A Thousand Splendid Suns: Character Profiles

Mariam

Mariam is one of the novel’s protagonists, hailing from a small hut in Herat. Her character explores themes of marginalisation, victimhood, and resilience.
She is a harami (illegitimate) child of Jalil and his housemaid, Nana. Her status as a harami highlights the gender and class inequalities in Afghan society.
She grows up isolated and lacking affection, barring brief visits from her father Jalil, leaving her pessimistic and resigned to her hardships.
Marriage to Rasheed introduces her to further abuse and oppression, yet she displays commendable strength and resilience.
Mariam’s character arc is notable - she evolves from a submissive, passive character into someone who stands up against her oppressor, Rasheed.

Rasheed serves as the story’s antagonist. His character embodies misogyny, brutality, and patriarchal ideologies.
He marries both Mariam and Laila successively, treating them abusively and oppressively, reinforcing the female exploitation theme.
His manipulative behaviour, marked by a tendency to play his wives against each other, showcases power dynamics and control over women.
Despite his brutality, Rasheed is a nuanced character, his harshness partly shaped by the loss of his son and stressful political climate.

Laila is the second protagonist and represents the crossroads of modernity and tradition in Afghanistan.
She grows up in a liberal household, exposed to education and forward-thinking ideals – making her more tenacious and defiant against misogyny.
Despite her initial hatred of Mariam (due to Rasheed’s manipulations), survival and shared experiences drive them to form a deep, sisterly bond, critiquing societal norms that pit women against each other.
Her decisions, like staying with Rasheed for her children, reflect the sacrifices women often make for their family’s well-being.
She represents hope and change, going against patriarchal norms by returning to Kabul to help rebuild her country.

Tariq, Laila’s childhood friend and lover, contrasts sharply with Rasheed. He symbolises compassionate, respectful love.
Despite his physical disabilities, he is a strong character who serves as a pillar of support for Laila.
His character emphasises the loss and heartbreak caused by war, as seen in his separation from Laila and the loss of his family.
Tariq’s return and their subsequent reunion provide a contrasting romantic ideal and hope against the oppressive marriages depicted.