It's easy to recall all the insane heists, explosive missions, outrageous stunts, and chaos in Grand Theft Auto V. However, the exceptional characters are what lies behind those memorable actions. They made fans laugh, gave the wow factor, surprised us with their loyalty, and stood out as likable characters in a chaotic world full of troublemakers.
This guide lists the top 7 most likable characters in GTA V, whom fans rooted for despite being flawless. From main protagonists to side characters who stole the show, these people made Los Santos a little more entertaining (and sometimes even heartwarming). Let's get into it!
Who are the 7 Most Likable Characters in GTA V?
Here are the 7 most likable characters in GTA V ranked based on fans and their unforgettable moments.
7. Devin Weston
click to enlarge
+ 7Devin Weston may be an antagonist in Grand Theft Auto 5, but his perverse way makes him so endearing. Rich, arrogant, and constantly causing trouble, he's the kind of villain you love to hate. Every time he appears in the story, the missions get more intense, and his shady business moves make the plot even juicier. He represents everything GTA loves to mock: corporate greed, Hollywood corruption, and fake charity.
Devin’s presence raises the stakes and gives players the kind of final boss energy that makes the ending feel truly satisfying. Tossing him off a cliff in the finale? Pure gamer karma. He’s not a likable character because he’s nice; he’s likable because he’s entertaining, well-written, and the perfect troll to balance out GTA’s madness.
6. Wade Hebert
click to enlarge + 7Wade Hebert might look like a total mess, and let’s be honest, he is, but that’s what makes him one of the most lovable or likable characters in GTA 5. He’s Trevor’s loyal sidekick, always down for whatever insane mission gets thrown at him, no questions asked. Wade is the classic comic relief: weird, gross, and completely clueless, but with a heart so big you can’t help but root for him.
In a game full of chaos, betrayal, and cold-blooded moves, Wade stands out as the innocent NPC who somehow survives it all. He brings a goofy vibe that balances Trevor’s madness and reminds players that not everything in GTA has to be dark or violent. He’s like that one player in your squad who doesn’t know what’s going on, but you keep him around because the game wouldn’t be the same without him.
5. Lester Crest
click to enlarge + 7Lester Crest is the ultimate GTA mastermind, your go-to hacker, planner, and all-around criminal genius. What makes Lester such a likable character isn’t just his skills behind a screen but also his moves, which make him the real MVP of every big job. He’s the brain behind the best heists, always five steps ahead while everyone else is pulling the trigger. Sure, he’s sarcastic, socially awkward, and walks like he’s on his last respawn, but no one tops Lester when it comes to GTA strategy.
He’s the guy you’d want in your crew if GTA Online turned into a real-life heist sim. His dry humor and lowkey roasts add flavor to every mission, and despite his shady business on the side (looking at you, stock market rigging), Lester still feels loyal to the crew.
4. Lamar Davis
click to enlarge + 7Lamar Davis is straight-up GTA 5 comedy gold. He’s that loud, ride-or-die best friend who’s always talking trash but will still show up when it counts. From roasting Franklin with legendary one-liners ("yee yee ass haircut") to getting into the most random street hustle missions, Lamar brings energy to every scene. He’s not the smartest NPC in the game, but he has that chaotic good vibe, like a glitchy sidekick who always lands on his feet.
Whether dragging Franklin into low-tier gangster drama or trying to make a name for himself in the most Lamar way possible, he never stops being entertaining. Even in GTA Online, when he pops back up, players actually get hyped, that’s how iconic he is. Lamar may not be rich, smart, or powerful, but he’s 100% real, and in the wild world of GTA, that makes him a fan favorite and a likable character.
3. Michael De Santa
click to enlarge + 7Michael De Santa is the retired heist legend living the dream or at least trying to. Michael's real and relatable feelings make him so likable, especially in a game full of maniacs. He’s the classic “OG criminal turned suburban dad” stuck between wanting peace and getting pulled back into chaos. One minute, he’s sipping wine by the pool, and the next, he’s robbing banks and dodging FIB agents. Michael’s story hits different because it’s not just about crime, it’s about midlife crisis, broken families, and second chances.
He’s got that boss-level experience, movie buff attitude, and a sharp wit that keeps every mission interesting. Sure, he’s got flaws (tons), but his character arc gives the game real depth. In GTA, Michael is like a pro player tryingto be casual but the world of chaos drags him into chaotic matches. And honestly? Fans love him for making him one of the most likable characters in GTA 5.
2. Franklin Clinton
click to enlarge + 7Franklin Clinton is the player you start the game with and instantly root for. He’s young, smart, and wants to level up in life, not just in street cred, but in real success. Out of the three protagonists, Franklin feels the most grounded. He’s the dude stuck in a low-level lobby (working repo jobs in South LS) but grinding hard to get into high-stakes missions and unlock that elite lifestyle.
What makes Franklin such a likable character is that he's loyal, cool-headed, and doesn’t let ego mess with his grind. Whether he's working with Michael to pull off a clean heist or babysitting Trevor’s insanity, Franklin holds it down like a true pro. His loyalty, hustle, and street-smart moves make him feel like the main character in a GTA success story. If GTA were an RPG, Franklin's character would have the cleanest stat growth, from street kid to boss-level kingpin.
1. Trevor Philips
click to enlarge + 7Trevor Philips is pure GTA chaos in human form, and that’s exactly why players love him. He’s the wild card, no filter, fear, or mercy. While most characters in GTA have some moral compass, Trevor ripped his out, set it on fire, and laughed about it. But behind all the explosive madness and rage-fueled rampages, Trevor’s actually one of the most honest and loyal characters in the game. He doesn’t fake who he is, and in a world full of liars and backstabbers, that kind of brutal honesty hits different.
He’s like that one teammate in a PvP match who goes full berserk mode and somehow carries the squad. Trevor’s unpredictability makes every mission feel like a mini boss fight, even if he’s on your team. He’s not just a character, he’s a full experience, and GTA 5 wouldn’t be the same without his madness.
That ends our top 7 most likable characters in GTA V. These characters bring something special to the game and help make GTA V not just a game, but an experience players still talk about years later.
Enjoyed this piece? Here are more GTA contents you’ll enjoy:
- Top 10 Funniest Dialogue Lines from GTA
- 10 Times GTA Physics Defied All Logic
- Ranking the Most Difficult GTA Games
- The Most Bizarre Side Characters in GTA V
Stick with us at Gfinityesports.com: the best site for Grand Theft Auto coverage.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides and Grand Theft Auto page.