Grand Theft Auto V was the first main game in the series with three playable protagonists, and its supporting cast is one of Rockstar's largest. Here is who's who, kept light on story spoilers.
The three protagonists
Michael De Santa
Retired bank robberA former career criminal living in a mansion in Rockford Hills under a new identity. Comfortable, bored and unhappy, he is drawn back into crime.
Franklin Clinton
Young hustlerA repo man from South Los Santos who wants more than small-time street crime. He becomes Michael's protégé.
Trevor Philips
Unpredictable outlawMichael's former partner, now running a chaotic operation out of Sandy Shores in Blaine County. Loyal, violent and impossible to predict.
Michael De Santa
Michael is the veteran of the group. After a robbery in North Yankton he made a secret deal and started a new life in Los Santos with his wife Amanda, son Jimmy and daughter Tracey. Much of his story is about a man trying, and often failing, to fix his family while slipping back into the only work he was ever good at. His special ability slows time while aiming, which makes him the strongest character in gunfights.
Franklin Clinton
Franklin grew up in South Los Santos and lives with his aunt Denise at the start of the game. He is ambitious and clear-headed, and he wants to get out of the street life his best friend Lamar Davis keeps pulling him into. Meeting Michael gives him that chance. His special ability slows time while driving, which makes him the best driver of the three.
Trevor Philips
Trevor is the wild card. A former pilot, he runs Trevor Philips Enterprises out of Sandy Shores with his associates Ron and Wade. He is fiercely loyal to the people he cares about and terrifying to everyone else. When he discovers that Michael is still alive, the story changes direction. His special ability is a rage mode that increases the damage he deals and reduces the damage he takes.
Supporting cast
| Character | Who they are |
|---|---|
| Lester Crest | The heist planner who sets up the big jobs |
| Lamar Davis | Franklin's best friend, loud and loyal |
| Amanda, Jimmy and Tracey De Santa | Michael's family |
| Denise Clinton | Franklin's aunt |
| Ron Jakowski and Wade Hebert | Trevor's associates in Blaine County |
| Dave Norton | An FIB agent with a long history with Michael |
| Steve Haines | Dave's ambitious boss at the FIB |
| Devin Weston | A billionaire investor who hires the crew |
| Martin Madrazo | A cartel boss Michael crosses early in the story |
How the three stories fit together
Each protagonist has his own missions, friends and side activities, but the main story pulls them together for the big heists. Switching characters is part of the fun: you might find Franklin waking up on a beach, Michael arguing with his family, or Trevor in a situation that needs no description. During heists the game often switches for you so that each man handles the part of the job he is best at.
How they compare with GTA 6's leads
GTA 6 narrows the cast to two protagonists, Lucia and Jason, with their relationship at the centre of the story. Read more in our GTA 6 characters guide and GTA 6 vs GTA 5.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the main character in GTA 5?
There are three: Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton and Trevor Philips. You can switch between them during free roam.
Which GTA 5 character has the best special ability?
It depends on the situation: Michael for gunfights, Franklin for driving and Trevor for surviving heavy damage.
Do GTA 5 characters appear in GTA Online?
Several do, including Lester, Lamar and Franklin, who appear in later GTA Online updates.