The Shocking Secrets Behind Michael's Astonishingly Low Body Count in Grand Theft Auto 5

Highlights

Michael, one of the three protagonists in Grand Theft Auto 5, is skilled with a gun and uses violence to get out of trouble.

Michael, though not as fierce as Trevor, possesses lethal skills and consistently confronts perilous situations while strategizing heists and engaging in illicit activities. Despite his involvement in notable assassinations within the game, his tally of killings is relatively lower than that of his companions, possibly attributable to his primary role as a mastermind rather than a proficient executioner.

Michael, the master thief in Grand Theft Auto 5, may not possess the stealth of others, but he more than makes up for it with a staggering body count. While he doesn't have the same level of aggression as Trevor, another protagonist in the game, Michael is skilled with firearms and isn't afraid to use them to escape trouble. Like every other protagonist in the Grand Theft Auto series, Michael is constantly faced with danger as he, Trevor, and Franklin navigate through heists and dubious dealings. Although violence may not be his go-to choice, he proves to be deadlier than most men he encounters.

In line with the game's grandeur, Grand Theft Auto 5 features three protagonists who are among the most dangerous leads in the series. Not only do they confront gangsters and law enforcement, but they also manage to emerge victorious against a paramilitary organization. Of the trio, Michael takes on the role of leader and strategist. He serves as a mentor to the younger Franklin and somehow manages to keep the unpredictable Trevor on the right path. Despite having retired for a significant period, Michael hasn't lost any of his criminal expertise, swiftly and effectively returning to his life of heists.

Michael Commits Some Notable Kills in GTA 5, but Less Than His Allies

Michael's first notable killing takes place when he visits the Facebook parody Lifeinvader in Grand Theft Auto 5. He targets the CEO of this platform, Jay Norris. In comparison, Trevor eliminates a security guard during the introductory mission. Following this, Michael unintentionally kills a coroner while sneaking into an IAA morgue to remain undetected. He then proceeds to perform two contract killings. Initially, he snipes businessman Tahir Javan under the orders of corrupt IAA agent Steve Baines. Additionally, he kills the pilot of a plane carrying the brother of crime lord Martin Madrazo, preventing him from testifying.

Interestingly, the subsequent killings that Michael carries out are primarily in defense of his friends, symbolizing the bond among the main criminals in Grand Theft Auto 5. When the surviving O'Neil Brothers seek revenge on Trevor, Michael assists him in eliminating them. In response to Rocco and Gianni's harassment and assault on his idol Solomon Richards, Michael takes it upon himself to execute both of them. Stretch, Franklin's former adversary, also finds himself on Michael's hit list as he ends Stretch's persistent attempts on Franklin and Lamar. Finally, in the true ending, with the assistance of Franklin and Trevor, Michael eliminates Devin Weston.

In Grand Theft Auto 5's story missions, it is expected that Michael will inevitably kill numerous individuals other than the main characters. As a member of the heist crew, he encounters various dangerous characters and must defend himself. Interestingly, when excluding any optional murders, Michael has notably fewer significant kills compared to other protagonists in the GTA series, such as Franklin and Trevor. This disparity can be attributed to the game's structure, which features three protagonists sharing the spotlight. Additionally, Michael's lower kill count can be attributed to his role as a planner rather than a killer, especially considering the more lethal presence of Trevor. While Michael demonstrates his determination through his actions, his level of restraint is noticeably different from the exceptionally dangerous Trevor. It is worth mentioning that most of Michael's murders in the storyline are carried out on behalf of others, either as part of a deal or to protect his friends and allies. This perspective allows fans to view his actions with greater sympathy, despite the number of casualties left in his wake. While Michael may not be the deadliest protagonist in Grand Theft Auto 5, he should not be underestimated either.

Grand Theft Auto 5 is available now for PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.