2. Carl "CJ" Johnson (GTA: San Andreas)
CJ is without question one of the best protagonists in the history of video games, a resolute badass gangster who is nevertheless extremely well developed as a character. Carl "CJ" Johnson grew up with the Grove Street Families in Los Santos, though after the death of his brother Brian, CJ abandoned his home and fled to start anew in Liberty City. However, San Andreas begins with the death of CJ's mother, bringing him back to Los Santos, finding himself torn between his old gangster buddies and the corrupt Tenpenny, who threatens to frame him for killing a cop. Given the very personal nature of his return home, it's easy to get behind CJ as a protagonist, all the more so because of the enormous amount of pressure that he has exerted on him from all asides, and how he shows considerable guts under fire. When CJ kills Tenpenny at the end of the game and manages to not only get away, but also accrue a sizable amount of wealth, it feels like a happy climax that was well and truly earned.