FEATURE
April 30, 2022
By Hassan Sajid
We’ve ranked these protagonists based on how successful they were at the end of their endeavors and how memorable they were.
11. TONI CIPRIANI GTA: LIBERTY CITY STORIES
Toni Cipriani was involved in the Italian mafia. He destroyed two rival families. Unfortunately, he was nothing short of pathetic when seen in GTA 3.
10. VICTOR VANCE GTA: VICE CITY STORIES
Victor is an unconventional protagonist of the franchise as he didn’t intend to join the life of crime but was forced into it. Victor establishes a large drug-dealing empire.
9. CLAUDE GTA 3
Claude, also known as the Silent Killer, is the first protagonist in the 3D era of the GTA franchise introduced in GTA 3. Many consider him to be the one to pave the way for the following 3D-era protagonists.
8. JOHNNY KLEBITZ GTA IV: THE LOST & DAMNED
Johnny demonstrated excellent leadership skills, eventually becoming the leader of the Lost MC biker gang. He soon becomes a drug addict and gets killed by Trevor Philips in GTA V.
7. LUIS FERNANDEZ LOPEZ GTA IV: THE BALLAD OF GAY TONY
Former gangster, now serves as the bodyguard of the titular character Tony Prince. Many players prefer Luis over Niko, and that is because Luis has a very fun personality.
6. FRANKLIN CLINTON GTA V
Franklin, a small time street hustler meets Michael De Santa and Trevor Philips, and goes on carry ambitious heists such as robbing a bank or breaking into the government facility. He is a car fanatic and a competent driver.
5. TREVOR PHILIPS GTA V
Trevor has a very explosive personality, filled with rage and emotion. Due to his mental instability, he is always drawn towards violence yet possess very high intelligence. He is also a great pilot.
4. MICHAEL DE SANTA GTA V
Michael De Santa is a mastermind behind most of the heists in GTA V’s story mode. He is well-versed in dealing with government officials and bringing people together. Michael eventually gets his happy ending where he fixes his broken family.
3. CARL "CJ" JOHNSON GTA: SAN ANDREAS
CJ goes from a low-class gang member to a highly respected and clever criminal mastermind. Everything about CJ is memorable, from his dialogues to his personality and relations with other characters in the game.
2. NIKO BELLIC GTA IV
Niko has a very depressing and sad background story. After getting betrayed during the war, Niko moves to Liberty City for a fresh start only to be drawn into the life of crime. However, his actions are solely motivated by his need for revenge.
1. TOMMY VERCETTI GTA: VICE CITY
Ever since his childhood, Tommy has worked hard to be successful. Tommy works with various criminals to find the one responsible for his drug deal ambush. He eventually runs everyone over to become the ultimate kingpin of Vice City.