In The Kite Runner, an annual kite fight took place. What effects does the event have on the plot?In the question, "what important/interesting...

Amir's victory in the annual kite fighting competition should have solidified his relationship with Baba, who was immensely proud of his son's achievement. Baba has always yearned for a more masculine presence in his son, and this event should have created a more solid bond between the two. However, Amir's victory is forever marred by what happened afterward. When Amir discovers Assef and his friends sodomizing Hassan, Amir fails to come forward to defend his friend. The guilt of his inaction will forever haunt Amir, and he finds it impossible to treat Hassan as he has before. The guilt is so overwhelming that Amir commits another act of betrayal: He plants money and his birthday watch under Hassan's mattress, believing that it will prove to Baba that Hassan is not worthy of the attention that he is being shown. But Baba is willing to forgive Hassan, much to Amir's surprise. When Ali and Hassan decide to leave the home, Baba attempts to stop them. Although Amir is finally rid of Hassan and does not have to bear jealous witness to Baba's affection for the boy, Amir's guilt--over both examples of his betrayal--will stay with him for decades. Amir becomes an insomniac and suffers from nightmares and, in the end, the kite flying contest that should have been such a positive memory for Amir only becomes a reminder of the terrible disservice he did to Hassan. It is this guilt for which Amir seeks atonement, eventually leading him back to his homeland to try and redeem himself by bringing Hassan's young son to safety.