“You forget a thousand things every day, pal. Make sure this is one of ’em.” – Michael De Santa

Michael De Santa, born Michael Townley, is one of the three playable Protagonists in Grand Theft Auto V. He is a former career criminal who, after a failed heist in 2004, entered into the Witness Protection Program and adopted a new identity as “Michael De Santa.” He lives in Rockford Hills, Los Santos, with his wife Amanda, and two children, Jimmy and Tracey.

Despite his wealth and new life, Michael struggles with a midlife crisis. His family is dysfunctional, and he finds it hard to stay away from his former life of crime. This leads him to return to heists in 2013, teaming up with his old friend, Trevor Philips, and new acquaintance, Franklin Clinton.

Early Life

Michael was born in the Midwest and had a troubled upbringing. At some point, he became involved in criminal activities, starting with minor robberies before moving up to large-scale bank heists. He was known for his meticulous planning and professional approach to crime.
The Ludendorff Heist (2004)

In 2004, Michael, alongside Trevor Philips and Bradley Snider, attempted to pull off a major heist in Ludendorff, North Yankton. The heist went wrong, resulting in Brad being shot, Trevor escaping, and Michael faking his death with the help of FIB agent Dave Norton. In exchange, Michael entered the Witness Protection Program, moved to Los Santos, and started living under the name Michael De Santa.

Life in Los Santos

As of 2013, Michael lives in a mansion in Rockford Hills with his wife Amanda, who spends most of his money, and his two children, Jimmy and Tracey, both of whom are spoiled and rebellious. Michael’s relationship with his family is strained due to his past and their own dysfunctions.

Although Michael tried to live a clean life, he was unhappy. Therapy sessions with Dr. Isiah Friedlander failed to address his deeper issues, and a series of events eventually pulled him back into his criminal past, leading him to partner with Franklin and, later, reconnect with Trevor.

Reuniting with Trevor

Michael’s return to crime caught the attention of Trevor, who had believed Michael was dead for almost a decade. When Trevor learns the truth, the two reunite, though their friendship remains volatile due to past betrayals. Despite their differences, they work together to pull off several heists, including The Union Depository Heist.

Movie Producer

Later in the story, Michael transitions into a legitimate career as a movie producer, working with Solomon Richards at Richards Majestic Studios. He helps produce the film Meltdown and establishes himself in the Los Santos movie industry.

Possible Death (Optional)

Depending on the choices made by the player during the game’s final mission, Michael may either survive or be killed by Franklin at the request of Haines and Dave Norton. If the player chooses to spare Michael, he continues his career as a movie producer and remains on good terms with Franklin.

Michael is a complex character, marked by his inner conflict between a desire for a peaceful family life and his addiction to the thrill of crime. He is intelligent, strategic, and calm under pressure, but his frustration with his unfulfilled personal life often leads to impulsive behavior. His relationships with Trevor and Franklin show different sides of his character—both loyal and manipulative when necessary.

• Michael’s birth name is Michael Townley, and he adopted the surname De Santa after entering witness protection.
• He is the oldest of the three Protagonists in GTA V, being 45 years old at the time of the game.
• Michael has a therapist, Dr. Isiah Friedlander, who appears in several story Missions.
• He is a fan of classic Vinewood action movies, which is part of why he transitions into a movie producer later in the game.
• His favorite vehicle is the Obey Tailgater, a black sedan that is always available outside his house.

• Grand Theft Auto V (2013)