Grand Theft Auto is a series full of memorable characters, who are written with great care. From anti-hero protagonists who stand up for the right thing despite being a bit wrong themselves to dastardly antagonists who personify what it means to be a scumbag, there’s no shortage of great GTA characters that leave a lasting impression on players.
Some of these characters form long-lasting partnerships that are very fruitful in the long run. Given that Grand Theft Auto 6‘s Bonnie and Clyde dynamic has already become iconic before the game has even been released, it’s easy to see why people want to learn more about other partnerships in the GTA series.
Michael De Santa & Trevor Philips
A Volatile But Entertaining Partnership
Michael Townley and Trevor Philips had a profitable time together as robbers, but the former soon realized that Trevor was too unhinged for his own good. So, he decided to fake his death and end this partnership before they eventually got themselves killed.
However, after being forced into a jewelry store heist and uttering a familiar sentence on camera, Trevor caught wind of his partner’s faked demise and eventually reunited with him. The toxic nature of their partnership flares up, but it’s clear that both care for each other despite their differences, something that Franklin uses to mend their relations before the final mission.
Carl Johnson & Cesar Vialpando
Kendl’s Boyfriend Eventually Wins Over His Brother’s Trust And Becomes A Loyal Friend
When CJ meets Cesar for the first time, the meeting is far from cordial. The protective elder brother doesn’t like seeing his sweet sister in the arms of a man from another gang, but Cesar is respectful toward Kendl’s brother and tries his hardest to get in his good books.
Eventually, CJ comes to trust him as an ally, especially when C.R.A.S.H. overplays its hand and forces CJ to figure out a way to come back to Los Santos. With the help of Cesar and his allies, CJ comes back to his home, drives the Ballas out of Grove Street, takes over Los Santos, and gives both Big Smoke and Tenpenny the brutal deaths they deserve.
Niko Bellic & Roman Bellic
Cousins With A Hilarious Dynamic
There’s no denying that Niko can be a bit of an annoyance at times, but his levity is precisely what makes the events of Grand Theft Auto 4 so much more memorable. His lies entice his cousin, Niko, to Liberty City, only for him to find out that Roman was greatly exaggerating the kind of life he was living there.
Despite all their strife, Niko and Roman have a great bond that is fleshed out pretty well in Grand Theft Auto 4. This is precisely what makes the events of one particular ending hard to digest, since Niko has to see his cousin die on what should’ve been the happiest day of his life.
Tommy Vercetti & Lance Vance
Their Friendship Was Great Before Things Imploded
Despite how Vice City ends, there’s no denying that Tommy Vercetti and Lance Vance have a great partnership when things are looking up. Both gangsters wanted to make it big in the city, although it became clear in no time that Tommy was far more ambitious than Lance.
This drives a wedge in their friendship that eventually leads to Lance siding with Sonny Forelli in a bid to take out Tommy for good. Unfortunately, Lance chose the wrong side, with a vengeful Tommy taking out all his enemies (and former friends) before ruling over Vice City with Ken Rosenberg.
Franklin Clinton & Chop
A Dog Really Is Man’s Best Friend
- Appears In: Grand Theft Auto 5
Human partners may be pretty prevalent in Grand Theft Auto, but it’s the bond between Franklin and Chop that stands out because of how unique it is. Pets haven’t been a huge part of the GTA series, which is why Chop leaves such a lasting impression on players.
Siccing him on gangsters and seeing him chomp down on the most sensitive locations is hilarious every single time. It’s clear that Chop is very loyal to his own and ensures that no harm befalls Franklin when they’re together.
Carl Johnson & Sean “Sweet” Johnson
Estranged At First, But They Prove That Blood Is Thicker Than Water
- Appears In: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
CJ’s tumultuous past makes his reunion with his brother bittersweet (no pun intended). Brian’s death drove a wedge between the two that deepened after CJ wasn’t around when his mother was killed, too.
However, it was clear that Carl wanted to make things right and proved this to Sweet time and time again with his actions. While he gets captured by the police, CJ proves that he can stand on his own two feet in the face of adversity and helps his brother escape, winning his respect and mending their complicated relationship.
Michael De Santa & Franklin Clinton
The Student-Mentor Relationship Is A Highlight Of GTA 5
- Appears In: Grand Theft Auto 5
After leaving his life of crime, Michael was stuck in a midlife crisis that finally saw something new when he managed to thwart Franklin’s carjacking attempt. Their first meeting kick-started an unlikely partnership, where Michael ended up serving as a sort of mentor to Franklin and helped him earn more dough than ever before.
However, when Michael’s demons come knocking at his door, it becomes clear that he needs Franklin more as the game goes on. This can make the events of one ending quite heartbreaking, where Franklin kills Michael after a heartbreaking exchange, with the emotional cherry on top being his call to Lamar right after, where he quotes Michael in a rather depressing ending that is far from the ideal conclusion fans want for the duo.
Franklin Clinton & Lamar Davis
One Of The Funniest Friendships In The Series
- Appears In: Grand Theft Auto 5
GTA has its fair share of serious partnerships, which is why the friendship between Franklin and Lamar is so entertaining. The latter is a bit of a screw-up but is deeply loyal to his friend, which is why Franklin sticks around with his buddy even after they barely make any money with their criminal activities.
Even after Franklin starts moving up in the world, he doesn’t forget about Lamar. In fact, the Deathwish ending involves the trio helping out Lamar and themselves, killing all the people out for their heads, and ensuring that their safety is guaranteed.
