In China They Eat Dogs

Arvid is a bank teller who feels dismissed and dull, craving excitement. He involves himself in a plan to rob a van for money to support medical needs, guided by a desire to prove himself. He is pulled into a web of violence by Harald, and his guilt grows as events spiral out of control. He is ultimately killed in the shootout, his death framing the moral fallout of the story.

Harald is Arvid’s older brother with a history of crime who has not turned away from violence. He exerts a brutal, persuasive energy and pushes Arvid toward more dangerous actions. He has ties to criminal networks and a ruthless sense of loyalty that justifies deadly means. His ruthless leadership culminates in brutal confrontations and the siblings' moral disintegration.

Hanne is Arvid's girlfriend who belittles him for being dull and ultimately ends the relationship, taking most of their shared possessions. Her confrontation at Arvid's apartment marks him reaching his breaking point and intensifies the sense of isolation. Her role underlines the personal costs of the couple's failed relationship.

Franz is the would-be bank robber whose motive is to fund medical treatments for his child, aligning with Astrid's schemes. He explains the plan to Arvid but is ultimately killed during a confrontation with Harald and the others. His actions trigger Astrid's deception and set off the chain of violence.

Astrid is Franz’s wife, who tracks Arvid down and spins the story of the robbery to manipulate him. She has a complicated motive and is embroiled in deception that draws the brothers deeper into violence. It is revealed that Astrid is Franz’s sister, and she flees to South Africa to escape retribution for her role.

Jørgen is a barfly who becomes entangled in Richard and the bartender's world; his fate is tied to the afterlife misadventures as a barfly in Hell. He represents the ordinary life caught in extraordinary supernatural events and moral reckonings.

Bartender is a demonic figure who narrates Arvid's misadventures to the angel Richard and serves as a cynical observer of both the living and the dead. He influences outcomes in the afterlife and illuminates the film's dark humor and moral critique.

Richard is an angel who guides Arvid's spirit in limbo and relays his misadventures to the bartender. He ultimately allows Arvid into Heaven while assigning other victims to Hell, framing the moral verdict of the tale.

Vuk is the driver of the van who dies in the ensuing violence. His death adds to the film's sense of fragility and the cost of crime.