Fans of the Grand Theft Auto series have been waiting for a sequel to Grand Theft Auto 5 since 2013 and many are growing impatient. Rumors about a supposed sequel are everywhere, but very little has been confirmed by Rockstar itself, allowing one to freely fantasize about what the next installment will entail.

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The Grand Theft Auto series is full of engaging and likable characters that benefit the overall story of each game they are a part of. Unfortunately, some of the best characters are NPCs, making playing as them nothing more than wishful thinking. Grand Theft Auto 6 has the opportunity to use minor, yet familiar characters as its leading protagonists, and, though nothing is set in stone, imagining the different scenarios that could take place with certain characters at the helm is too fun to ignore.

10 Roman Bellic

Roman Bellic GTA IV

The character of Roman Bellic has become one of the most iconic characters in gaming since his introduction in Grand Theft Auto 4. The cousin of protagonist Nico Bellic is most commonly recognized for his passionate love of bowling and the incessant phone calls he makes to the player's in-game phone.

Rumors and leaks suggest that the game may be set during the 1980s, but this is unconfirmed. If these leaks are inaccurate, Roman could return to the series in Grand Theft Auto 6 as the leading man. The game could focus on his attempts to leave the world of crime, resulting in him digging himself deeper into it. Though it is unlikely, fans would not pass up the opportunity to see Roman's bowling skills once more.

9 Catalina

Catalina From GTA 3 Definitive Edition

Catalina has had two separate appearances in the Grand Theft Auto series, with perhaps her most notable in Grand Theft Auto 3 where she played the main antagonist. If Grand Theft Auto 6 were to act as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, it could focus on the growth of her character and showcase the events that led her to become the leader of the Columbian Cartel.

Like Grand Theft Auto 5's Trevor, Catalina is terrifying and unpredictable, so one can only imagine the horrible deeds she did to gain her position of power. Trevor had Michael to assist him in containing his anger, but an untethered Catalina could prove to be a fresh and new approach to a Grand Theft Auto protagonist.

8 Lance Vance

Lance Vance from Vice City

Tommy Vercetti's right-hand man turned betrayer is one of the most likable characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. His smooth and suave demeanor fits perfectly into the fictional Miami being portrayed, but perhaps his character could also thrive elsewhere.

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Lance Vance is known for switching sides to benefit himself alone. If Grand Theft Auto 6 were to follow his transition from awkward youth to a manipulative crime boss, perhaps a new side to this character could be revealed. Lance Vance is a wolf in sheep's clothing, so his role as a protagonist would be a fascinating one.

7 Cesar Vialpando

The Varrios Los Aztecas gang leader, Cesar Vialpando, is nothing short of a blessing in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Though he and CJ are initially skeptical of one another, they later form an incredibly strong bond and grow to consider each other family.

Cesar is the reason CJ found out about Big Smoke and Ryder's betrayal. If it were not for him, CJ's story may have ended a great deal sooner. He is an honest and reliable character, perfectly suited to be the next installment's protagonist if given the opportunity.

6 Lamar Davis

gta lamar in garage animation

The main story of Grand Theft Auto 5 kicks off with Franklin and Lamar repossessing a 9F Cabrio and a Rapid GT from Vespucci Beach. Lamar is shown to be a quick-witted loose cannon fixated on cementing his name in the crime world. He spends a good portion of the game both mocking and assisting Franklin in small-time jobs and full-blown heists.

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Lamar, since the events of Grand Theft Auto 5, has become something of a businessman, though his methods are still questionable. A sequel with him as the protagonist could reveal more about how his ridiculous mind works and may also shed some light on why he is the way he is.

5 Patrick McReary

Patrick McReary, or "Packie" as he is most commonly referred to, is one of Niko Bellic's go-to gunmen in Grand Theft Auto 4. They meet through Elizabeta Torres, a cocaine dealer, and slowly grow to respect and trust each other as the narrative progresses.

Packie's roots in the Irish mob have only been partially examined in the Grand Theft Auto series. Many fans want to learn more about his origins and how he became engulfed with thoughts of theft and murder, so his role as a protagonist would certainly explain a great deal more about his character.

4 8-Ball

8-ball grand theft auto 3

8-Ball, first introduced in Grand Theft Auto 3, is a bombs and explosives expert who has appeared in two installments in the series. His nickname was inspired by his father who was known for his hustling abilities when playing pool. Claude and 8-Ball narrowly escape imprisonment at the beginning of Grand Theft Auto 3, but sadly the game chooses to focus on the unspoken protagonist that is Claude instead.

Besides 8-Ball, there have been little to no other explosives experts seen throughout the series. To be a protagonist in his own game would permit developers to flesh out his backstory and further explain why he sought to educate himself in the art of bomb-making.

3 Pavel

Pavel inside of his submarine

Perhaps the most endearing character created for Grand Theft Auto Online is Pavel, an ex-Russian Navy sailor. His debut saw him quickly become a fan favorite and many fans agree that he is one of the best characters depicted in the online version of the game.

Pavel is presented to be a carefree spirit fixated on taking everything he can get his hands on from El Rubio's clutches. His background implies that he is an expert in planning heists, so one can only imagine the illegal antics he was involved with before the Cayo Perico heist. If he were to return to the series as the protagonist, eager fans may finally get to uncover the elusive details regarding his past.

2 Salvatore Leone

Salvatore Leone From Grand Theft Auto

Salvatore Leone is arguably one of the most powerful characters in the Grand Theft Auto series due to his positioning in the world of crime. He is the Don of the untouchable Leone family based in Liberty City, a family that should not under any circumstances be crossed.

He has appeared three separate times throughout the series but in each depiction, he is presented as an aged man who sends his lackeys to do his dirty work. A prequel game in which he acts as the main character would finally show him getting his own hands dirty and could document the presumably disturbing antics he was a part of before he became the Don of a Mafia family.

1 Lester Crest

If it were not for Lester, many of the most iconic events in Grand Theft Auto 5 would not have taken place. Though he is not much to look at, he is arguably the most well-versed character in crime seen throughout the series.

If Grand Theft Auto 6 were to take place during the 1980s, it could follow his story before he became the criminal genius he is today. Fans of the series have always been curious about Lester's origins and his knowledge of planning heists, so making him the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto 5's sequel would surely be greeted with excitement.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently in development.

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