Trevor Philips is one of the three main playable protagonists of Grand Theft Auto V, alongside Michael De Santa and Franklin Clinton. A former bank robber and Michael's old partner-in-crime, Trevor is known for his unpredictable, violent, and chaotic behavior, as well as his deep-seated loyalty to a select few.
Residing in Blaine County, San Andreas, Trevor runs Trevor Philips Enterprises, engaging in various illicit activities. He is voiced and portrayed via motion capture by Steven Ogg. Trevor also appears as a character in Grand Theft Auto Online, contributing to his ongoing significance in the Grand Theft Auto universe.
History
Background
Trevor Philips is originally from Canada and had a troubled upbringing, which influenced his later descent into a life of crime. He met Michael Townley (later known as Michael De Santa) during his early criminal years, and the two formed a close partnership, pulling off numerous heists together.
Trevor's volatile temperament and penchant for violence set him apart, even among criminals. He eventually moved to Blaine County, San Andreas, where he founded Trevor Philips Enterprises, a criminal organization involved in drug and weapons trafficking.
Events of Grand Theft Auto V
In Grand Theft Auto V, Trevor is reintroduced to Michael after discovering that his old friend, whom he believed to be dead, is alive and living under a new identity. This revelation drives much of the narrative tension between the two, as Trevor grapples with feelings of betrayal and abandonment. Throughout the game's storyline, Trevor partners with Michael and Franklin on a series of high-stakes heists, while also pursuing his own criminal enterprises in Blaine County.
Trevor's storyline is marked by his unpredictable actions, violent outbursts, and complex relationships with both friends and enemies. He is the only protagonist with access to rampage missions, highlighting his aggressive nature. The canonical ending for the trio, as referenced in GTA V Actor Has A Crazy Idea For A GTA 6 Cameo, has all three survive, although the player's choices can determine Trevor's ultimate fate.
Personality and Traits
Trevor Philips is characterized by his extreme volatility, impulsiveness, and a capacity for brutal violence. He is often described as a sociopath or psychopath, driven by impulse and resentment. Despite his erratic behavior, Trevor demonstrates fierce loyalty to those he cares about, particularly Michael and, to a lesser extent, Franklin.
He is also known for his dark sense of humor and unpredictability, making him one of the most memorable and controversial protagonists in the series. Trevor's motivations are rooted in a desire for freedom, power, and respect, as well as a deep-seated need to confront perceived betrayals.
Physical Appearance
Trevor is depicted as a middle-aged man with a rugged, unkempt appearance. He typically wears dirty or torn clothing, reflecting his disregard for social norms and personal hygiene.
Trevor's distinctive features include a receding hairline, prominent facial stubble, and various scars and bruises, often visible due to his violent lifestyle. His attire frequently consists of a plain white T-shirt, jeans, and boots, though he is seen in a variety of outfits throughout the game.
Ability / Gameplay
As one of the three playable protagonists in Grand Theft Auto V, Trevor offers a unique gameplay experience centered around his special ability and aggressive playstyle.
Trevor's special ability is a "rage mode," which allows him to deal double damage to enemies while taking only half damage himself. This reflects his volatile and aggressive nature, making him particularly effective in combat situations.
Additionally, Trevor is skilled in piloting aircraft and handling heavy weaponry.
Relationships
Trevor's closest associates include Michael De Santa, his former partner-in-crime and complex friend, and Franklin Clinton, whom he meets through Michael.
He also runs Trevor Philips Enterprises, employing various criminal associates in Blaine County. Trevor's loyalty to Michael is a central theme, despite their turbulent history and Michael's betrayal.
Trevor's violent and unpredictable nature earns him numerous enemies throughout Grand Theft Auto V, including rival gangs, law enforcement, and former criminal partners. His discovery of Michael's faked death fuels much of his animosity and drives conflict within the game's narrative.
Mission Appearances
Trevor is a central figure in many of Grand Theft Auto V's main story missions, particularly those involving heists and high-stakes criminal activity.
He is also the protagonist of several side missions, including the unique rampage missions exclusive to his character.
Here is the full list of missions Trevor appears in:
Story Missions
The following are the story missions Trevor appears in:
- Prologue
- Mr. Philips (Boss, Trevor Only)
- Trevor Philips Industries (Trevor Only)
- Nervous Ron (Boss, Trevor Only)
- Crystal Maze (Trevor Only)
- Friends Reunited (Boss, Trevor Only)
- Fame or Shame
- Three's Company
- By the Book
- Hood Safari
- Scouting the Port (Boss, Trevor Only)
- Minisub (Trevor Only)
- Cargobob (only if "Offshore" was chosen)
- The Merryweather Heist (Boss)
- Trash Truck (can be completed as any character)
- Boiler Suits (can be completed as any character)
- Masks (can be completed as any character)
- Tow Truck (can be completed as any character)
- Blitz Play
- I Fought the Law...
