As the Grand Theft Auto series has evolved, so has its characters and stories. Rockstar has been known for its comprehensive storytelling in many of the games it produces. This is evident with its GTA series, and will be the same case for Grand Theft Auto 6. As such, it is expected that the next installment will also feature a robust set of complex characters with backstories that flesh out the game.
Rockstar likes to create a realistic open-world that players can lose themselves in, which can easily be seen in some of its latest releases in games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5. Not only will it create a realistic world but also grounded and well-written characters to accompany those worlds as well. It is through these characters and the gameplay mechanics put forth that create the immersive experience players can enjoy. Though while some characters are grounded in realism with realistic goals and aspirations, there are the odd few that seem to break this mold, very much in satirical Rockstar fashion.
Grand Theft Auto 5's Trevor Philips
Trevor Philips is one of the 3 main protagonists in GTA 5 and is absolutely one of a kind when it comes to his portrayal. Compared to the other protagonists, he certainly has his charm. Michael and Franklin, on the other hand, have relatively normal stories. It isn't until Trevor is re-introduced into Michael's life that things become much more over the top.
Trevor has a complicated past that includes a very rough childhood (to say the least) and abuse from his parents. Michael was his best friend who had faked his own death to get out of the crime life, while Trevor was left to believe this for the better part of a decade. It isn't until the events of GTA 5 that Trevor learns the truth, and the two former friends reunite. The player can also interact and do missions for Trevor in GTA Online, where Trevor has formed Trevor Philips Enterprises, a business that deals in the shipping and receiving of drugs and weapons.
Throughout the events of GTA 5, Trevor is seen as the crazier and edgier of the 3 main protagonists. He has a tendency to fly off the handle quickly and violently, while his closest cohorts are usually frightened within his presence. One of the great things about GTA 5 is that the player can customize the 3 protagonists in different outfits, and no matter what the player chooses for Trevor, he always seems to have that crazy look about him. This works because he is also the only character who can take part in the Rampage mini-game, which is quite fitting for his character.
Trevor Philips is Unique
Out of all the protagonists in the Grand Theft Auto (and Red Dead for that matter) series, Trevor has the most complex and tragic backstory. This is discovered mainly due to the extensive dialogue between the characters that flesh out his character during many of the game's missions within GTA 5 and GTA Online. As the Grand Theft Auto series has grown and gotten bigger in scope, it can be expected that future iterations will also have even richer backstories for many of the main characters. Though that doesn't mean there will be another like Trevor Philips.
One thing about Trevor, as well as the other 2 protagonists that the player can control, is that their likeness is a result of the actors who portray the characters. As such, it is reasonable to assume that there won't be many characters in Grand Theft Auto 6 who will share the same look as Trevor. Not only is Trevor's look unique, but his over-the-top personality is also quite personal Trevor comes across as a psychopath, which is conveyed not only through some of his excessive behavior, but how he treats his friends Ron and Wade. Even in the GTA series as a whole, his personality sticks out like a sore thumb, with one exception that could be argued being Brucie from Grand Theft Auto 4.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Characters Will Probably Be More Subdued Comparatively
Grand Theft Auto 6 is likely still quite a long time away, with GTA 5 expecting a re-release on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S later in 2021. GTA 6 and its world fit a psychopathic character like Trevor Philips, but with Grand Theft Auto 6 rumored to take place in Vice City, there's a good chance there won't be that kind of crazy present (if rumors are true). At least, not for the main protagonist because while Vice City centered around drug deals and weapons, it was heavily inspired by the 1980s show Miami Vice. If Rockstar is truly taking fans back to Vice City, it might be safe to say that it'll try to bring back the more subtle nature of violence and crime, and with that, a more subtle psychopath in the form of a drug lord or equivalent.
Even if Grand Theft Auto 6 does not take place in Vice City as rumors suggest, it would probably be too soon to have another "Trevor Philips" running around the game world. GTA 5 came out in 2013 but is still quite an actively played game, thanks to its thriving online community. As such, the Trevor Philips character is still at the forefront of player's minds as they continue to play GTA V or GTA Online. Too much of the same and that wouldn't be a good thing, and Rockstar is usually really good at keeping things fresh.
Grand Theft Auto 6Â is rumored to be in development.