Niko Bellic

Voice: Michael Hollick

Niko is the character you play in Grand Theft Auto IV. Niko is an Albanian who served time in the Bosnian War, where he was involved numerous atrocities which are mentioned heavily throughtout the game, and render Niko as a depressed and self-loathing character. Much of Niko's story revolves around his army unit of fifteen men being ambushed by the enemy. Niko barely escaped with his life, but most of his friends were killed; he later discovered that two others also survived, one of which was responsible for selling-out his unit's position to the enemy.

After having a rough life back in Eastern-Europe and getting involved with some undesirable characters he decides to pack up his bags, leave his family and friends, and move to Liberty City to live with his cousin, Roman.

Roman promises Niko the world; money, woman, cars, and big houses, but upon arrival Niko realises that Roman is no more than the owner of a Taxi business, barely earning enough money to live.

Roman Bellic

Voice: Jason Zumwalt

Roman is Niko's cousin. He has been living in Liberty City pursuing the American dream - fast cars, women, hot tubs, luxury condos. At least these are the things he has been telling Niko about. Instead, he operates a cab stand in Broker and, a born optimist and a bit of a fantasist, Roman dreams big while he and his girlfriend Mallorie decide whether to take each other seriously.

Vlad

In Vlad's own mind he is a supremely powerful gangster, who runs the Hove beach neighborhood of Broker with an iron fist, and takes crap from no one… In reality, he is a low level Russian hood who is trying to gain favor with more powerful criminals, while he runs minor protection rackets and talks a big game.

Elizabeta

For 10 years or more, Elizabeta has been a successful drug dealer in Bohan. Successful because she kept things low key and paid off or killed the right people. She knows that a crackdown on drug dealing is going to put her under scrutiny and her own narcotic consumption has spiraled out of control, making her dangerously paranoid and delusional.

Manny

Manny is testament to the fact men can be reborn. Once a hard living hoodlum, who was there (and involved?) when people invented graffiti, hip hop, and breakdancing—he never wanted any credit, it wasn't about ego for him. He is now a man transformed and all about one thing—cleaning up the neighborhood, the kids and the streets. To prove it, he's having a documentary made about himself, to record his struggle.

Brucie

Anyone who thinks modern man is having an identity crisis should meet Brucie. Brucie is a serious fitness enthusiast, car nut and self appointed VIP. He's also proof that sometimes, delusional white idiots can take the hip hop thing a bit far. He's loud, he's proud and he's going to make sure you know just how much money he's got. He lives life large, just like men do in the magazines he reads. He's got nothing but the finest women, cars, lifestyle accessories and anabolic steroids. That's how he rolls.

Playboy X

You meet Playboy X through Elizabeta. Playboy took over from protege Dwayne Forge when he was jailed, however Dwayne has recently been released from prison. Playboy lives in an Apartment on Xenotime Street in Northwood, and aspires to give back to the community, however, he feels that in order to get where he wants he needs to spend a little time on the wrong side of the law. Playboy introduces you to Dwayne, and eventually you must decide to kill either Playboy or Dwayne; should you kill Dwayne Playboy no longer wishes to speak with you, alternatively if you kill Playboy then his Northwood apartment becomes available for you to use.

Phil Bell

Voice: Frank Bonsangue

Phil Bell is a front man for the Pegorino crime family, managing construction yards and the Honker's Gentleman's Club in Tudor. Jimmy Pegorino regards Phil as his best associate, however Phil being part-irish is frowned upon by the Five Families. Phil is bitter towards his ex-wife who won custody over their children following their recent divorce.

Phil is also very close to Jimmy Pegorino's wife, Angela, as can be seen during several video sequences during the game. There are rumours that the two are having an affair, however, Jimmy does not belive them. Phil also assures you that it is "not what it seems". Phil becomes an integral part of the game towards the end playing a major role in several missions.