Why Did Franklin Kill Michael in GTA 5? Understanding the Choice and its Consequences
In the gripping narrative of Grand Theft Auto V, players are presented with a pivotal choice that dramatically alters the game’s ending: whether Franklin Clinton should kill Michael De Santa, kill Trevor Philips, or attempt to save both. Choosing to kill Michael, known as Option A, stems from a complex web of betrayals, shifting loyalties, and the influence of Devin Weston, a powerful and ruthless antagonist. Franklin, feeling used and manipulated by Michael throughout the game, ultimately succumbs to Weston’s orders, believing that Michael has outlived his usefulness and become a liability. This decision highlights the dark underbelly of the criminal world, where relationships are transactional and survival often comes at the expense of others.
The Seeds of Betrayal and Manipulation
The Fractured Bond Between Franklin and Michael
The relationship between Franklin and Michael is central to understanding this grim decision. Initially, Michael takes Franklin under his wing, mentoring him in the art of the heist and offering him a glimpse into a life of luxury and excitement. However, this mentorship is often laced with manipulation. Michael’s own troubled past and dysfunctional family life spill over into his interactions with Franklin, creating a dynamic where Franklin feels like a pawn in Michael’s game.
From Franklin’s perspective, Michael’s actions are often self-serving, driven by his own ego and desire for control. The constant betrayals and double-crosses that characterize the criminal underworld take their toll on Franklin, leading him to question Michael’s true intentions and loyalty.
Devin Weston’s Influence
Devin Weston represents the ultimate embodiment of corporate greed and corruption in the GTA universe. He manipulates the protagonists for his own gain, dangling promises of wealth and success while simultaneously threatening their lives and livelihoods. Weston orders Franklin to kill Michael, framing it as a necessary step to protect himself and distance himself from the chaos that Michael and Trevor bring. Weston’s influence is the catalyst that pushes Franklin over the edge, making him seriously consider and ultimately carry out the hit.
“People Don’t Change”
A crucial line of dialogue underscores Franklin’s rationale: “People don’t change.” This statement encapsulates Franklin’s growing disillusionment with Michael and his belief that Michael’s destructive tendencies are inherent and unchangeable. Franklin sees Michael as a toxic influence, someone who constantly drags him into dangerous and morally compromising situations. By accepting Weston’s offer, Franklin believes he is finally breaking free from this cycle of violence and manipulation.
The Impact and Consequences
The Death of a Protagonist
Killing Michael is undoubtedly one of the most shocking and controversial moments in GTA V. It marks the end of Michael’s story arc and has significant ramifications for the other characters. Michael, despite his flaws, is a complex and compelling figure whose demise leaves a void in the narrative.
The Financial Fallout
Unlike killing Trevor (Option B), where Michael and Franklin split Trevor’s share of the heist, killing Michael results in his share being given to his family. Franklin receives no financial benefit from this decision, highlighting the purely manipulative nature of Weston’s offer.
The End of a Friendship
Choosing to kill Michael irrevocably damages Franklin’s relationship with Lamar Davis. It demonstrates that Franklin has compromised his morals and values to an extent that even Lamar finds disturbing. Their friendship never fully recovers from this betrayal.
A Darker Ending
The “Kill Michael” ending is widely considered to be the bleakest and least satisfying of the three possible endings. It reinforces the cynical worldview that pervades GTA V, where loyalty is a rare commodity and redemption is often unattainable.
Alternative Endings and Character Development
The alternative endings, particularly Option C (“Deathwish”), offer a more optimistic resolution, allowing the three protagonists to work together and overcome their differences. This ending is often seen as the “canon” ending, as it aligns with the overall themes of friendship and resilience. Choosing Option C allows all characters to live, develop, and continue their journey in the game.
Understanding Player Choice and Narrative Impact
The choice of whether to kill Michael is a powerful example of player agency in video games. It forces players to confront difficult moral dilemmas and consider the consequences of their actions. Regardless of the chosen path, one thing remains constant; the game continues to be highly engaging!
By exploring the motivations behind Franklin’s decision, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships and moral ambiguities that define the world of Grand Theft Auto V.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is killing Michael the ‘right’ choice in GTA 5?
There is no objectively “right” choice. It depends on the player’s preference and interpretation of the characters and narrative. The “Deathwish” (saving both Michael and Trevor) ending is often considered the most satisfying and true to the game’s themes.
2. Does Franklin regret killing Michael?
The game doesn’t explicitly state Franklin’s feelings after killing Michael. However, given the bleak nature of the ending and the damage to his relationships, it’s implied that he experiences some level of regret.
3. What happens if I choose to kill Trevor instead of Michael?
If you choose to kill Trevor, Michael assists Franklin in the assassination. They then split Trevor’s share of the final heist, leaving Franklin with a financial reward. However, like killing Michael, it damages relationships.
4. Can I play as Michael after killing him in the story?
No, if you choose to kill Michael during the story, he is no longer available as a playable character in the main game. But if you complete the third way and complete it, you can kill Michael or Trevor within menu -> game and you’ll still be able to play them after it.
5. Why does Devin Weston want Michael dead?
Devin Weston sees Michael as a liability and wants to eliminate him to cover up his own criminal activities and consolidate his power.
6. Is Franklin a sympathetic character in GTA 5?
Many players find Franklin to be a sympathetic character, as he is often portrayed as the most grounded and relatable of the three protagonists. He strives for a better life but is constantly pulled back into the criminal underworld.
7. How does killing Michael affect the overall game experience?
Killing Michael leads to a darker and less fulfilling ending. It eliminates a major character and disrupts the dynamic between the protagonists. Also killing him makes it impossible to achieve 100% completion.
8. Does the game provide any hints about which choice is ‘best’?
The game doesn’t explicitly guide the player towards a specific choice. However, the “Deathwish” ending is generally considered the most narratively satisfying, as it allows the characters to overcome their differences and work together.
9. What are the long-term consequences of killing Michael?
The long-term consequences include the loss of a playable character, a damaged friendship with Lamar, and a less optimistic ending to the game.
10. Is there any way to reverse the decision to kill Michael?
No, once you make the choice to kill Michael and complete the mission, there is no way to reverse it within that playthrough. You would need to reload a previous save or start a new game to experience a different ending.
11. What is the significance of the “People don’t change” line?
This line signifies Franklin’s belief that Michael is inherently flawed and incapable of true redemption. It reflects Franklin’s disillusionment and his desire to break free from Michael’s influence.
12. How does Michael’s betrayal of Trevor factor into Franklin’s decision?
Michael’s past betrayal of Trevor creates a sense of distrust and instability among the protagonists. It contributes to Franklin’s feeling that Michael is untrustworthy and capable of betrayal.
13. Does killing Michael have any impact on side missions or activities?
Yes, killing Michael removes him from the game, so you will not be able to complete any side missions or activities that require his participation.
14. How does the ending influence player perception of Franklin?
Choosing to kill Michael can negatively impact player perception of Franklin, as it portrays him as willing to compromise his morals for personal gain.
15. Are there any academic studies or analyses of the moral choices in GTA 5?
Yes, the moral choices in GTA 5 have been the subject of academic study and analysis, exploring themes of player agency, narrative impact, and ethical decision-making in video games. The Games Learning Society offers a great opportunity to understand more about games like GTA 5. Be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org.
The choice to kill Michael is a complex one, deeply rooted in the narrative threads of betrayal, manipulation, and moral ambiguity that define Grand Theft Auto V. It’s a decision that reflects the game’s cynical worldview and forces players to confront the dark realities of the criminal underworld.