The Kite Runner Chapters 1-14 timeline

Amir reflects on his friendship with Hassan and the activities they used to do together as children. We are introduced to the characters of Ali and Baba and the setting around the household and Kabul is developed. We learn about the children's mothers, in which Amir's passed away in child birth and Hassan's abandoned him. The foundation for the incident in 1975 is set, as we see Hassan's undying loyalty. The Hazaran and Pashtun social division is introduced as destructive.

Chapters 1-3 focus mainly on characterisation. Baba's personality traits are presented at the forefront of the chapter. we see how he favours Hassan over Amir as he is perceived as more masculine and brave. Baba tells Amir his views on sin and theft and their flawed relationship is exemplified. Amir is clearly more like his mother and nothing like Baba as they share no interests. Rahim khan's parental/father role surrounding Amir is shown. He is much more understanding and rational.

The chapter begins in 1933 in which we are introduced to how Ali and Baba became 'brothers'. Afghanistan's setting/history is described and how it has been influenced by western culture, which we see through Hassan and Amir. Amir is well educated whereas Hassan is illiterate. they enjoyed reading books together, the favourite being 'Rostam and Sohrab'. Amir's writing aspirations begin here. Rahim Khan's role is established even more.

Beginning of the end for Afghanistan? The king's 40 year reign has ended. Amir is jealous of Hassan and Ali's relationship. We are introduced to Assef and evidently one of the main antagonists in the novel as well as the embodiment of racism within the country. Hassan's bravery is portrayed as he defends Amir with his slingshot.

Hassan's birthday. Baba buys him a plastic surgeon to fix his cleft lip and again Amir is extremely jealous of Baba's affection. The following winter the scar has healed, however a new scar begins due to Amir's actions.

Motive for chapter 7 begins in this chapter. Kabul in winter time is described as idyllic and pure, meaning to contrast the events to come. The kite flying competition and its rules are introduced, spawning another jealous dynamic between Amir, Hassan and Baba. Hassan's undying loyalty is strategically developed. The boys plan their future together as they prepare for the tournament the next day. Amir is determined to make Baba proud.

Most pivotal moment of the novel.This is the last time Hassan and Amir will run a kite together. Amir has a dream about a monster in a lake, a metaphor used throughout. The Kite flying begins and Amir wins the tournament. Baba is finally proud. Hassan shown his undying loyalty again by running the kite. Assef and his gang chase Hassan to an alley way. He refuses to give away the Blue kite. Hassan is raped by the boys. Amir does nothing to prevent the attack. Baba embraces Amir finally.

Weeks after the tournament. Hassan and Amir no longer play together. Baba is attempting to redeem himself with Amir. The family travels to Jalalabad and Amir gets sick. His guilt and insomnia begins here. Hassan attempts to rekindle the relationship, whilst Baba slowly begins to disregard Amir again. Amir craves punishment from Hassan on one of their final trips together to the pomegranate tree.

Amir's 13th birthday party. Assef and his family + friends attend the party and Hassan is forced to serve them drinks. Assef gives Amir Hitlers biography. Rahim Khan tells Amir about his relationship with a Hazaran woman which ends tragically. He gives him his favourite present of a leather bound notebook for his stories. The only gift that doesn't feel like blood money. Amir's guilt is riddled throughout the chapter.

Amir's moral low point. He decides Hassan and Ali must leave in order for him to feel better. Amir opens all of his birthday presents and receives a new Rostam and Sohrab from Ali. Amir plants the money underneath Hassan's bed and tells Baba it has been 'stolen'. Ali decides he and Hassan will leave. Hassan has told Ali about the events of 1975. He makes his final sacrifice for Amir. Baba drives them to the bus station. Hosseini uses pathetic fallacy to end the solemn mood of the chapter.

Baba and Amir are travelling to Jalalabad to seek Asylum in America. Russia has invaded Afghanistan. War has broken out. The country is no longer peaceful. Nobody in Kabul can be trusted.
Russian soldier attempts to rape one of the women travelling with Amir. The truck to Peshawar has broken down. They must wait in a basement. It is revealed that Kamal was raped by Assef, his old friend. Later, Kamal's father finds him dead from the poisonous fumes. His father then kills himself in retaliation.

Baba is almost given a new characterisation. He has now lost his god-like status, working in a gas station. Afghan traditions are shown as very different to American customs. Amir is thriving is America and graduates high school in 1983. Hassan is still remembered years after leaving kabul. Amir reveals he wants to become a writer.

Amir has turned 21. He and Baba have entered a stall in a local Afghan flee market. We are introduced to General Taheri and his daughter Soraya Jan. Amir quickly falls in love with her and it is revealed she has many secrets and a colourful history, similar to Amir.

Amir is in love with Soraya. Amir reflects on his childhood 'yelda' with Hassan. Amir has completed his general education. Amir is now attempting to court Soraya however Afghan culture is very invasive and requires parental consent. Soraya reveals why she want's to be a teacher, showing her contrast to Amir. Baba falls ill with terminal cancer. Baba proposed marriage to General Taheri which is accepted. Soraya reveals her secret to Amir. She is much more courageous than he is.

Amir and Soraya are married. The engagement period is skipped due to Baba's illness. He shows his pride towards Amir. Soraya finally reads one of Amir's stories. Baba refuses medicine and subsequently passes away that night. Baba has his funeral, and many Afghans attend due to his mass respect. Amir and Soraya attend a cousins wedding. sexism within Afghan culture is shown here. That summer Amir becomes an English major.

In the summer, six moths before the soviets withdraw from Afghanistan, Amir finishes his first novel. He becomes a published novelist. He remembers Rahim khan and Hassan. The Afghan civil war still continues. Amir and Soraya attempt to have a child for a year. She is rendered infertile. They ponder adoption however it is against Afghan culture and traditions.

The first chapter begins directly where the last chapter ends, creating a retrospective and cyclical nature. The main character, Amir, lives in San Francisco, USA as we see him reflect on his childhood in Kabul. Amir introduces us to his life, and how it has been manipulated as a consequence of his actions during the winter of 1975, which we are unaware of at the moment. His old friend Rahim Khan has called from Pakistan, forcing him to return home. we are introduced to the character Hassan.

Returning towards the present day. Rahim Khan is very sick, and has called Amir for his last chance of redemption. Rahim Khan knows of the events of 1975. Amir dreams of Hassan. A week later, Amir flies aboard a Pakistani international airlines flight and makes his way towards the country of his childhood.