Ranking the Grand Theft Auto Protagonists

Article Key Points

The Grand Theft Auto franchise has evolved over time, with more emphasis placed on the narratives told within the immersive open worlds.

The franchise boasts a diverse lineup of memorable main characters, sparking heated discussions among fans regarding the standout individuals.

The franchise's top-tier protagonists include Trevor Phillips, Niko Bellic, and Carl Johnson, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim. On the other hand, Claude from GTA 3 and Claude Speed from GTA 2 find themselves placed lower in the C-Tier category.

The immersive open worlds and endless opportunities for chaos initially captivated fans of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. However, as the franchise evolved, more effort was put into developing compelling narratives within these worlds, and the main characters of each installment reflected this evolution.

Over the years, the diverse protagonists of Grand Theft Auto have become some of the most memorable characters in gaming. The franchise boasts a collection of iconic figure-heads that have left a lasting impression. As time went on, the depth, complexity, and frequency of these protagonists only grew, leading to passionate debates among fans about which characters truly stand out.

This tier list will only be focusing on the protagonists of mainline Grand Theft Auto releases.

S-Tier: Trevor Phillips, Niko Bellic, Carl Johnson

Trevor Phillips, one of the main characters in Grand Theft Auto 5, deserves to be ranked among the best protagonists in the franchise. His erratic behavior and unique sense of morality made for some unforgettable moments in the game. Trevor's brutal and comedic nature perfectly embodied the world of GTA 5 and Los Santos, making him an iconic character in the history of the game.

Similarly, Grand Theft Auto 4 also had an excellent protagonist in Niko Bellic. Niko's story offered a realistic portrayal of life in the criminal underworld. The game begins with Niko's journey to Liberty City, where players get to experience the city's harsh realities alongside him. Scarred by his experiences in the Yugoslavian War, Niko is driven by a desire to protect his loved ones, adding a touching aspect to the eccentric world of Grand Theft Auto.

A-Tier: Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, Tommy Vercetti

Carl Johnson, the iconic protagonist from the 2004 game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, holds a special place in the hearts of devoted GTA fans. Similar to Niko, Carl's actions are motivated by a deep-rooted need to protect his loved ones, showcasing loyalty as a central theme throughout the game. Despite his modest background, CJ consistently exhibits extraordinary skills, concealing his inner drive to overcome life's challenges and establish a reputation for himself.

Michael De Santa is widely regarded as the most important character in GTA 5, with Trevor and Franklin only playing a role in the story because of their connection to him. Despite living a life of luxury in witness protection, Michael lacks control over his own life and family, often coming across as pathetic. However, behind his flaws lies a highly capable and empathetic individual, making him an incredibly compelling protagonist.

Similarly, Franklin Clinton is a memorable character whose story parallels that of CJ's. Like CJ, Franklin utilizes his skills to escape a life of poverty, using Michael as a valuable contact and mentor to improve his circumstances by any means necessary. Throughout GTA 5's narrative, Franklin demonstrates more maturity and emotional intelligence compared to the other main characters, making him both likable and impactful.

B-Tier: Claude

Tommy Vercetti assumed control in the captivating tale of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City in 2002. He swiftly ascended a vibrant criminal underworld reminiscent of 1980s Miami. With his quick wit and unwavering confidence, Tommy's character was brilliantly brought to life by the late Ray Liotta's remarkable voice acting. Notably, this marked the first time a GTA protagonist had a voice actor, and it added an abundance of unmistakable charisma to Tommy Vercetti's persona.

The 2001 release of Grand Theft Auto 3 marked a significant shift for the franchise as it introduced a groundbreaking 3D third-person perspective. This innovative change brought players closer to the game's protagonist, offering a new level of immersion. However, GTA 3 failed to fully capitalize on this advancement with its silent lead character named Claude. While Claude's enigmatic nature has garnered a dedicated following among certain GTA fans, his lack of dialogue diminishes his impact, ultimately placing him below many other memorable Grand Theft Auto protagonists.

C-Tier: Claude Speed, GTA 1's Protagonist

Interestingly, in Grand Theft Auto 2, there was also a character called Claude who was a silent protagonist. His full name was Claude Speed. Some fans believe that this Claude is the same character from GTA 3. However, it is now widely accepted that any game before GTA 3 belongs to a different GTA universe. In GTA 2, players controlled the silent character Claude Speed from a classic top-down 2D perspective. This made it challenging for players to form a strong connection with the main character, resulting in him being ranked low among the protagonists.

Similarly, the original Grand Theft Auto faced the same issues due to its release timing. In GTA 1, players were given the option to choose from various protagonist names. However, this only affected the appearance of the main character's sprite in the game. As a result, the original game was ranked at the bottom when compared to other protagonists in the franchise.

Grand Theft Auto

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up playing the Grand Theft Auto franchise and have witnessed the evolution of its protagonists. The shift from Claude and Claude Speed, who were relatively one-dimensional characters, to Trevor Phillips, Niko Bellic, and Carl Johnson, who are complex and multi-layered, reflects the increasing emphasis on storytelling in the series.

Trevor Phillips, in particular, stands out as a memorable and iconic protagonist. His unpredictable behavior and dark sense of humor make him a compelling character to follow, and his actions often have far-reaching consequences. Niko Bellic is another well-developed character whose journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to the criminal underworld of Liberty City is both tragic and inspiring. Carl Johnson, meanwhile, is a relatable and charismatic protagonist whose rise from poverty to power in San Andreas is a classic rags-to-riches story.