- Eye in the Sky
- Caida Libre
- Minor Turbulence (Boss, Trevor Only)
- Paleto Score Setup
- Predator (Boss)
- Military Hardware (can be completed as either Michael or Trevor)
- The Paleto Score
- Derailed (Boss)
- Monkey Business
- Hang Ten (Boss, Trevor Only)
- Surveying the Score
- Bury the Hatchet
- Pack Man
- Fresh Meat
- The Wrap Up
- Lamar Down
- Planning the Big Score
- Stingers (only if "Subtle" was chosen, can be completed as any character)
- Gauntlet (only if "Subtle" was chosen, can be completed as any character)
- Driller (only if "Obvious" was chosen, can be completed as any character)
- Sidetracked (only if "Obvious" was chosen, can be completed as any character)
- The Big Score
- Something Sensible (only if "Option A" was chosen; killed) (non-canon death)
- The Time's Come (only if "Option B" was chosen)
- The Third Way (only if "Option C" was chosen)
Side Missions
The following are the Strangers & Freaks missions Trevor appears in:
- Special Bonds
- Rampage One
- Rampage Two
- Rampage Three
- Rampage Four
- Rampage Five
- Target Practice
- Fair Game
- Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill
- Vinewood Souvenirs - Willy
- Vinewood Souvenirs - Tyler
- Vinewood Souvenirs - Kerry
- Vinewood Souvenirs - Mark
- Vinewood Souvenirs - Al Di Napoli
- Vinewood Souvenirs - The Last Act
- Grass Roots - Trevor
- The Civil Border Patrol
- An American Welcome
- Minute Man Blues
- Extra Commission
- Closing the Deal
- Surreal Estate
- Breach of Contract
- Mrs. Philips
Grand Theft Auto Online
Trevor Philips appears as a character in Grand Theft Auto Online, where he continues his criminal enterprises and interacts with players through missions and contact jobs.
Development
Concept and Creation
Trevor Philips was conceived as the embodiment of chaos and unrestrained violence within the trio of protagonists in Grand Theft Auto V. His character was designed to push boundaries and offer players a radically different perspective from Michael and Franklin.
Trevor's unpredictable behavior and distinctive personality were influenced by a desire to create a truly memorable and controversial antihero.
Portrayal
Trevor is voiced and portrayed via motion capture by Steven Ogg. Ogg's performance has been widely praised for bringing depth and authenticity to the character.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Steven Ogg has expressed fondness for the role and continues to participate in events and conventions with his co-stars, as highlighted in Steven Ogg Reveals the Truth Behind His Relationship with GTA 5 Character.
Reception
Trevor Philips has been both celebrated and criticized for his extreme personality and violent tendencies. Many players and critics consider him the standout character of Grand Theft Auto V, thanks in large part to Steven Ogg's performance.
Trevor's chaotic approach to missions and his unique sense of humor have made him a fan favorite, though some find his actions disturbing or excessive.
His potential return in future titles, such as a cameo in GTA 6, has sparked mixed reactions among fans, as noted in Will Trevor Appear in Grand Theft Auto 6.
Notable Quotes
- " Now normally, I have that whole 'beggars can't be choosers, take anything you can when it comes to love' attitude. But, when the love takes the form of someone shitting on my business, I'm not fucking interested. What's your problem, huh? Why aren't you scared of me?" - When Trevor meets the GTA Online protagonist for the first time.
- " Exactly. Everyone's so hung up on appearances in LS, you start to forget who you are. And if you ain't who you are, who the fuck are you?" - Trevor says this to Ron during the mission, Minor Turbulence.
- " Well, loyalty is important. Let me put it that way... loyalty is important. I mean, that's the only code you need. Loyalty is the code. Kill strangers. Protect friends. Eat enemies." - Trevor to Franklin.
- " Never eat Indian people! " - Trevor as he vomits in a public fountain after switching to him using the character switching feature.
Trivia
- Trevor is the only main protagonist in Grand Theft Auto V who can access rampage missions, reflecting his violent nature.
- According to GTA V Actor Reveals Details of Canceled 'Agent TrevorDLC, a planned DLC would have followed Trevor as an undercover agent for the FIB, but it was ultimately scrapped.
- Trevor's canonical fate is left to player choice, but official materials often depict all three protagonists surviving.
- Steven Ogg, Trevor's actor, has advocated for a unique return of the character in future titles, including a possible cameo in GTA 6.
Gallery
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