Niko Bellic

Grand Theft Auto IV's protagonist, Niko Bellic, travelled to Liberty City to pursue the "American Dream," where money and women [supposedly] come easy. Niko hails from an unspecified Eastern European country, which he departed after landing himself in hot water with the local gangs. Niko - unshaven, in his mid-thirties and sporting a cheap tracksuit - was enticed by his cousin Roman to try life in America. He claimed to be living with two women, four hot tubs and fifteen sport cars - a lifestyle which very much appealed to Niko. So with things not working out back home, Niko decided to pack his belongings and head for America. Upon arrival, he discovers that his cousin's claims of a wealthy lifestyle were far from the truth, and he soon finds himself drawn into Roman's [seemingly endless] list of personal problems. Voiced by Michael Hollick.

Roman Bellic

Roman is Niko's cousin. He is an optimist, a fantasist, and a liar. He made Niko believe things which weren't true in order to bring him to Liberty City, so that he could help him sort out personal issues. He claimed through various emails that he was rich, living in a luxury condo with many fast cars and beautiful women, but instead he has crippling debts, a lot of enemies, and runs a failing taxi business in a converted industrial garage in Broker. At the beginning of the game, Roman serves as your only friend and as your only connection in the story. Whereas Niko is considered a rough-and-tough type character, Roman is more of a "friendly buffoon," according to Dan Houser, Rockstar's creative vice president. Roman and Niko are said to be constantly bickering with each other. Roman is dating a girl called Mallorie. Voiced by Jason Zumwalt.

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Vladimir Glebov

Vlad likes to think of himself as a powerful and much-feared character, who runs the Hove beach neighborhood of Broker with an iron fist. But in reality, he is a low level Russian criminal who is trying to win respect from the bigger boys. Most of his criminal activities are minor. Voiced by Misha Kuznetsov.

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Elizabeta Torres

Elizabeta has been a successful drug dealer in Bohan for more than ten years. Her success is due mainly to the fact that she tends to keep her business low-key, while paying off or ordering the killings of the right people. A crackdown on drug dealing has increased the level of pressure on Elizabeta and her business, as police try to track her activities. She has recently developed a drug addiction, which is making her dangerously paranoid and delusional. Voiced by Charlie Parker.

Manny Escuela

Manny is a former gangster who managed to transform his life and put his rough past behind him. He is now trying to help others do the same, and is determined to clean up the neighbourhood, the kids, and the streets of Liberty City. He is having a documentary made about himself to record his struggle. Voiced by Berto Colon.

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Brucie Kibbutz

Fitness enthusiast, car nut, and self appointed VIP. Brucie thinks very highly of himself. He is a man brimming with confidence, who isn't afraid to make himself heard. He lives a lavish lifestyle, with nothing but the finest women, cars and lifestyle accessories. He was introduced to Niko by Roman, and operates a garage in Broker, just around the corner from the taxi depot. Once Niko's relationship with Brucie advances to a certain stage, Brucie provides a free helictoper service to Niko. Voiced by Timothy Adams.

Little Jacob

Jacob (nicknamed "Little Jacob") is a Jamaican arms dealer from Dukes, and one of Niko's many associates. Jacob supplies you with any firepower you need, which he stores in the back of his trunk. He is a good friend of Roman Bellic, Niko's cousin. Voiced by Coolie Ranx.

Francis McCreary

McCreary is a corrupt police officer (what would a GTA game be without one?) who has dirt on Niko's past. He knows about a felony Niko committed, which he threatens to reveal details of unless Niko obeys his orders. In the mission "Call and Collect," McCreary asks you to retrieve a memory stick with sensitive data which was stolen from him. He wears a black suit and tie, has a short moustache, and has slicked blonde hair with a strong side parting. Voiced by Thomas Lyons.

Patrick McCreary

Patrick is an Irish hoodlum, who is related to bent cop Francis McReary (see above). Those who know him refer to him as "Packie" for short. Patrick lives with his mother and sister (though he doesn't seem to like them much) and is a good friend of Elizabeta's. His sister is very interested in Niko (she is seen kissing him in the third GTA IV trailer) but Patrick warns him away from her. Voiced by Ryan Johnston.

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Playboy X

Playboy X is a hustler, who was introduced to Niko by Elizabeta. He owns a big mansion in Algonquin, where much of his business is conducted from. He used to do business with a friend called Dwayne Moore, who was recently released from prison, but Playboy has since moved on without him. Voiced by Postell Pringle.

Bledar Morina

Bledar Morina is an Albanian money lender, who operates in Broker. He is a blackmailer, a thug, and a fitness enthusiast. He is seen terrorising Roman Bellic in the third GTA IV trailer (at 00:58).