Grand Theft Auto introduced us to some of the most unforgettable characters in gaming history. Each protagonist brings unique abilities, chaos, drama, and excitement integral to the franchise.
From Carl "CJ" Johnson's rise in San Andreas to Trevor Philips' insane antics in GTA V, these characters have defined their games and impacted players. But with every new addition to the series, the debate reignites: who is the best GTA protagonist of all time?
As we rank these iconic antiheroes, we will also spotlight Jason and Lucia, the newest additions and dual protagonists of the upcoming GTA VI. The game is set in a revamped Vice City and has a rumored Bonnie-and-Clyde storyline, which promises a fresh perspective on the criminal world.
This list will explore what makes these characters legendary, making them the best protagonists!
Best GTA Protagonists- Rankings
Here are the best GTA protagonists rankings, including Jason and Lucia:
1. Niko Bellic (GTA IV)
Niko Bellic is the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto IV and one of the series' most emotionally driven and complex characters. He started his journey when he arrived in Liberty City to escape Eastern Europe's war-torn past and seek the promise of the "American Dream." However, he got entangled with his cousin Roman's financial troubles and the city’s dangers.
Niko’s moral complexity sets him apart from other protagonists. He is a flawed but empathetic character haunted by his past as a war veteran, particularly the betrayal of his unit, which fuels his quest for revenge. His loyalty to family and sense of justice add depth to his personality, making him relatable and compelling.
Throughout GTA IV, Niko's story has gripping game highlights and unforgettable moments. His standout mission is "Three-Leaf Clover," in which he robs a bank in a chaotic heist inspired by Heat. Another pivotal moment is his confrontation with Darko Brevic, who betrayed his unit during the war. This emotional encounter forces players to choose between revenge or mercy, reflecting Niko's internal struggles and the game’s themes of morality. This encounter solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest characters in Grand Theft Auto history.
2. Carl "CJ" Johnson (GTA: San Andreas)
Carl "CJ" Johnson is the beloved and iconic protagonist of GTA: San Andreas. He began his journey after returning to his hometown of Los Santos when he learned about his mother's murder. CJ becomes a powerful and influential figure across San Andreas from a small-time gang member after spending years in Liberty City.
One of CJ's remarkable traits is his loyalty to his family and friends, which motivates his journey. Although he is reluctant to return to the gang lifestyle, he is determined to restore the Grove Street Families to their former glory while seeking justice for his mother’s death. CJ's character is designed for adaptability and growth, unlike many other GTA protagonists. He transitions from street-level crime to managing businesses, participating in heists, and navigating high-stakes political and criminal schemes.
CJ's missions, like the daring heist at Caligula’s Casino and the explosive "End of the Line" finale, highlight his resourcefulness and determination. He also shines in his interactions with characters like Ryder, Big Smoke, and Cesar and his humorous exchanges with eccentric allies like The Truth and Woozie.
3. Tommy Vercetti (GTA: Vice City)
Tommy Vercetti is GTA's most iconic and charismatic protagonist. He is a classic antihero whose ruthless ambition and sharp wit define his rise to power in the neon-soaked, 1980s-inspired Vice City. The legendary Ray Liotta voices him.
His sharp intelligence and fearlessness in adversity set Tommy apart from other GTA protagonists. He enters Vice City with years of experience as a tough criminal, having served 15 years in prison for the Forelli family. Strategic thinking and resilience allow him to seize opportunities, making Vercetti the most capable and calculating character in the series.
Iconic missions, such as "Rub Out," in which he takes down Ricardo Diaz and claims his mansion, and the climactic showdown in "Keep Your Friends Close," highlight his rise to the top and ability to overcome betrayal.
4. Michael De Santa (GTA V)
Michael De Santa is among the three protagonists in Grand Theft Auto V. He is a complex and compelling character who brings a unique dynamic to the GTA franchise. Michael was a former bank robber who became a family man after striking a secret deal with the FIB, leaving his criminal past behind. He lives in luxury while stifling retirement in Los Santos; however, he is dissatisfied with his life and longs for the thrill of his old life. This internal conflict becomes a central theme of his story, driving him back into a life of crime and chaos.
Michael’s defining traits are his sharp intelligence, charm, and penchant for manipulation, but he also has a deep-seated insecurity and a longing for purpose. Unlike many GTA protagonists who start with little and aim to build an empire, he began as a man who got it all but finds himself unfulfilled. He struggles to balance his role as a husband and father with his dysfunctional family and criminal desires, creating a narrative rich with humor and drama.
