While Grand Theft Auto 5 features three main characters, Michael De Santa is considered the central figure of the story. The narrative largely revolves around him, and he is the character whose life and relationships are most thoroughly explored. Michael’s interactions with his wife, son, and daughter are depicted in detail, setting him apart from the other two protagonists.
Franklin & Trevor
Note: Spoilers ahead.
Franklin lives with his aunt, with whom he has a strained relationship. Aside from his aunt, his closest companions are his best friend Lamar and his ex-girlfriend Tanisha, who left him due to her dissatisfaction with his lifestyle. Franklin dreams of leaving behind the gang life, becoming wealthy, and rekindling his relationship with Tanisha. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this dream, regardless of whether his actions are legal or illegal, which is why he sticks close to Michael.
Trevor is involved in various illegal activities with people who are terrified of him. After believing that his friend Michael died during a past bank heist, Trevor mourned his loss, only to later discover that Michael was alive, leading Trevor to seek revenge. Not much is known about Trevor’s background. He had a difficult childhood, was discharged from the military, and the only family member mentioned is his mother, who briefly appears in the game—though it’s unclear whether she is real or not. The game provides no information about his father. The only positive trait attributed to Trevor is that he is a loyal friend.
What Sets Michael Apart?
Driving with Franklin is fun, and causing chaos with Trevor is entertaining. However, it’s challenging to form a strong emotional connection with these two characters. In fact, many players might dislike Trevor because they don’t fully understand his backstory.
Michael, on the other hand, is different. He has responsibilities to his family, which is a significant source of stress for him. He deals with an unfaithful wife, a son addicted to video games and drugs, and a spoiled daughter. Despite all these challenges, he does everything in his power to protect his family. As his story unfolds, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for him, which often leads players to feel more connected to him than to the other two characters.