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Throughout the novel, two specific themes are constant and always relevant; betrayal and violence. One notices the theme of betrayal through Amir's experiences with Hassan and Baba, while one recognizes the theme of violence through kite fighting itself and the multiple scenes of rape and child abuse.

Betrayal is an ever-present and cyclical theme in the kite runner. The major act of betrayal occurs during the first Kite Fighting event. When Hassan runs for Amir's tournament-winning kite, the notoriously evil Assef and his friends confront him. Contrary to the bravery Hassan showed earlier in the novel in protecting Amir from Assef, Amir chooses self-preservation over assisting the vulnerable Hassan. Hassan subsequently is raped and Amir watches by, doing nothing. Amir's betrayal and ensuing guilt nearly drive him to insanity, while he maintains an insatiable need for redemption. He states at the beginning of the novel that the act has caused him to "have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years", a sign of his continued guilt. However, he believes that he can achieve redemption by making the saint-like Hassan commit an evil act, such as throwing a pomegranate at him. However, as is consistent with the rest of the novel, Hassan chooses Amir over himself and breaks the pomegranate over his own head. Eventually, as he cannot bear to live with or ever talk with Hassan because of his mass guilt, he gets Hassan to falsely admit to a crime, which eventually causes Hassan and Ali, his father, to leave Baba's house. Rather than relieving Amir of his guilt, his second selfish act of betrayal greatens it.

Later in the novel, Amir is faced with his own form of betrayal. He is told of his father Baba's deception with Hassan's identity, as Amir finds that Hassan actually is his half-brother. However, after being betrayed and punished, Amir is still not redeemed or freed from his own guilt. Rather, it takes a...