Michael's return to crime begins when he reunites with his old partner, Trevor Philips, and his mentorship of Franklin Clinton, who both play significant roles in his story. His meticulous planning and leadership skills, including the iconic “Big Score” at the game’s climax, showcase his resourcefulness and ability to operate under pressure.
5. Trevor Philips (GTA V)
Trevor Philips is one of the protagonists of GTA V and the most chaotic and unpredictable character in the GTA series. A former military pilot who became a criminal and drug dealer, he embodies a raw, unrestrained anarchy that makes him both terrifying and darkly hilarious. Trevor runs Trevor Philips Enterprises, which deals in drugs, weapons, and general chaos. His story is defined by his volatile personality, unorthodox methods, and peculiar loyalty to those he considers friends or family.
Trevor's most defining traits are his erratic behavior, violent tendencies, and brutal honesty. He operates without a moral compass, impulsive actions, and embraces chaos but occasionally shows vulnerability and depth. His relationship with Michael De Santa, his former partner and closest friend, is the center of his story. Their reunion after Michael's presumed death ignites anger, betrayal, and nostalgia, creating some of the game’s most intense and emotional moments.
Trevor’s humor and unpredictability make him a standout character. His dialogue, often with crude jokes and sharp insults, reflects his unfiltered view of the world. Some of his memorable and outrageous missions in GTA V include storming a rival gang's hideout in “Crystal Maze” and piloting a plane full of contraband in “Nervous Ron.” Trevor’s escapades are filled with high-octane action and absurdity.
6. Franklin Clinton (GTA V)
Franklin Clinton is also among the three protagonists in GTA V who are ambitious and desire to escape a life of crime. Unlike his counterparts, Michael De Santa and Trevor Philips, his journey is driven by the search for an opportunity and the hope of leaving behind a small-time criminal's dangerous, dead-end life. While he is deeply aware of his surroundings' limitations, Franklin has a sharp mind, a quick wit, and the ambition to rise above the circumstances of his upbringing.
Franklin’s intelligence, street smarts, and a strong sense of self-worth are remarkable traits. Although he starts his journey by working for a shady car dealership and participating in petty crimes, his aspirations are far greater. His relationship with Michael De Santa, whom he views as a mentor, is pivotal in his character development. However, Franklin’s desire for more than just wealth often puts him at odds with both Michael’s and Trevor’s more reckless ways.
While Michael and Trevor may embody extremes of wealth and chaos, Franklin is the more grounded protagonist, trying to escape one's past and create a better future, which makes him the weakest and less exciting among the three.
7. Luis Fernando Lopez (Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad Of Gay Tony)
Luis Fernando Lopez is GTA's most dynamic and charismatic character protagonist: The Ballad of Gay Tony. He is a talented and ambitious young man navigating the chaotic world of high society, drugs, and crime in Liberty City and the right-hand man to nightclub mogul Tony Prince (aka "Gay Tony.") His story is one of balancing the thrills of nightlife and wealth with the harsh realities of criminality and personal conflict.
Luis's most notable trait is his ambition to rise above his circumstances. He has a modest background and views his work with Tony as a means to achieve a better life. However, as the story unfolds, he is constantly dragged into increasingly dangerous situations involving rival gangs, corrupt officials, and the unpredictable world of Liberty City's elite.
Luis is a versatile, tough, and sensitive character. While he handles violent situations with ease and is a force to be reckoned with, his vulnerability shines through in his relationships. His moments of frustration and his interactions with his mother, who nags him to leave his criminal life, give him an emotional depth that contrasts the game's typical action-heavy narrative.
8. Johnny Klebitz (GTA IV: The Lost and Damned)
Johnny Klebitz, the GTA IV: The Lost and Damned protagonist, is a tough, no-nonsense biker with a strong sense of loyalty and honor, making him stand out among the chaotic characters in the GTA series. He is the president of the Liberty City-based Lost Motorcycle Club and is deeply involved in the chaotic world of outlaw bikers, where trust and camaraderie are king.
While Johnny may seem like your typical criminal, his struggles with leadership, loyalty, and personal demons shape his character, giving him depth beyond the usual antihero. His stoic and no-nonsense attitude defines him. He’s a man of few words, preferring action over talk. Despite his tough image, Johnny’s deep respect for the club and its members and his desire to lead them through difficult times showcase his loyalty and responsibility. He’s also thoughtful in his approach to violence, using it to protect his club and his friends rather than for reckless personal gain.
