Assef

Assef is a sociopathic antagonist in the story. He predicts all kinds of dire consequences from abusing Hassan's son Sohrab in the same way he abused Hassan to ethnic cleansing of Hazaras and other unwanted people. Assef is actually a pretty flat character. He represents Islamic fundamentalism at its worst. He is the cause of much inner conflict and turmoil for Amir, Hassan, and Shorab. I don't think he manipulates the reader so much as directs internal conflicts for many characters through the story.