Character Relationship Map: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Characters

• Andy Hanson (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman) — protagonist

  Andy is a finance executive facing exposure for embezzlement, so he plans to flee to Brazil and recruits his brother Hank to rob their parents' jewelry store. Ruthless and manipulative, he later commi...

• Dex (played by Michael Shannon) — supporting

  Dex is Bobby Lasorda's brother-in-law and acts as an enforcer for Bobby's widow, Chris. He confronts Hank, demands financial compensation, and threatens exposure or death if the money is not provided....

• Bobby Lasorda (played by Brían F. O'Byrne) — supporting

  Bobby is an experienced thief whom Hank hires without consulting Andy to assist with the jewelry-store robbery. He brings a real gun and attempts the robbery while Hank waits outside. Nanette shoots h...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Bobby Lasorda → Dex (Family Brother-in-law) — Their family connection becomes a source of pressure after Bobby's death.

  The plot identifies Dex as Bobby Lasorda's brother-in-law, and Dex demands compensation for Bobby's widow after the failed robbery.

Story Dynamics

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

• Andy Hanson → Dex (Conflict Mortal Enemy) — Dex's financial threats place him in direct conflict with Andy.

  Andy meets Dex to pay the demanded money, then impulsively shoots him to prevent further blackmail.

Story Analysis

A desperate financial scheme transforms family resentment, secrecy, and guilt into irreversible violence.

Plot Progression

1. The Embezzlement Escape — Andy faces an audit that may expose his embezzlement and plans to escape to Brazil. He seeks money through a robbery of his parents' jewelry store.
2. The Botched Jewelry Heist — The robbery is altered when Bobby brings a real gun and acts violently. The store employee kills Bobby, while also suffering fatal injuries.
3. Family Secrets Surface — Blackmail follows the failed robbery, while the wake exposes deep resentment within the family. Andy also learns that his marriage has collapsed and that his wife had an affair with his brother.
4. Crime Without Limits — Andy chooses a more violent robbery to obtain the money demanded by the blackmailer. The plan ends with multiple murders and a final confrontation with Dex.
5. A Father's Final Judgment — Andy is shot and taken to the hospital while his father follows the trail of the crime. Andy's confession leads to a final act of paternal revenge.