Character Relationship Map: John Wick

Characters

• John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves) — protagonist

  Legendary retired hitman seeking vengeance after his dog is killed, known as the Baba Yaga.

• Viggo Tarasov (played by Michael Nyqvist) — protagonist

  Russian crime lord and former employer of John Wick.

• Iosef Tarasov (played by Alfie Allen) — supporting

  Reckless son of Viggo who triggers John's rampage.

• Marcus (played by Willem Dafoe) — supporting

  Veteran assassin and former mentor to John Wick.

• Aurelio (played by John Leguizamo) — supporting

  Respected chop shop owner who maintains underworld connections.

• Winston (played by Ian McShane) — minor

  Sophisticated manager of the New York Continental and John's strategic ally.

• Ms. Perkins (played by Adrianne Palicki) — supporting

  Ruthless assassin who breaks Continental rules.

• Helen (played by Bridget Moynahan) — supporting

  John's late wife.

• Kirill (played by Daniel Bernhardt) — supporting

  Viggo's top enforcer and John's rival.

• Harry (played by Clarke Peters) — cameo

  Veteran assassin.

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Viggo Tarasov → Kirill (Power Boss)

  Kirill is identified as Viggo's top enforcer who assaults John and kills the puppy.

• Winston → Ms. Perkins (Power Judge)

  Winston has Perkins executed for breaking the Continental's rules.

• Viggo Tarasov → Marcus (Professional Employer)

  Viggo enlists John's former mentor Marcus to kill him.

• Viggo Tarasov → Ms. Perkins (Professional Employer)

  Viggo has doubled the bounty for her to kill John in the hotel.

• John Wick → Harry (Professional Employer)

  John hires another hitman Harry to secure Perkins.

• John Wick → Marcus (Professional Former Mentor)

  Viggo enlists John's former mentor Marcus to kill him.

• John Wick → Viggo Tarasov (Professional Former Employer)

  Viggo reveals John was once a hitman in his employ, renowned as the Baba Yaga.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Winston → Viggo Tarasov (Social Underworld Peer)

  The Continental serves as neutral ground for the underworld where both operate.

• Iosef Tarasov → Kirill (Alliance Protector)

  Kirill attacks John at the nightclub to protect Iosef during his confrontation.

• Aurelio → Iosef Tarasov (Conflict Refuser)

  Shop owner Aurelio recognizes the stolen Mustang and refuses service to Iosef.

• Aurelio → John Wick (Social Informant)

  Aurelio informs John that Iosef is the son of Viggo Tarasov.

• Ms. Perkins → Harry (Conflict Killer)

  John hires Harry to secure Perkins, but she kills Harry and escapes.

• John Wick → Ms. Perkins (Conflict Target)

  Hitwoman Ms. Perkins sneaks into his room after Viggo doubles the bounty for her to kill John.

• John Wick → Kirill (Conflict Rival)

  John is attacked by Viggo's henchman Kirill and forced to retreat to the Continental.

• John Wick → Winston (Social Old Friend)

  Winston is described as the hotel's owner and John's old friend.

Story Analysis

A retired assassin seeks vengeance after criminals destroy his last connection to his late wife.

Plot Progression

1. Grief and Violation
2. Descent into Vengeance
3. Betrayal and Bloodshed
4. Harbor Reckoning