy with sadistic tendencies, blames Amir for socializing. with a Hazara, according to Assef an inferior race that should live only in the Hazarajat. He prepares to attack Amir with his brass knuckles, but Hassan bravely resists him, threatening to shoot Assef in the eyes with his slingshot. Assef and his henchmen back down, but Assef says he will take revenge. Hassan is a successful "kite runner" for Amir, knowing where the kite will land without even looking at it. One triumphant day, Amir wins the local tournament and finally Baba's praise. Hassan goes to launch the last cut kite, a large trophy, for Amir who says "For you, a thousand times." Unfortunately, Hassan encounters Assef and his two henchmen. Hassan refuses to give up Amir's kite, so Assef exacts his revenge, assaulting and anally raping him. Wondering why Hassan is taking so long, Amir searches for Hassan and hides when he hears Assef's voice. He witnesses the rape but is too scared to help. Afterwards, Hassan and Amir keep their distance for some time. Amir reacts with indifference because he is ashamed and frustrated by Hassan's saintly behavior. Already jealous of Baba's love for Hassan, he worries that if Baba knew how bravely Hassan defended Amir's kite and how cowardly Amir acted, Baba's love for Hassan would grow even more. To force Hassan to leave, Amir frames him as a thief and Hassan falsely confesses. Baba forgives him, despite the fact that, as he explained earlier, he believes that "there is no more miserable act than stealing". Hassan and his father Ali, to Baba's extreme chagrin, leave anyway.