Martial Arts of Shaolin

Orphaned as a boy, Lin Zhi-Ming is raised as a monk at the Northern Shaolin temple. He wears a silver ankle bracelet as the only reminder of his past life, kept secret from the elders. Despite devout devotion, he repeatedly breaks temple rules—smuggling meat onto temple grounds and teaching secrets to outsiders—and mentors local youths as unofficial disciples. He uses the Lion dance performance as a platform to confront He Suo and pursue his revenge while wrestling with his duties to Shaolin.

Niece of Fa Ren and a key figure from Southern Shaolin, Si-ma Yan seeks to avenge her family by assassinating He Suo. She learns of the capital's birthday celebrations and joins forces with Chao Wei to carry out her mission. After being captured at one point, she reveals that she shares the same silver ankle band as Lin Zhi-Ming, signaling a deeper, fated connection. She fights alongside Lin Zhi-Ming and ultimately takes part in the confrontation against He Suo.

The magistrate and primary antagonist who ordered the deaths of Zhi-Ming's family. He Suo blocks roads to prevent the Southern Shaolin escape and orchestrates a deadly trap to eliminate Zhi-Ming and his companions. His cruelty and thirst for control drive the film's conflict, and he is ultimately overwhelmed in the climactic struggle and killed by Si-ma Yan.

A close friend of Si-ma Yan from Southern Shaolin, Chao Wei assists in the assassination plan and later helps Lin Zhi-Ming and Si-ma Yan escape He Suo's henchmen. He represents steadfast loyalty and practical skill, balancing personal risk with a sense of duty to his allies. His collaboration with Zhi-Ming and Si-ma Yan demonstrates cross-temple solidarity in the face of tyranny.

Head of Northern Shaolin and central authority within the temple, Master Shi Ren is the stern guardian of the monastic code. He seeks Zhi-Ming for desertion but ultimately offers a path to reconciliation by allowing a temporary escape under the condition that Zhi-Ming returns to face punishment. He embodies the tension between discipline and mercy within Shaolin.