Isle of Dogs - Characters & Cast

Initially motivated by survival and a deep-seated distrust of humans, his motivation shifts to protecting Atari. This change is prompted by a combination of the pack's democratic decision, his affection for Nutmeg, and Atari's unwavering kindness and loyalty.

Chief begins as a cynical, aggressive stray who is fiercely independent and distrustful of humans, proudly stating, "I bite." His experiences have taught him that masters are not to be trusted. Through his journey with Atari, he gradually opens up, forming a powerful bond with the boy. He rediscovers his capacity for loyalty and affection, culminating in him accepting Atari as his master and becoming his new bodyguard dog. His physical transformation, when washed reveals he is a rare breed like Spots, mirrors his internal change from a hardened stray to a loyal companion.

His primary motivation is his deep love and loyalty for his dog, Spots. This simple, pure goal drives him to undertake an incredibly dangerous journey and stand up to the most powerful figure in the city, his own uncle.

Atari starts as a determined but vulnerable 12-year-old on a singular mission to find his dog. As an orphan under the care of his corrupt uncle, his bond with Spots is his most important relationship. His journey across Trash Island is a coming-of-age story; he demonstrates immense courage, resourcefulness, and empathy. By the end of the film, he not only rescues his dog but inspires a revolution, overthrows a corrupt regime, and becomes the new mayor of Megasaki, transitioning from a lonely boy to a responsible and compassionate leader.

His motivation stems from a combination of political ambition and a historical family prejudice against dogs. He seeks to eliminate the canine population to fulfill his ancestors' wishes and secure his political control over Megasaki.

Mayor Kobayashi is presented as a ruthless, authoritarian villain, driven by a familial, cat-loving legacy and a thirst for power. He engineers the dog flu crisis and shows no remorse for exiling the dogs or assassinating his political rival. However, he undergoes a last-minute redemption. Moved by Atari's haiku and his nephew's loyalty, he has a change of heart, repeals his decree, and ultimately saves Atari's life by donating a kidney. His arc shows that even a hardened political figure can be moved by genuine emotion and familial connection, though it ends with him imprisoned for his crimes.

Motivated by a strong sense of justice and a belief in the truth, Tracy is determined to expose Mayor Kobayashi's corruption. She is driven to fight for the powerless (the dogs) and hold the powerful accountable.

Tracy is an American foreign exchange student who functions as the leader of the pro-dog resistance in Megasaki. She starts as a conspiracy theorist, convinced of the government's corruption. Her arc is one of validation; she follows her instincts, conducts a thorough investigation, and successfully uncovers the truth about the dog flu conspiracy. She transforms from a lone voice of dissent into the catalyst for the public's change of heart, proving her theories correct and helping to save the dogs.