In the beginning of the Grand Theft Auto series, players were given the option in Grand Theft Auto 1 to select one of eight different protagonists to play as in the game. Despite the varied selection of characters, they are no different in-game in terms of abilities, the only variance being the color of their clothes and skins. Each character has a default first name which the player may immediately use, or edit and change.
In addition to featuring characters of different appearances and backgrounds, the game is also notable for featuring both male and female protagonists to choose. The characters are illustrated in the same manner as other characters in the game, with a semi-realistic but somewhat stylized facial design.
List of protagonists
Grand Theft Auto series protagonists
| Default name | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bubba |  |
Male character. Depicted as obese and tough (with a cigar in his mouth). |
| Divine |  |
Female character. Depicted as being of African descent. |
| Katie |  |
Female character. |
| Kivlov |  |
Male character. Suggested by name to be of Eastern European or Russian descent. |
| Mikki |  |
Female character. |
| Travis |  |
Male character. He is a reference to Travis Bickle, the main character in the movie Taxi Driver. |
| Troy |  |
Male character. Depicted as being of African descent. |
| Ulrika |  |
Female character. Suggested by name to be of Eastern European or Russian descent. |