9. Claude (GTA III)
Claude is the silent, mysterious, and enigmatic protagonist of Grand Theft Auto III. His story is about betrayal and revenge after his girlfriend and criminal partner Catalina left him during their heist. Lacking dialogue and stoic demeanor, Claude is a blank slate, allowing players to project their own interpretations onto his character.
Claude begins his journey through the gritty streets of Liberty City, aiming to seek justice and power in the criminal underworld. Unlike other GTA protagonists, Claude’s silence reflects his cold, business-like approach to the world of crime. He focuses on survival, power, and vengeance without personal conflicts or lofty ideals. Claude ruthlessly executes his missions for various criminal factions, from the Mafia to the Yakuza, playing against each other to advance his goals.
His biggest traits are his determination and adaptability in navigating Liberty City’s dangerous and volatile criminal ecosystem. Despite being betrayed multiple times, Claude’s unwavering focus on his objectives and his ability to outsmart his enemies ensure his survival and dominance, making him among the best GTA protagonists.
10. Victor Vance (GTA: Vice City Stories)
Victor Vance, the protagonist of GTA: Vice City Stories, is a unique and morally complex character in the GTA series. A former soldier and a family man, he stands out from other protagonists because he is initially reluctant to embrace the crime life. Victor's story begins in the dangerous Vice City in 1984, where he is drawn into the criminal underworld despite his efforts to build a better life with his troubled family.
He takes a dark turn when he is discharged dishonorably after he is coerced into illegal activities with a corrupt superior. As he struggles to make ends meet and support his family, he enters the criminal and quickly climbs his ranks while attempting to maintain his principles.
Victor's notable traits are his sense of responsibility and loyalty to his family. Unlike other GTA protagonists, he doesn't seek wealth or power but to secure a better future for his loved ones. His sense of duty makes him a relatable character as he's involved in Vice City’s drug trade and criminal activities, highlighting the moral compromises he must make to survive.
Victor’s complexity and humanity make him one of the most compelling protagonists in the GTA series. It offers players a nuanced look at the costs of ambition and survival in a brutal world.
Honorable mentions and newest GTA protagonists
Here are the additional best GTA protagonists and the newest addition of upcoming GTA VI:
11. Toni Cipriani (GTA: Liberty City Stories)
Toni Cipriani is a loyal and ambitious mobster protagonist in GTA: Liberty City Stories. He is a trusted enforcer for the Leone crime family, revolving around his rise within the organization; set in 1998, Liberty City Stories serves as a prequel to GTA III.
Toni's notable traits include determination, frustration, and a sense of duty. He is loyal to the Leone family he served and willing to do what it takes to protect their interests, even when it means resorting to extreme violence.
However, he realizes that loyalty alone can't guarantee success. He faces challenges from internal family politics, an overbearing mother, and rival gangs who belittle him for not living up to their expectations.
Tony's journey from a low-ranking soldier to a trusted lieutenant is filled with action, betrayal, and dark humor, making him a memorable protagonist in the GTA series.
12. Jason and Lucia (GTA VI)
Jason and Lucia are the newest protagonists of GTA VI. This dynamic duo is expected to redefine the GTA experience with a fresh narrative. Rockstar Games released a teaser of these two characters, who will be the center of the story inspired by the classic heist films Bonnie and Clyde. Their journey will take players to a modern and expanded Vice City, possibly expanding to other locations, offering a deeper and more immersive narrative than ever before.
Jason is a resourceful and ambitious character. He is likely the brains behind many duos' operations, relying on his tactical thinking and daring attitude to execute complex schemes.
Lucia is poised to be a bold and fiercely independent counterpart to Jason. As the first female protagonist in the GTA mainline game, she marks a significant step for the franchise. Her partnership with Jason hints at a strong dynamic, where both characters bring unique skills and perspectives to their criminal escapades.
From early reveals and speculation, GTA VI aims to expand on the innovations of its predecessors, integrating Jason and Lucia’s storyline into a richly detailed and reactive world. The dual-protagonist setup provides various gameplay and opens up opportunities for deeper storytelling, where the bond between the two characters becomes pivotal to their criminal endeavors.
That ends our best GTA protagonists list. Ultimately, the best protagonist depends on whether you prefer a character with a wild, unpredictable edge or one driven by ambition and personal growth.