The story clearly develops from the flaws in Baba's and Amir's characters. Any master will enjoy a superior economic and social position over a servant, but Baba's and Amir's actions were not determined by their positions in the household. Baba betrayed Ali out of lust for Ali's wife, and he betrayed Hassan, his own son, out of guilt, shame, and fear for his reputation. Baba treated Hassan well, but he betrayed him by refusing to acknowledge him as a son.
Amir often treated Hassan cruelly, not because he was a social superior, but because he felt jealous of him. Baba treated Hassan with warmth and acceptance, which Amir deeply resented since his own relationship with Baba was so lacking. Amir betrayed Hassan's friendship with his cruelty, and eventually he betrayed Hassan by running away in fear rather than take any action to protect him from the bullies. Finally, Amir betrayed Hassan by scheming to have him sent away from the household. This he did out of guilt. Amir could not stand to live with Hassan any longer. The boy's mere presence reminded him of his own cowardice.
Baba and Amir betrayed others not because they were masters to servants, but because they were flawed human beings.
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