All GTA 5 Major Characters Explored

Let’s dive and explore all the major characters in GTA 5 and get to know the roles they play in shaping the chaotic world of Los Santos.

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The three main protagonists of GTA 5. (Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar Games’ decade-old title, GTA 5, is more than just high-speed chases and intense heists. The game tells a story driven by a cast of characters, each shaping events with their motivations, conflicts, and ambitions. From the three protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—to the criminals, law enforcers, and family members influencing their lives, every major character shapes the chaos of Los Santos.

In this article, we will focus more closely on all the major characters in GTA 5, discussing their backgrounds, personalities, and contributions to the game’s storyline.

Complete List of All Major Characters in GTA 5

Main Protagonists

NameCharacter Description
Michael De SantaA retired bank robber in his early 40s, Michael is living in witness protection in Los Santos following a Faustian bargain with the FIB. Despite his luxurious lifestyle, his family does not get along.

His wife, Amanda, is unfaithful and extravagant. His son, Jimmy, is indolent and hooked on video games. His daughter, Tracey, pursues fame on questionable reality television shows. Michael’s discontent and family discourse set him back on his old ways of crime, reigniting old habits and relationships.
Franklin ClintonA young man in his mid-20s from South Los Santos. Franklin is an employee of a shady car dealership, repossessing cars from customers who fail to make payments.

Hoping to rise above the gang lifestyle of his neighborhood, he connects with Michael, seeing him as a mentor. Franklin uses his driving skills and ambition to take a key role in the trio’s criminal activities.
Trevor PhilipsA retired military pilot and Michael’s previous partner-in-crime, Trevor lives in Sandy Shores, the desert area of Blaine County. He runs “Trevor Philips Enterprises,” dealing in drug dealing and gun running. He is mentally unstable and is prone to violent outbursts and erratic behavior.

He learns that his old friend Michael betrayed him nine years ago, causing a fallout between them. However, the two set aside their conflict to team up with Franklin for one final heist.

Supporting Characters

Lester CrestA retired mastermind criminal and Michael’s close friend, Lester is the game’s master strategist behind its grand heists.
Though afflicted with a wasting disease that restricts his mobility, his intellect and computer hacking skills are crucial to the operations of the protagonists.
Lamar DavisFranklin’s childhood buddy, Lamar, involves himself with gang life. His reckless behavior constantly gets him into trouble, colliding with Franklin’s aspirations for a better future.
Dave NortonAn FIB agent who coordinated Michael’s negotiation to go into witness protection. Dave has a complicated relationship with Michael, being torn between professional duty and personal relationships. His association with Michael tends to lead him into bad situations within the bureau.
Steve HainesA morally corrupt and career-ambitious FIB agent, Steve manipulates the protagonists into doing risky assignments to advance his career. His cold-blooded methods and media visibility make him a major villain.
Devin WestonA multi-billionaire with business interests across many sectors, including the private security company Merryweather. Devin manipulates the protagonists for his own benefit. His arrogance and dubious methods make him another key villain in the story.
Harold “Stretch” JosephAn older gangster, who has just been released from jail. Stretch tries to exert control over younger gang members such as Franklin and Lamar. His backstabbing behavior and betrayals create tension in the gang hierarchy.
Wei ChengOne of the top triad members in Los Santos, Wei becomes a rival to Trevor as a result of several business disputes.
Amanda De SantaAmanda, Michael’s wife, grapples with the constraints of her marriage, resulting in affairs and excessive spending. Her behavior is among the contributing factors toward the family’s dysfunction and Michael’s midlife crisis.
Jimmy De SantaMichael and Amanda’s son, Jimmy, is defined by laziness, a love for video games, and occasional substance abuse. His tense relationship with Michael is typical of generational differences and contributes to the family’s turmoil.
Tracey De SantaMichael and Amanda’s daughter, Tracey, is a fame-hungry young girl who dreams of getting into reality television. Her bad attitude and questionable decisions frequently put her in conflict with her father.
Martin MadrazoA Mexican kingpin drug dealer, Martin is embroiled with Michael after sabotaging his properties. His presence and threats force the protagonists to conduct a series of missions to appease him.
Patricia MadrazoMartin’s wife, Patricia, forms an unlikely relationship with Trevor after she is kidnapped by him. Her placid nature and caring personality are contrasted with Trevor’s unpredictability. This results in a rather peculiar relationship.
Ron JakowskiAlso known as “Nervous Ron,” Ron Jakowski is Trevor’s anxious but devoted friend. A passionate conspiracy theorist, Ron aids Trevor in his criminal activities, usually offering logistical assistance.
Wade HebertA dim-witted friend of Trevor, Wade takes on all sorts of menial tasks. His naivety and ignorance constantly create humorous moments throughout the story.

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