Who Killed Trevor in GTA V? A Deep Dive into the Controversial Ending
The question of who killed Trevor in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While the game presents a clear scenario, the responsibility falls squarely on the player’s shoulders through their in-game choices. In Ending A, titled “Kill Trevor,” either Franklin or Michael directly causes Trevor’s death. Let’s unpack this grim event, the circumstances leading to it, and the broader implications for the game’s narrative.
The Setup: Betrayal and a Fiery Demise
GTA V culminates in a tense standoff where Franklin, the youngest protagonist, is pressured by corrupt FBI agent Steve Haines to eliminate Trevor, who is deemed a “liability.” Simultaneously, billionaire Devin Weston seeks revenge on Michael and wants him dead. Franklin faces a complex ethical dilemma. He can choose to kill either Trevor, kill Michael, or defy both and go for the “Deathwish” ending where they all work together.
Choosing Ending A, Franklin finds himself in a high-speed chase alongside Michael, pursuing Trevor through an oil field. Trevor, injured after his truck is rammed into an oil tank, falls into the spilled fuel. Bitterly berating both Franklin and Michael for betraying him, Trevor is left vulnerable in the volatile situation. At this point, either Franklin or Michael is prompted to shoot at the gasoline, igniting it and causing Trevor to burn to death. If the player hesitates when playing as Franklin, Michael will shoot at the fuel instead, ensuring Trevor’s demise. This element makes it clear that the player, through Franklin’s actions or inaction, ultimately holds the responsibility for Trevor’s death.
The Player’s Choice Matters
It’s crucial to understand that the player’s decision determines who pulls the trigger (or not) in this scenario. This highlights one of the game’s core mechanics: agency and consequence. Depending on the choices made, this decision drastically alters the post-game experience, character relationships, and even the ability to achieve 100% completion. The death of Trevor is not something the game scripts happen without the player’s active participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trevor’s Fate
To provide a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in GTA V, let’s address some common questions:
1. Can You Get Trevor Back After Killing Him?
No, if you choose to kill Trevor in Ending A, he is permanently dead. He will no longer be playable and will not be involved in any post-game activities. There is no mechanism to revive him.
2. What Happens If Franklin Kills Trevor?
If Franklin is the one who triggers the gasoline, it not only results in Trevor’s death but also significantly impacts his relationships. Michael, while potentially complicit in the act, loses trust in Franklin. The friendship is irreparably damaged.
3. Can You Finish GTA V Without Killing Trevor or Michael?
Yes, absolutely. Option C, the “Deathwish” ending, allows you to finish the game with all three protagonists alive. This is achieved by Franklin choosing to betray both Haines and Weston, leading to a cooperative final mission.
4. Is Killing Trevor a Good Option?
From a narrative and relationship perspective, killing Trevor is generally considered the worst option. It destroys the dynamic between characters and robs the player of one of the most unique personalities. However, in terms of in-game financial gains, killing Trevor gives Franklin and Michael a bigger cut of the final heist proceeds.
5. Why Was Trevor Killed?
Within the story, Trevor was targeted because he was deemed too unpredictable and volatile. His enemies, Steve Haines and Devin Weston, viewed him as a loose end and therefore a liability. The FBI was wary of Trevor’s chaotic nature, seeing him as someone they couldn’t control.
6. What Happens if Michael Kills Trevor?
If Michael shoots the gasoline, Trevor still dies and the result is much the same: a ruined relationship between Michael and Franklin. Players are left feeling the same sense of loss and consequence.
7. Can You Still Hang Out With Michael After Killing Trevor?
No. Michael, and Franklin for that matter, will no longer engage with the player post-game after Trevor’s death if you choose the option to kill him. They will not participate in any social activities or side quests. Their fractured relationship makes interaction impossible.
8. What Happens After You Kill Trevor?
After killing Trevor, you can continue playing the game with the remaining protagonists. However, Trevor’s assets are gone, and you cannot complete all of the game because you can’t participate in missions that require Trevor as a character. Essentially, you’re missing a large part of the game experience.
9. Does Killing Trevor Affect 100% Completion?
Yes, if you kill Trevor, you cannot achieve 100% completion on that save file. The requirements for 100% completion include activities exclusive to Trevor, which become unavailable after his death.
10. What is the “Deathwish” Ending?
The “Deathwish” ending, also known as Option C or the “Third Way”, is the option where Franklin chooses to ally with Michael and Trevor. Together, they fight off their enemies and all three characters survive the game’s events.
11. Is the “Deathwish” Ending Canon?
Yes, the “Deathwish” ending is widely considered the canon ending of GTA V, mostly because it’s the only option in which all three protagonists survive, allowing for the most complete experience and setting the stage for future storylines.
12. Why Does Trevor Forgive Michael?
Trevor, despite harboring resentment for Michael’s past betrayal, ultimately values the bonds he formed with him. He prioritizes their long-standing friendship over the past. For the last heist, Trevor needs Michael’s skills, and their need for one another makes it necessary to push aside the past for the present.
13. Why Does Michael Headbutt Franklin?
Michael headbutts Franklin in a heated moment of the game, in response to a stressful situation that involves a lack of trust. At the time, Michael had no idea that Franklin was being blackmailed by both Steve Haines and Devin Weston, which causes him to assume Franklin is being disloyal, hence the headbutt.
14. What If Michael Dies Instead of Trevor?
If Franklin chooses to kill Michael instead of Trevor in the final mission, Michael’s money is given to his family, and Franklin receives nothing. This choice impacts the amount of money you are awarded at the end of the game.
15. Does Killing Trevor Affect Future GTA Games?
While Rockstar Games has stated that each GTA game takes place in alternate timelines, the events of GTA V and the chosen ending might be considered canon for the characters if they make a reappearance in future titles. So far this hasn’t happened, and it remains speculation. The implications of Trevor’s death would likely be felt if any of the three protagonists returned.
Conclusion
The death of Trevor is a complex and consequential event in GTA V, largely driven by the player’s own decisions. Whether you’re driven by financial gain, or the game’s narrative, your actions determine Trevor’s ultimate fate and drastically affect the post-game landscape. Understanding these ramifications is crucial to appreciating the depth and complexity of GTA V’s storytelling. By exploring the implications of the “Kill Trevor” ending, players can grasp the significance of the game’s ending and the impact their choices have on the world and its characters.