The Ultimate Ranking of Rockstar's Most Memorable Playable Characters

Rockstar Games is renowned in the video game industry for their exceptional open-world gaming experiences. With the release of Grand Theft Auto 3, the studio rose to new heights, earning a distinguished reputation for their critically acclaimed games known for their expansive worlds, captivating storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail. However, the technical prowess present in their games would be futile if the lead characters weren't equally well-developed. Fortunately, Rockstar faced no such issues, with each protagonist in their games becoming an icon in their own right. This amalgamation of immersive open-world design and intricate anti-heroes with distinct personalities has cemented Rockstar Games' position as one of the greatest video game developers of all time.

10 Jack Marston

Despite criticisms of Jack Marston's lack of character development and his high-pitched voice, he does have some redeeming qualities as a playable character in Red Dead Redemption's epilogue. One of the coolest things about Jack is his unwavering determination to hunt down his father's killer, which showcases his fierce loyalty and dedication to revenge. Some fans even speculate that if Rockstar were to continue with a third installment, Jack could potentially take on a larger role in the storyline.

9 Claude

Claude's inclusion on this list can be attributed to his characteristic of being a silent protagonist. Unlike other Rockstar protagonists who are famous for their witty remarks and captivating personalities, Claude's lack of dialogue makes him seem like a lifeless figure, especially when compared to the well-developed characters around him. Despite the fact that Rockstar later abandoned the silent protagonist concept, many fans still appreciate Claude's unintentional humor and unwavering composure as he carries out countless unlawful acts without a flinch.

8 Tommy Vercetti

Tommy Vercetti's constant betrayal throughout Grand Theft Auto: Vice City endears him to players as they assist him in his rise to the top of the criminal underworld. However, Rockstar's first voiced protagonist in a 3D open-world game falls short in terms of character development. Though Tommy has his own personality, it lacks the depth needed to fully engage players, with his reactions serving primarily as plot devices.

7 Michael De Santa

Michael De Santa, one of the three protagonists in Grand Theft Auto 5, tries to leave his criminal past behind and build a family. However, his repeated entanglement in his old life makes for an intriguing narrative. Michael's bond with Franklin, his former mentee, is unexpectedly touching, which makes it even more poignant if players choose to eliminate him in the game's multiple endings. In addition, his interactions with Trevor are comical and shed light on why he opted to fake his death and walk away from the criminal world.

6 Franklin Clinton

Franklin is often viewed as the protagonist in Grand Theft Auto 5, as the game's climax hinges on his decision of which ending to pursue. Throughout the game, Franklin gradually works his way up the criminal ladder, taking on more lucrative jobs in order to amass wealth. While this earns him the means to move out of his aunt's home, it also makes him a target for powerful enemies. In the end, Franklin has the option to join forces with the other two main characters and eliminate any threats to their criminal empire, which is widely considered the game's canonical ending.

5 Niko Bellic

Niko Bellic, an immigrant, moves to Liberty City with high hopes inspired by his cousin's letters about the perfect life he's living in the city. Sadly, Niko quickly discovers that Roman's tales of a life of luxury were far from the truth. Fueled by his experiences in war, Niko turns to a life of crime, determined to make a name for himself and become a wealthy icon in Liberty City. Despite his dangerous reputation, he experiences a heartbreaking loss when someone close to him is killed, leading to a gut-wrenching finale that will leave players emotionally invested.

4 John Marston

John Marston, a reformed outlaw, has to confront his past and hunt down his former gang members to secure the safety of his family. This forms the crux of the conflict in Red Dead Redemption, with John emerging as a captivating anti-hero who faces several challenges in his quest for redemption.

Despite accomplishing his mission and finding a fleeting moment of happiness, John's life takes a turn for the worse when the people who hired him turn on him and his family. The final showdown is nothing short of heart-wrenching as John prioritizes his family's safety and sacrifices his own life to take out as many of his enemies as possible.

3 Trevor Phillips

Trevor Phillips is undoubtedly the most eccentric playable character in Grand Theft Auto 5. He makes his entrance later on in the game, offering a refreshing departure from the other two protagonists with his erratic behavior and wild antics. Although he is known for his off-the-wall personality and vulgar outbursts, fans have grown to love him nonetheless. However, his complex relationship with Michael adds a layer of depth to his character, leading to intense moments of conflict and tension between the two estranged friends.

2 Carl Johnson

CJ, the protagonist of San Andreas, needs no introduction as a member of the Grove Street Families who returns after his mother's passing. The game's narrative showcases his backstory with the gang, and his character goes on a journey to different cities, encountering various twists and turns. The story is centered around betrayal and vengeance, and CJ's engaging personality is considered essential by most players to keep the narrative engaging. Throughout his epic journey of seeking revenge on those who wronged him, players root for CJ every step of the way.

1 Arthur Morgan

Arthur Morgan, the central character of Red Dead Redemption 2, is a complex anti-hero whose moral struggles are at the core of the game's narrative. Through the course of the game, players uncover the layers of his character as his relationship with Dutch, his mentor and leader, deteriorates. The emotional weight of Arthur's journey makes it difficult not to shed a tear as players near the end of the game. Rockstar's writing truly shines in this masterpiece of a video game.