Is Killing Trevor Canon in Grand Theft Auto V? Unraveling the Truth
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The short and direct answer is: No, killing Trevor Philips is not considered canon in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5). While the game presents players with a choice to either kill Trevor or Michael, or opt for the “Deathwish” ending, only the Deathwish ending (Option C) is considered the canonical path. This ending ensures that all three protagonists – Franklin, Michael, and Trevor – survive. This conclusion is supported by several factors within the GTA universe, particularly within GTA Online, which acts as both a prequel and a sequel to the events of GTA 5. Trevor’s continued presence and references in GTA Online solidify the notion that he survives the events of the main game.
Why “Deathwish” is the Canon Ending
The choice presented to Franklin at the end of GTA 5 is a significant one. He’s given the option to either kill Trevor, kill Michael, or choose the “Third Way,” which ultimately becomes the “Deathwish” option. Choosing to eliminate either Trevor or Michael not only results in their permanent death within that save file, but also removes them as playable characters.
Here’s why the Deathwish ending is the canonical choice:
- GTA Online Evidence: Trevor is repeatedly referenced and even appears in GTA Online content, which is set after the events of GTA 5’s main story. This clearly indicates that he survived. His continuing participation in the online world would not be feasible if he had been killed in the single-player campaign.
- Character Continuity: The Deathwish ending aligns with the overarching narrative of GTA 5, preserving the dynamic and bond between the three main characters. The survival of all three reinforces the themes of loyalty and friendship, although their relationship is often fraught with tension.
- Narrative Cohesion: The other endings, where either Michael or Trevor dies, create a sense of finality and loss that don’t fit with the overarching trajectory of the storyline. The “Deathwish” ending, where all three work together to overcome their enemies, provides a more fitting conclusion to the game’s narrative.
The Implications of Killing Trevor
Choosing to kill Trevor has significant repercussions within the game. Here’s what happens when players choose to end Trevor’s life:
- Permanent Death: Trevor is permanently removed as a playable character from that specific game save file. You will no longer be able to switch to him, explore with him, or complete side missions related to him.
- Loss of Assets: All of Trevor’s assets, including his businesses, properties, and safehouses, are inaccessible. This drastically diminishes your ability to fully explore the game and complete all its content.
- Relationship Fallout: Both Michael and Franklin will no longer hang out with you or engage in friendship activities. Choosing to kill Trevor damages their relationship severely.
- Incomplete Game Completion: You cannot achieve a 100% game completion with Trevor dead in your play-through. His side missions and unique aspects of gameplay are permanently lost.
The Alternate Endings: Why They Are Not Canon
While the game offers you options to kill either Trevor or Michael, it’s important to recognize these choices as alternate endings that provide different gameplay scenarios and narrative outcomes. However, they are not considered part of the official canon. Here’s why:
- Negative Outcomes: The alternate endings, particularly killing Trevor, lead to negative outcomes for both the character’s gameplay experience and the integrity of the story continuity.
- Narrative Discontinuity: Killing either Michael or Trevor creates significant gaps in the game’s story continuity and conflicts with the events established in GTA Online.
What Happens in the Deathwish Ending?
In the Deathwish ending, Franklin, Michael, and Trevor unite to fend off their enemies, including Devin Weston, Steve Haines, and the various factions that want them eliminated. They confront all their antagonists in a large-scale battle, emerging victorious and securing their survival. This ending is often considered the best ending in the game, allowing players to continue playing all three characters and exploring the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the issue of Trevor’s fate and other related points about GTA 5’s endings:
1. What is the best ending in GTA 5?
The Deathwish ending is widely considered the best, as it allows all three main characters to survive and remains the canonical ending of GTA 5.
2. What happens if I choose to kill Trevor?
If you choose to kill Trevor, he dies, becomes unplayable, and all of his assets are removed from your save file. His side missions will also be unavailable.
3. What happens if I choose to kill Michael?
If you kill Michael, he is permanently removed from gameplay and his assets and side missions are no longer accessible. You get his money given to his family instead.
4. Can I get Trevor back after killing him?
No, once you kill Trevor, he is gone permanently from that save file. The only way to have him back is to reload a previous save.
5. Which GTA 4 ending is canon?
The “Revenge” ending in GTA 4, where Roman Bellic survives, but Kate McReary dies is hinted to be canon, although Rockstar has not explicitly confirmed it.
6. Do you get Trevor’s money if you kill him?
Yes, if you kill Trevor, Michael and Franklin split his share of the final heist.
7. How much money do you get in the Deathwish ending?
In the Deathwish ending, all three characters survive and get 20 million dollars each.
8. Is there a happy ending to GTA 5?
Yes, the Deathwish ending is considered a happy ending for GTA 5, allowing all main characters to survive and continue their lives.
9. What is the “bad ending” in GTA 5?
Killing either Michael or Trevor can be seen as the “bad endings” as it leads to negative outcomes for the character and the continuity of the story.
10. Why does Franklin have to choose?
The choice is presented to Franklin because his character is put in a position by Steve Haines and Devin Weston to eliminate his friends. This conflict tests his loyalties and morals.
11. Does Trevor forgive Michael?
Yes, Trevor ultimately forgives Michael for the coverup of Brad’s death, as they both need each other to pull off the final heist.
12. Can you get 100% completion if you kill Trevor?
No, you cannot achieve 100% completion in GTA 5 if you kill Trevor. His missions and side activities become unavailable, making 100% impossible.
13. Why do Michael and Franklin turn on Trevor in an alternate ending?
In the ending where Franklin kills Trevor, he’s pressured by Steve Haines and Devin Weston, while Michael agrees to help due to his own precarious situation and self-preservation.
14. Can Franklin hang out with Michael after killing Trevor?
No, if you choose to kill Trevor, Michael will no longer hang out with you. This is due to the betrayal of their friend.
15. What happens to Trevor’s character in GTA Online?
Trevor is alive and present in GTA Online, further solidifying that the Deathwish ending is the official canon. He appears in missions and content, indicating he survived the events of GTA 5.
In conclusion, while GTA 5 offers multiple endings, the “Deathwish” option is canon, keeping Trevor, Michael, and Franklin alive. This provides the best narrative continuity and ensures players can fully explore the game with all three characters. Killing Trevor, while an option, has far-reaching negative consequences, both in terms of gameplay and its impact on the canonical storyline.