The Kite Runner is narrated by Amir. Interestingly, we do not know the name of the narrator until page 11, when we learn that Hassan's first word was "Amir" and that Amir's first word was "Baba." Amir says that "all that followed"(11) was in those two words. This is a significant passage in the book because it is setting up the importance of two relationships, the relationship between Hassan and Amir and the relationship between Amir and his father. Having Amir as the narrator is important, too, since, while he is not omniscient, looking back, he is able to have considerable insight into his actions and the actions of others.
The relationship between Hassan and Amir is true friendship on Hassan's side and snobbery, envy, deceit, and cowardice on Amir's side. The story that follows is rooted in that dysfunction, for which Amir ultimately experiences remorse and redemption.
The relationship between Amir and Baba is dysfunctional, too, which we learn as the story unfolds. Amir feels that he is unable to please Baba and that Hassan does please Baba. Amir has no idea that Hassan is actually Baba's son, too. And Amir's character in his early years, really, is not particularly pleasing. Baba sees Amir's flaws and worries about them. In America, Amir begins to redeem himself and has a better relationship with Baba.
As Amir narrates this entire story, because he is looking back and has grown as a person, he is able to see what he has done wrong in his life and what impact his wrongdoing has had upon others. With these insights, we see his growth, and we feel at the end of the story that he has atoned for his flaws and wrongdoings and has made the very best he could of his life.
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