Better Days - Characters & Cast

Her primary motivation is to score well on the gaokao so she can escape her small town and her troubled home life, and build a better future for herself and her mother. This dream of a "better day" is what fuels her endurance through the relentless bullying.

Chen Nian begins as a quiet and academically focused student who tries to remain invisible to survive the pressures of school. After becoming the target of vicious bullying, she is forced to confront the cruelty of her peers and the indifference of the adults around her. Her relationship with Xiao Bei empowers her to find her own strength and resilience. By the end of the film, she has transformed from a passive victim into a survivor who, as a teacher, actively protects a student from bullying, breaking the cycle of violence.

Initially driven by a survival instinct, his motivation shifts entirely to protecting Chen Nian and her dream of a better life. He sees in her a purity and hope that he has lost, and her success becomes his own form of redemption. His love for her is his driving force.

Xiao Bei is introduced as a tough and cynical street thug who has been abandoned by his parents and forced to fend for himself. His tough exterior hides a deep-seated desire for connection and a strong moral compass. Meeting Chen Nian gives his life purpose, and he dedicates himself to her protection. His arc is one of selfless sacrifice, as he is willing to give up his freedom and even his life to ensure that Chen Nian has a chance at the future he can never have. He evolves from a directionless delinquent to a noble protector.

He is motivated by a genuine desire to protect the innocent and see justice served. He is particularly driven to help Chen Nian and Xiao Bei because he recognizes their vulnerability and the systemic failures that have put them in an impossible situation.

Zheng Ye starts as a young and somewhat naive police officer who believes in the justice system. As he investigates the bullying and the subsequent murder, he becomes increasingly frustrated with the limitations of the law and the systemic indifference he encounters. He develops a personal investment in Chen Nian and Xiao Bei's case, bending the rules in an attempt to achieve a more just outcome for them. His arc is a journey from idealism to a more world-weary but still compassionate understanding of justice.

Her motivations appear to stem from a desire for power and control, as well as a deep-seated insecurity and a lack of empathy, possibly fueled by the high expectations and emotional distance of her parents. She bullies others to maintain her social status and to feel a sense of superiority.

Wei Lai is the primary antagonist, a seemingly perfect and popular student from a wealthy family who is also a cruel and manipulative bully. Her character is a study in the darker aspects of privilege and the psychological motivations behind bullying. While her cruelty is undeniable, the film offers glimpses into the parental pressure and emotional neglect that may have shaped her behavior, adding a layer of complexity to her character. Her arc is a tragic one, leading to her own demise as a result of the very cruelty she inflicted on others.