8 Rockstar Games Protagonists, Ranked

Rockstar Games is among the biggest game developers in the world. Their games have not only been critically acclaimed, but hugely successful. They often make large, open world video games where players can explore, discover, and experiment. But one of the best things about Rockstar Games is the stories they tell, and the characters in them.

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The characters of Rockstar Games’ games are often satirical, and loosely based on real people. Or sometimes overtly based on them. They can be relatable, and sympathetic, or outlandish, chaotic, and bizarre. There’s a large variety of protagonists in Rockstar’s Games, and some of them are among the best in gaming.

This ranking focuses on Rockstar developed games and original IP only. Meaning protagonists like Max Payne and The Warriors are not included.

8 James ‘Jimmy’ Hopkins – Bully

• A bully by nature
• Slowly takes control of Bullworth Academy
• Committed to his goals

Jimmy Hopkins is just a kid. A kid whose parents have abandoned him at a boarding school he wants nothing to do with. He was once and continues to be a bad boy on the school ground, not afraid of breaking the rules and doing whatever he wants.

Throughout his time at Bullworth Academy, Jimmy makes many friends and enemies. He then starts to seize power by taking down the leaders of the various cliques in the school. Jimmy is a selfish individual, and not all that likable or sympathetic, but you have to admire his commitment to getting what he wants, however he can.

7 Tommy Vercetti – Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

• Member of the Forelli crime family
• Former convicted felon
• Tries to forge his own empire in Vice City
• Voiced by Ray Liotta

In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, having been released from prison, Tommy Vercetti rejoins his mafia family, only to be sent to Vice City on a drug deal that goes wrong. Tommy is at first a man just doing his job. As time progresses, he tries to correct his mistakes and forge an empire of his own.

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Tommy might not be the most sympathetic individual. He’s a mobster, who commits several murders, steals cars, deals in drugs, and engages in a lot of other heinous crimes and activities. But he is charming and charismatic, with an engaging personality. Tommy was Rockstar’s first voiced protagonist too, and the late Ray Liotta lent a lot of energy to the role.

6 Cole Phelps – L.A. Noire

• A decorated Marine
• Committed to upholding the law
• Haunted by past events
• Played by Aaron Staton

Cole Phelps was once a decorated Marine in the United States Marine Corps before returning home after the war. He then became a police officer, and in L.A. Noire he rises through the ranks, eventually becoming a leading detective in the department.

Phelps is the type of cop that sticks to the rules. He dislikes corruption, and he abides by his own moral and ethical beliefs. Something which often causes clashes with fellow detectives. At the same time, he’s a man with his own demons, haunted by events in the war, and personal issues with the women he loves. Phelps is one of Rockstar’s most complicated, detailed characters to date.

5 Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – Grand Theft Auto 5

• Each character represents different play styles.
• Each character operates out of unique areas of San Andreas and Los Santos.
• Steven Ogg was nominated for a BAFTA for his performance as Trevor.

The three protagonists of Grand Theft Auto 5 each have their own story lines, personalities, and abilities. Michael is the oldest of the three with a wife and family. Franklin is the youngest, striving for success away from the gang territory he originates from. And Trevor is… Trevor.

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The three protagonists allow for different experiences. Michael is the shooter, Franklin is the driver, and Trevor is the chaotic one. This means players can select whatever character they prefer for the mood they’re in.

4 Carl 'CJ' Johnson – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

• Member of the Grove Street Families gang.
• Became estranged from his family after the death of his younger brother, Brian.
• Spent five years in Liberty City prior to the events of San Andreas.

Carl Johnson was once a member of a gang, until he left San Andreas for a new life in Liberty City. He was the one that got out and didn’t want to go back. When his mother passed away, he returned home for the funeral, only to be dragged and pressured into returning to the family/gang ways.

Carl, aka CJ, is a character who is always striving to be better. He’s a businessman, and a gangster. He rarely does anything if it doesn’t benefit him or his loved ones. And he’s not afraid of voicing his opinions or complaining about his circumstances. The fact that you can customize CJ to your hearts' content really makes them a character of your own choosing.

3 Niko Bellic – Grand Theft Auto 4

• A former soldier from Eastern Europe.
• Moved to Liberty City for a better, more luxurious life away from crime and war.
• Seeks personal vengeance against the man who betrayed his military unit.

Niko Bellic is the everyman in Grand Theft Auto 4. He’s an immigrant who goes to America in search of the fabled American dream. He means well. That is until he finds out how hard it is for anyone to make it in America. Without bending a few rules here and there.

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Niko is one of Rockstar’s best, most relatable characters. He’s a man who is along for a reluctant ride, who’s forced into committing crime to aid those he loves. He’s a hopeful individual on a rags-to-riches path. He’s also funny, sarcastic, and not all that bad of a guy.

2 John Marston – Red Dead Redemption

• Once a member of the Dutch van der Linde gang.
• Married to Abigail Roberts, with a son, Jack Marston.
• His parents died when he was a child. He grew up in an orphanage.
• He joined Dutch's gang after Dutch saved him from a lynching at age 12.

After his family is threatened by the federal government, former outlaw turned farmer, John Marston is forced to hunt down the gang he once traveled with in Red Dead Redemption. He’s a character who does everything for those that he loves, even if it means killing old friends.

Outside of this, John is a sarcastic individual, one who isn’t afraid to voice his opinion and do what must be done. He’s resourceful, capable of hunting, building, shooting, and pretty much anything except swimming. John is one of Rockstar’s most likable, relatable, and engaging characters, as well as one of the most grounded they’ve ever made.

1 Arthur Morgan – Red Dead Redemption 2

• Had a son whom he supported until he and his mother died in a robbery.
• Dutch's first protégé and leading enforcer.
• Roger Clark won the Game Award for best performance as Arthur Morgan.

Before John Marston, there was Arthur Morgan. Depending on your perspective. Arthur was one of the main men within the Dutch van der Linde gang, acting as an enforcer. He’s not afraid to break the law or get his hands dirty.

But, when Arthur comes down with tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2, everything changes. The man starts to question past actions and decisions, and he grows detached from the erratic choices of his leader, Dutch. Arthur is Rockstar’s best protagonist, and one of the most sympathetic. He’s a character who knows his days are numbered, and it's up to you to figure out how best to spend them.

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