How to Steal a Dog

A resourceful yet restless teenager who spirals into a risky plan to steal a dog for a monetary reward. Her rulebook for dog care shows a peculiar blend of practicality and moral ambiguity, and she grapples with guilt as the plan unfolds. She ultimately chooses to do the right thing, signaling personal growth.

Georgina’s younger brother who joins in the scheme, offering companionship and a shared sense of adventure. He balances loyalty with skepticism and ultimately supports a decision that aligns with family needs. His actions reveal a brotherly bond and practical resilience.

Georgina’s best friend who becomes a confidant yet is asked to keep the secret. She represents a window into adolescent loyalty and the social pressures of secrecy. Her perspective underscores the consequences of hiding difficult truths.

The dog’s owner who appears affluent, but is revealed to be part of the lower middle class, connected to family and history rather than wealth. Her reaction to Willy’s disappearance deepens the emotional stakes and challenges Georgina’s assumptions. Her warmth and resilience contrast with Georgina’s initial judgment.

A traveler who grows suspicious of Willy’s ties to Georgina yet remains outwardly friendly. His knowledge of Willy’s true origin adds tension and ambiguity to the moral landscape. He embodies the idea that appearances can be deceiving.

Georgina and Toby’s mother, a determined caregiver who navigates eviction and seeks a better living situation for her children. Her decisions reflect resilience and the pursuit of a stable home for the family. She ultimately facilitates their move into a shared house with a mutual friend.

The missing dog who becomes the focal point of the plot. Willy’s presence reveals assumptions about wealth and care, and his treatment tests Georgina’s ethics. The dog’s welfare and safe return align with the theme of redemption.