Top 10 Best Grand Theft Auto Side Characters
#10: Big Smoke
Top 10 Grand Theft Auto Side Characters
“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004) This Grove Street OG was a mentor to Carl Johnson, the game’s main protagonist, but like most street cats trying to survive, Big Smoke secretly formed an alliance with Officer Tenpenny, which resulted in the murder of CJ’s mother. Faced with a dying gang and financial ambition, Big Smoke proved he was always looking out for himself even when surrounded by his “brothers.” Despite Big Smoke’s heartbreaking betrayal his easygoing attitude and comical disposition is what we’ll remember the most about him. From failed drive-by’s to large fast food orders, Big Smoke is just cool guy to hang out with.
#9: Wade Herbert
“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013) This lovable dimwitted henchman made his mark as part of Trevor Phillips enterprises. His backstory as to how he ended up with Trevor is unclear, but there’s no question that he loves being a criminal. Innocent, sweet, vulgar, and clueless, Wade helps Trevor with whatever he needs, while trying to avoid baths and getting punched in the face. Though he remains constantly unlucky and everyone’s punching bag, Wade still comes through time and time again; and through that and his undying loyalty, Trevor keeps him around, which makes us love him even more.
#8: Lil’ Jacob
Top 10 Playable Grand Theft Auto Characters
“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008) The Rastafarian top gangster of Liberty City; Jacob was close friends with Roman Belic, and soon became friends Niko after completing a few jobs together. Tough, funny, and ruthless, Jacob made for a fantastic ally in a tight situation, but it was his thick accent that made him so memorable, mostly due to the fact that none of us could understand a single word he was saying, and had us all rushing for the subtitles. Despite all that, Jacob sticks by you to the very end, and his loyalty is unwavering, which makes him a top pick to be in your corner in any fight.
#7: Yusuf Amir
“Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony” (2009) Yusuf is a wealthy and selfish businessman and philanthropist from Dubai, who spends most of his time partying through drugs, sex, and drinking. He recruits the player, Luis, to be one of his top mercenaries, and provides him heavy artillery whenever he can, like sending an attack chopper to give him the upper hand in a massive gun fight. Yusuf’s wealth makes him a powerful ally and useful friend. Despite all his negative and irresponsible qualities he’s known for his relaxed nature, and worry free lifestyle. In a nutshell, he is the very definition of hakuna matata.
#6: Lamar
“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013) Oh, Lamar. After grasping their sides with laughter, most players found themselves sighing these words often when mowing their way through San Andreas. Young, brash and ambitious, Lamar is a constant thorn in the side of his best friend, Franklin. Lamar’s perfect blend of thug life mentality and sass make him one of the funniest characters in Grand Theft Auto. Spouting truth whenever he can, he might be a delusional hand full, but there is no doubt that Lamar will always have our back no matter what.
#5: Lazlow Jones
“Grand Theft Auto” series (1997-) If there was ever a “main character” for the whole Grand Theft Auto franchise, it would be Lazlo Jones. No he didn’t get much screen time – well, none of the most part – but Lazlo’s been on the radio of your stolen cars dating all the way back to Grand Theft Auto 3. Also holding the distinction of being the only character on this list to be a real person, he finally gets his much needed facetime in GTAV as a sort of budget Ryan Seacrest kinda character – something which brings him into contact with Michael and his daughter. While this appearance was great, it’s really his lasting contribution to the virtual airwaves which lands him on the list – especially considering that, fun fact, he’s actually a working talk-show host you can listen to online!
#4: Roman Belic
“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008) The naïve and comical cousin of Niko, Roman’s genuine lust for life sticks in our minds, and who’s optimism we can always count on when things get really sticky. Unfortunately, his dealings with loan sharks and constant gambling continues to get him into trouble, much to the annoyance of his cousin, but Roman makes up for it by providing Niko with criminal contacts, who then give him work and money making opportunities. Depending on the player’s choice towards the end of the game, Roman is killed in a drive targeted for Niko, who later avenges him; otherwise, Roman stays by Niko’s side to the very end.
#3: Officer Tenpenny
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004) The epitome of police corruption, Officer Frank Tenpenny is the ultimate villain. He cares nothing for anyone, but himself, and is only out to make money off the gang bangers he arrests for the same crimes. Assisted by Officer Pulaski, he starts to feel the heat when District Attorneys and other officers begin to snoop around in his business. He screws over everyone he can until he is fresh out of allies, which ultimately leads to his death. Ruthless, cruel, and greedy, Tenpenny is one of the best GTA villains, and having Samuel L. Jackson himself voice him just tied the character together.
#2: Brucie Kibbutz
“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008) Our resident steroid junkie and closeted gay man, Brucie is a criminal in it for the pay and the glory. Specializing in cars, he tasks Niko to help him with various jobs that include stealing those cars and assassinations. A man who works out constantly and is more obsessed with testosterone than he is dating the “women” he claims to love so much, Brucie is a man of many secrets, but what makes him so hilarious is how obvious his real sexuality is to everyone else, but him. He may be full of it, but with his connections and love for all things illegal, he’s just a cool guy to be friends with. Before we get to our top pick, here are some honorable mentions. Lance Vance “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” (2002) Rockstar Games Sweet “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004) Rockstar Games Auntie Poulet “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” (2002) Rockstar Games
#1: Ken Rosenburg
Best Grand Theft Auto Companions
“Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” & “San Andreas” (2002/04) A lawyer recruited by the mafia in Vice City, Ken Rosenberg lived his day-to-day life by the skin of his teeth. Living with the mafia in GTA’s equivalent of Miami, it’s only natural that he would develop an out of control cocaine addiction, which landed him in constant trouble with his bosses, and caused a rift between him and his closest friends. Ken’s nervous demeanor and odd level of ruthlessness makes him not only one of GTA’s more comical criminals, but unique in his own right. At the end of the day, you really wonder how in the world this guy managed to survive a life of crime for that long. Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite Grand Theft Auto Side Character? For more awesome Top 10’s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
