Niko Bellic (Serbian: Нико Белић, Niko Belić ) is the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto IV and a supporting character in its expansions, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. An Eastern European veteran of the Yugoslav Wars, Niko immigrates to Liberty City to pursue the "American Dream" as pitched by his cousin, Roman Bellic. His primary motivations are to escape his troubled past and to locate the man who betrayed his army unit during the war. Upon arrival, he is quickly drawn back into the criminal underworld, working as a hired-gun for various crime syndicates across the city.
Background
Niko Bellic was born in a small Serbian village in 1978 to Milica Bellic and an unnamed, abusive father. He grew up in a poor environment, not having electricity until he was twelve, and was close with his cousin, Roman. As a teenager, Niko was conscripted into the army to fight in the Yugoslav Wars, where he served as an infantryman, helicopter pilot, and tank driver. During the war, Niko's older brother was killed.
Niko both witnessed and committed numerous atrocities, which left him with a cynical perspective on life, as well as severe depression, regret, and PTSD. In a pivotal event, his fifteen-man army unit, composed mostly of friends from his hometown, was ambushed. Niko was one of only three survivors, along with Florian Cravic and Darko Brevic. He came to believe one of them had sold the unit out to enemy forces. After the war, Niko struggled to find steady work and became involved in the European criminal underworld, which led to a period of incarceration.
Following his release, he worked for the Russian crimelord Ray Bulgarin, smuggling people into Italy. When a smuggling boat sank, Bulgarin blamed Niko for the financial loss and began hunting him. To escape, Niko joined the merchant navy and, after seven months aboard the cargo ship "Platypus," he arrived in Liberty City in 2008.
Events of Grand Theft Auto IV
Niko arrives in Liberty City expecting the lavish lifestyle of mansions and sports cars described in his cousin Roman's letters. He quickly discovers that Roman lied to hide his own failures; he lives in a small, run-down apartment in Broker and runs a struggling taxi depot while being deep in debt to various loan sharks. Despite his desire for a fresh start, Niko is forced back into a life of violence to protect Roman from his enemies, beginning with a conflict with the Albanian mob.
As he works to pay off Roman's debts, Niko's skills as a gunman and driver make him a sought-after asset in Liberty City's criminal ecosystem. He takes on jobs for a variety of figures, including the Yardie associate Little Jacob and the Russian loan shark Vlad Glebov. Throughout the game, Niko's primary personal goal remains to find Florian Cravic and Darko Brevic to uncover the truth about his squad's betrayal.
After Grand Theft Auto IV
Niko's activities following the events of Grand Theft Auto IV and its expansions are largely unknown. However, he is confirmed to be alive through mentions in later games, including Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online.
Personality and Traits
Due to his traumatic experiences in the war, Niko has a very cynical and cold view on life, stating that there is no such thing as a "new beginning." He is emotionally detached and suffers from depression and regret.
Despite his hardened exterior, Niko is fiercely protective of his family, particularly his cousin Roman, and will not hesitate to use violence to defend his loved ones. He possesses a dry, sarcastic sense of humor and often expresses weariness with the life of crime he is continually forced into.
Physical Appearance
Niko Bellic is a man in his early thirties with a rugged appearance. He is approximately 6'1". His typical attire consists of simple, practical clothing such as a track jacket, jeans, and boots, reflecting his pragmatic and no-nonsense approach to life.
Gameplay
Abilities / Skills
Niko is a highly capable combatant and driver. His military background provided him with extensive experience as an infantryman, helicopter pilot, and tank operator. In-game, characters like Little Jacob express being impressed with Niko's exceptional shooting skills.
Relationships
Family
- Roman Bellic: Niko's older cousin. Despite being frustrated by Roman's lies and constant trouble, Niko is extremely protective of him and considers him his only real family in America.
- Milica Bellic: Niko's mother. Niko had a loving relationship with his mother and was pained by her unhappiness over the harsh environment he grew up in. He lied to Roman for over a decade about her death, claiming she died in a house fire to spare him the truth that she was raped and murdered.
Friends and Associates
- Little Jacob Hughes: A Yardie drug dealer and gun runner who becomes one of Niko's closest and most reliable allies in Liberty City.
- Florian Cravic: One of the three survivors of Niko's army unit ambush.
- Mallorie Bardas: Roman's girlfriend and later wife, who often acts as a go-between for Niko and various criminal contacts.
- Michelle: A woman Niko dates early in the game, who is later revealed to have a hidden agenda.
Enemies
- Darko Brevic: A former friend and the man Niko believes betrayed his army unit during the war. Finding him is Niko's main motivation.
- Ray Bulgarin: A powerful Russian crimelord and Niko's former employer, who blames Niko for a botched smuggling job and wants him dead.
- Vlad Glebov: A Russian loan shark who harasses Roman and becomes one of Niko's first major antagonists in Liberty City.
Mission Appearances
Niko is the playable character in all story missions of Grand Theft Auto IV. Notable early missions include:
- The Cousins Bellic
- Bleed Out
- First Date
- Bull in a China Shop
Grand Theft Auto Online
Niko Bellic does not make a physical appearance in GTA Online, but his name is mentioned, confirming his existence within the game's universe.
Portrayal
Niko Bellic was voiced by actor Michael Hollick. Hollick voiced Niko in Grand Theft Auto IV, but due to reported salary disputes with Rockstar Games, he was not involved in recording new lines for the game's expansions, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. Instead, previously recorded tapes of his dialogue were used for Niko's appearances in those titles.
Reception
Niko Bellic is the protagonist of the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto IV. The character has been well-received by critics and players for his depth and tragic backstory. In the 2011 edition of the Guinness World Records for the Top 50 favorite game characters, Niko was voted 13th, though his name was incorrectly spelled "Nico Bellic".
Notable Quotes
- " There is no such thing such 'new beginning'. " - Niko expressing his cynical worldview.
- " Niko! My cousin! I can't believe that you're here! " - Roman Bellic upon Niko's arrival in Liberty City.
