Grand Theft Auto V throws players into the chaotic world of Los Santos with three incredible casts. But the question remains: who's the true star? Is it Trevor, the unpredictable and an insane maniac? Michael, a highly skilled and experienced retired criminal seeking redemption? Or Franklin, the ambitious street hustler with a moral compass?
Each character's unique personality, playstyle, and set of missions creates debates among fans about whom to play best. To end this debate, there's no single right answer, as it boils down to personal preference.
This guide will delve into each character's personality and gameplay styles to highlight their potential and explain why they can be GTA V's true stars.
GTA V Protagonist
Here are the three iconic protagonists of GTA V giving life and chaos in Los Santos:
1. Trevor Philips
Trevor Philips is known for his unpredictable and insane nature. He's a volatile ex-military pilot who is a walking distraction, capable of chilling violence with very seldom tender moments.
Playing Trevor has pros and cons, making his fans favor him as the GTA V star:
Pros:
- Unpredictable and hilarious, Trevor is a symbol of chaos. You never know what he will do or say next, leading to unexpected and hilarious situations. He became the most entertaining and memorable character in video game history with his no-filter, dark humor, over-the-top reactions, and unpredictable actions.
- Utterly Insane: Trevor embraces his inner psychopath, making him incredibly entertaining to play. His over-the-top reactions, violent outbursts, and disregard for social norms create some of the most memorable moments in the game.
- Master of Chaos: Trevor excels in chaotic missions. His unpredictable nature gave him advantages, allowing him to overcome challenges in unique and often hilarious ways.
Cons:
- Very impulsive: Trevor's impulsiveness can turn a strategic mission into a chaotic operation. He can go off-script and cause unnecessary chaos, which can complicate things and sometimes lead to the mission's failure.
- Excessively violent: Trevor's violent nature can sometimes be off-putting or even disturbing. His actions usually go beyond what's necessary, leading to unnecessary bloodshed and making it difficult to maintain any sense of morality while playing him.
2. Michael De Santa
Michael De Santa is the most well-rounded and complex protagonist in GTA V. He is a retired bank robber who tries to live a peaceful life under witness protection but struggles internally with the desire to return to the criminal world.
His story resonates with fans who struggle with past mistakes and desire changes, making him a strong candidate to be the game’s star.
Pros:
- Deep and relatable backstory: Michael's compelling exploration of a man trapped between his criminal past and his desire for everyday life struggles, along with his dysfunctional family, regrets, and attempt to reinvent himself, makes his character many players can relate to.
- Ties to the game’s core narrative: Michael's connections to the FIB, past heists, and strained relationship with Trevor form the foundation of GTA V’s story. His decisions directly impact the game's happenings, making him a natural choice for the central character.
- Skills and experience: Michael is an experienced career criminal. His professionalism and tactical expertise set him apart from other protagonists. His ability to slow down time during gunfights adds a strategic edge that enhances gameplay.
Cons:
- Lack of relatability for younger players: Unlike Franklin, who represents an ambitious youth trying to rise from the bottom, Michael’s mid-life crisis, struggles with fatherhood, and past regrets might not resonate as strongly with younger audiences.
- Limited growth potential: Michael's character arc deals with his past rather than evolving into something new. This could make his journey less dynamic than Franklin's rise in the criminal world or Trevor’s unpredictable antics.
- Overreliance on past glories: Michael’s identity revolves around his past success heist as a bank robber. His reluctance to adapt to the changing criminal landscape makes him feel outdated compared to the more ambitious and reckless characters.
3. Franklin Clinton
Franklin Clinton is the third protagonist in Grand Theft Auto V. He represents a fresh perspective on the criminal world, with ambition, opportunity, and a desire to escape the cycle of street life.
Unlike Michael, who is haunted by his past, or Trevor, who embraces anarchy, Franklin wants to break free from his criminal origins. His ambition and desire for success resonate with many players, especially those who relate to overcoming obstacles to achieve personal goals, favoring him as the GTA V star.
Pros:
- Relatable ambition and drive: Franklin’s journey represents the American Dream. He rises from the streets and strives for a better life, and establishing himself as a successful figure is a powerful motivator, making him relatable to many players.
- Youthful energy and fresh perspective: Franklin's youthful energy and ambition contrast sharply with the older protagonist's. His desire to make something of himself and break free from his environment makes a compelling foundation for his character.
Cons:
- Less intrigue and complexity: Franklin’s character is often more straightforward than the complex and morally ambiguous Michael or the unpredictable, anarchic Trevor. His relatively clean ambitions might be less compelling, especially in a game known for its over-the-top action and chaotic characters.
- Less iconic impact: While important, Franklin’s actions in the game don’t often feel as iconic or groundbreaking as Michael’s high-profile heists or Trevor’s explosive confrontations. His character connects the dots and brings others together, but his moments of glory don’t always shine as brightly.
- Lack of distinctive personality: Although Franklin is likable, his personality doesn’t stand out as much as Michael’s complex moral struggles or Trevor’s explosive chaos. His good-guy aspirations can sometimes make him feel a bit generic, and his journey of self-improvement lacks the edge and unpredictability that other protagonists bring to the table.
To end this debate, GTA V's star lies in your preferences. Whether you like Michael, who struggles with the weight of his past and a desire for redemption, Trevor embodies raw and unfiltered chaos, or Franklin represents ambition and the pursuit of a better future.
Choosing the real star ultimately depends on what resonates most with you. Regardless of who stands out the most, their intertwined stories create an unforgettable experience, making GTA V among the greatest open-world games ever.