Grand Theft Auto is a game that is full of memorable and iconic characters. Their unique personalities and traits stand out from the rest. Moreover, you remember these characters long after you have finished these games.
Apart from the main playing protagonists, you also come across characters who are just as memorable and crazy as you want them to be.
In this blog, we will take a look at the top ten noteworthy characters who stand out from the rest of the bunch in the series.
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CJ (Carl Johnson) - GTA: San Andreas
In Los Santos, we meet Carl Johnson (CJ), who is a character whose journey from gang member to criminal highlights the struggles of family and ambition.
CJ’s intelligence and awareness are unmatched by any character in the game. Whether it is friendly jokes or when there is a gang war going on, he always comes out on top.
The reason he comes back to San Andreas from Liberty City is due to the unfortunate news of his mom’s death. When he enters San Andreas, he comes to realize that many things have changed. He then decides to stay in hopes of trying to bring Grove Street back to how it was before.
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Niko Bellic - GTA IV
Niko Belic stands out as one of the best protagonists in the GTA Series. He takes center stage. In Liberty City as an immigrant seeking the American Dream. But soon he realizes that the American dream is nothing short of a farce and decides to take matters into his own hands.
Niko's moral dilemmas and complex personality brought a new depth to the series. GTA IV's darker tone and narrative showcase the evolution of character portrayal within the franchise.
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Trevor Philips - GTA V
Trevor Philips disrupts the traditional GTA protagonists with his unpredictable, violent, and wildly entertaining antics. Playing as Trevor has got to be one of the most thrilling experiences in GTA.
Trevor's character challenges players to navigate the world of GTA V. His presence highlights the game's exploration of the American Dream along with the diverse backgrounds of the protagonists.
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Tommy Vercetti - GTA: Vice City
Set in the city of Miami, Tommy Vercetti stands out as one of the best characters in the game. Inspired by the famous movie, Scarface, we see Tommy introduced as the protagonist after a drug deal goes wrong.
Tommy Vercetti is voiced by the famous Hollywood actor Ray Liotta who appeared in famous movies such as Goodfellas. The game takes you to the 70’s Miami where drugs and corruption are a real concern. We see the journey of Tommy Vercitti from an ordinary dealer to the Kingpin of Vice City.
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Franklin Clinton - GTA V
In the streets of Las Santos, we meet Franklin, who is one of the main three playable protagonists in the game. He is considered one of the most likable characters in the game.
At a very young age, he became associated with gangs and small crimes alongside his friend Lamar Davis. He later joins Michael and Trover; the other two protagonists to carry out criminal activities in Las Santos.
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Claude - GTA III
Silent yet impactful, Claude from GTA III shaped the expectations for gaming protagonists. Without uttering a word, Claude became an enigmatic figure, setting the stage for silent protagonists in the gaming industry and influencing character development in open-world games.
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Michael De Santa - GTA V
Michael De Santa is a retired criminal who is looking for redemption in the neighborhoods of Los Santos. His character arc is interesting as it explores themes of family, redemption, and the consequences of past actions. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative of GTA V.
Along with his two accomplices Frank and Trevor, he once again starts the life he once left behind. He is considered one of the best protagonists in the series.
Final Thoughts
The Grand Theft Auto series has not only pushed the boundaries of open-world gaming but has also given us plenty of lovable characters. Their stories resonate long after we play and finish the game.
Each protagonist in the series brings a unique element to the GTA series. Whether it's the streets of San Andreas or the skyscrapers of Liberty City, these characters have left an indelible mark on the gaming world
