The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini1. Amir is a Pashtun and Hassan is a Hazara. Pashtuns are among the richest people in Afghanistan. The Pastuns have always been the upper class and the Hazaras belonged to the very lower class. They often worked for wealthier Afghans, trying to survive on a meager living. The two remain on different levels mainly due to religion. Pashtuns are Sunni Muslims, while Hazaras are Shia Muslims. Sunni Muslims have much more traditional beliefs and are therefore often more extremist. Amir and Hassan are best friends, although this is regularly unacceptable in society. However, since Hassan is Amir's Hazara, or his servant, they can easily get away with spending time together. The two are very close in age. Amir's father, Baba, seemed to treat Hassan like a member of the family. This makes Amir very jealous, which is one of the reasons why Amir never plays with Hassan when friends or visitors are over. At the same time, Amir didn't want to admit that Hassan was his friend, not even to himself. Hassan would have done anything for Amir. It would protect him from bullies like Assef, another Pashtun. She made him run kites and cleaned his room. Amir was a quiet boy who didn't live up to Baba's reputation, but tried for his love. Baba was very fond of Hassan and invited him everywhere, but Amir lied and said that Hassan was not available because he wanted his father for himself. He did not want a Hazara to be seen with him and his father. Amir did everything with Hassan at home and was once harassed by Assef in public with Hassan by his side. Amir, trying to look like a real Pashtun, denied Hassan, although Hassan ultimately saved him. Hassan would then risk his life, his dignity, for Amir as he said: "For you, a thousand times." Baba is one of the most respected men in Kabul. He has many friends and has been all over the world. He is very rich and loves to show off his wealth in many ways. He built the largest house in Kabul. Baba loves children. He feels that they are the future of Afghanistan and they need to have a place to live when there are no parents.