Compared to the rest of the franchise, Grand Theft Auto V took the unconventional route of the player switching back and forth between three different characters. Each individual had their own story that blended with the two others, which made for a unique approach to storytelling in the typically story-heavy games.
Of course, considering how expansive the story can get, there are bound to be some plot holes that leave some players scratching their heads, wondering why they haven’t got the answers. Sometimes, players need to just accept the suspension of disbelief. However, all someone needs to look into a plot’s biggest mysteries is to look at context clues.
10 Why Michael Is Wealthy To Start The Game
After the initial prologue, we find that Michael De Santa has gone into a witness protection program and is staying in a beautiful mansion in the middle of Rockford Hills. Michael has a decent amount of cash when we first see his bank account. So how is it that he’s living such a lavish lifestyle?
FIB Agent Dave Norton made a deal with Michael that was considered “off-the-books.” In it, the agreement was made that Michael would keep the money he stole during the raid, fake his death, take a new name, and move into the house in Los Santos. In exchange, Dave would earn fame for taking Michael down.
9 Madrazo’s Hitmen Found Michael Quickly
In the mission “Marriage Counseling,” Michael brings down an entire house that was actually owned by Martin Madrazo, a dangerous man who owns a criminal cartel. Shortly after, Michael and Franklin are found quickly by Madrazo’s hitmen.
Some fans have found it strange that the pair could be found so quickly. But it’s worth noting that they were in a unique vehicle and there was some time while the truck was actively bringing the house down that the call could’ve been made. And because Michael had no idea who Madrazo was, there wasn’t any urgency to elude anyone at first.
8 Why Norton Kept Trevor In The Dark
As we get to know Norton, we learn that he has actually stayed in contact with Trevor, but not as himself. Instead, he is posing as Brad, whom Trevor believes is sitting in jail and not buried in Michael’s grave. The necessity of doing something like this feels like a bit much, but it was important for Norton to keep up the act.
Trevor was supposedly sending letters to Brad in hopes of reconnecting with him. In order to not set Trevor off thinking something happened to Brad, Norton decided to write the texts to him. Not telling Michael about it is a little bit less clear.
7 Trevor Not Breaking Brad Out
Related to this frequent exchange, it’s easy to wonder why Trevor wouldn’t have made the effort to break Brad out of jail. Trevor is always about creating chaos that would benefit him, so it would seem out of character for him to avoid an opportunity that was right down the street from him. But one person had the power to tell Trevor no, and it was “Brad.”
While a specific exchange is never shown in the game, “Brad” does tell Trevor in an email that not only is life not bad in prison but that Trevor should turn himself in and give up the life of crime because “prison ain’t bad. In fact, I think you would love it.”
6 Trevor Showing Up At Michael’s House
Trevor showing up at Michael’s place so quickly is a bit out of nowhere, but it’s important to note everything leading up to their first interaction since North Yankton. Trevor made the quick realization that Michael was still alive after seeing news coverage of the Jewelry Heist and hearing that one of the criminals used a movie quote in his escape.
After giving Wade the approximate age and family information of Michael Townley, he was able to find out that a “Michael De Santa” matched the profile. Finding the address wouldn’t be that difficult from there and breaking in randomly is exactly something Trevor would do.
5 Why Trevor And Michael Work Together
After the two former allies reunite, the tension between them could be cut with a knife. So it is odd that the two end up working together on multiple missions. But there are a few reasons why this is the case. For starters, Trevor has purposely reinserted himself into Michael’s life in order to find out the truth and guilt Michael into doing some heists on his own.
Michael, on the other hand, is forced to work with Trevor as the FIB wants Trevor involved in important missions. If Michael refused, Norton would have Michael arrested for the crimes he has committed since “retiring.”
4 No Punishment For Stealing A Super-Weapon
In what could possibly be the strangest heist in the game, Trevor has Michael and Franklin help him steal a device that is owned by Merryweather. They successfully do so, only to find out that said device is actually a super-weapon that the feds will absolutely hunt them down for. The group decides to return it and no charges are filed.
A heist of this size would make it seem that the police would do anything to still make arrests, but it’s worth remembering that Norton is trying to cover up these crimes so that Michael and friends can continue to help the FIB. Plus, since when are the police in this game competent?
3 Franklin’s Reasons For Killing Trevor
The three endings for GTA V each have their own controversial aura around them that makes players question why they are being offered. Prior to the ending, Franklin is asked by the FIB to take out Trevor as he is seen to be a liability by them.
Franklin had grown closer to Trevor through their frequent work together, but it’s fair to look at Trevor as a loose cannon. And taking Trevor out would be good for Michael, with who Franklin has a closer relationship. It saves them the potential of Trevor pulling them down into crazy situations again.
2 Franklin’s Reasons For Killing Michael
Out of the three endings, killing Michael seems like it’s coming out of nowhere. This request is coming down from Devin Weston, who wants Michael dead since he was the one responsible for Molly’s death and because he was a liability. While it does seem absurd, there is some logic to it based on Michael’s own past.
In the end, Franklin has been dragged through so much because of his ties to Michael, taking on both his and Trevor’s problems. Betraying him would be like Michael betraying Trevor: doing what he thinks is best in order to get out of dodge. From a story viewpoint, it’s a poetic way to tie it all up.
1 Why The Deathwish Took Too Long To Happen
In Option C, the three protagonists tie up loose ends by killing many of the game’s antagonists. Because it seems so easy to hunt all of them down, it’s a wonder why they didn’t decide to do all this in the first place. Keep in mind the threat that has loomed over the protagonists.
The FIB could’ve thrown any of them in jail. Devin Weston gave Michael an opportunity of a lifetime and promised others he was going to pay them well. The protagonists used these reasons to follow through on their end of the deal as they didn’t think either party wanted them dead. Once that changed, the opportunity arose.
NEXT: GTA V: 7 Reasons Why It’s An RPG (& 7 It’s Not)
