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If you've spent time in Los Santos, you've lived a chunk of your life as Franklin Clinton. While the story introduces his basic drive, many subtle details about his character, gameplay mechanics, and hidden traits only become clear after many hours of play. This guide breaks down the practical and curious aspects of Franklin from a player's perspective.
What Makes Franklin Unique in Gameplay?
Franklin's standout feature is his special driving ability, which slows down time for sharper turns and precision. In general, this is most useful during chase missions, tricky races, or when you need to line up a perfect shot from a moving vehicle. Unlike Michael's bullet time or Trevor's rampage mode, Franklin's ability is purely vehicular. It's tied to a meter that refills over time, so most players learn to use it strategically rather than constantly. His signature color, green, flashes on-screen when it's activated.
Another key mechanic exclusive to Franklin is lockpicking. When approaching a parked car calmly, he will often quietly pick the lock instead of smashing the window. This is useful for stealing cars without drawing police attention. However, players should note he won't lockpick if he's in a combat state, being chased, or if the vehicle is an SUV, van, or has high door handles. He also never lockpicks the Furore GT model.
How Do Franklin's Story Choices and Endings Work?
Franklin is the only protagonist in GTA V who survives all three possible story endings. This makes him a central figure for post-game free roam and completionists. To achieve 100% completion in the game, you must complete all of Franklin's "Strangers and Freaks" missions. When it comes to the final decision, most players base their choice on role-playing preference or which friend they value more, as the mission objectives change drastically. There's no gameplay bonus for one over the others, so it's purely a narrative choice.
What Are Some Lesser-Known Details About His Character?
The game files and subtle clues paint a fuller picture of Franklin. His license plates ("FC1988") suggest a birth year of 1988, though it's never stated. He shows compassion for animals, often apologizing when he hits one, which contrasts with Michael's sarcasm and Trevor's dark humor. He's also a smoker, with Redwood cigarette packs found in his mansion.
Interestingly, Franklin is likely a Christian or at least biblically literate. He recognizes a Bible verse Michael quotes and can get a tattoo quoting 2 Corinthians. His old haircut with a shaved stripe, seen in early artwork, is still available in barber shops, though his character wheel icon is the only place that still shows it by default. For players looking to skip the grind in the online portion of the game, some turn to external shortcuts, which is why you might hear discussions about gta 5 modded accounts ps5 in community forums, though this isn't part of the official gameplay experience.
How Does Franklin Behave in Free Roam Compared to Michael and Trevor?
Franklin's daily routines are more grounded. When you save the game by having him sleep, time advances 8 hours (compared to Michael's 6 and Trevor's 12). He sleeps in a fetal position. If you, as Michael or Trevor, cause damage at his house, he may send an angry text message. He's also the only protagonist who cannot play tennis, despite sound files existing in the game suggesting it was once planned.
What is Franklin's Role in GTA Online's "The Contract" Update?
In "The Contract," Franklin returns as a central character, now running a celebrity solutions agency. This makes him the first GTA protagonist to later serve as a major supporting character in another title. At his agency, he will comment on the Online Protagonist's achievements if you stand near him, referencing casino heists, nightclubs, and even mutual contacts like Lester. He mentions learning about golf (which he finds boring but strategic) and admits he doesn't fully understand the internet or Imani's slang-filled texts. Notably, he can comment on wishing he owned a hangar or nightclub, which is an oversight since he potentially can in GTA V's story mode.
Who is Franklin Similar to in the GTA Series?
Franklin shares clear parallels with Carl "CJ" Johnson from San Andreas. Both are young Black men from Los Santos affiliated with the Families gang, focused on rising in the criminal world, and are more level-headed than those around them. A neat real-world connection: their voice actors, Shawn Fonteno (Franklin) and Young Maylay (CJ), are cousins.
What Makes Franklin Unique in Gameplay?
Franklin's standout feature is his special driving ability, which slows down time for sharper turns and precision. In general, this is most useful during chase missions, tricky races, or when you need to line up a perfect shot from a moving vehicle. Unlike Michael's bullet time or Trevor's rampage mode, Franklin's ability is purely vehicular. It's tied to a meter that refills over time, so most players learn to use it strategically rather than constantly. His signature color, green, flashes on-screen when it's activated.
Another key mechanic exclusive to Franklin is lockpicking. When approaching a parked car calmly, he will often quietly pick the lock instead of smashing the window. This is useful for stealing cars without drawing police attention. However, players should note he won't lockpick if he's in a combat state, being chased, or if the vehicle is an SUV, van, or has high door handles. He also never lockpicks the Furore GT model.
How Do Franklin's Story Choices and Endings Work?
Franklin is the only protagonist in GTA V who survives all three possible story endings. This makes him a central figure for post-game free roam and completionists. To achieve 100% completion in the game, you must complete all of Franklin's "Strangers and Freaks" missions. When it comes to the final decision, most players base their choice on role-playing preference or which friend they value more, as the mission objectives change drastically. There's no gameplay bonus for one over the others, so it's purely a narrative choice.
What Are Some Lesser-Known Details About His Character?
The game files and subtle clues paint a fuller picture of Franklin. His license plates ("FC1988") suggest a birth year of 1988, though it's never stated. He shows compassion for animals, often apologizing when he hits one, which contrasts with Michael's sarcasm and Trevor's dark humor. He's also a smoker, with Redwood cigarette packs found in his mansion.
Interestingly, Franklin is likely a Christian or at least biblically literate. He recognizes a Bible verse Michael quotes and can get a tattoo quoting 2 Corinthians. His old haircut with a shaved stripe, seen in early artwork, is still available in barber shops, though his character wheel icon is the only place that still shows it by default. For players looking to skip the grind in the online portion of the game, some turn to external shortcuts, which is why you might hear discussions about gta 5 modded accounts ps5 in community forums, though this isn't part of the official gameplay experience.
How Does Franklin Behave in Free Roam Compared to Michael and Trevor?
Franklin's daily routines are more grounded. When you save the game by having him sleep, time advances 8 hours (compared to Michael's 6 and Trevor's 12). He sleeps in a fetal position. If you, as Michael or Trevor, cause damage at his house, he may send an angry text message. He's also the only protagonist who cannot play tennis, despite sound files existing in the game suggesting it was once planned.
What is Franklin's Role in GTA Online's "The Contract" Update?
In "The Contract," Franklin returns as a central character, now running a celebrity solutions agency. This makes him the first GTA protagonist to later serve as a major supporting character in another title. At his agency, he will comment on the Online Protagonist's achievements if you stand near him, referencing casino heists, nightclubs, and even mutual contacts like Lester. He mentions learning about golf (which he finds boring but strategic) and admits he doesn't fully understand the internet or Imani's slang-filled texts. Notably, he can comment on wishing he owned a hangar or nightclub, which is an oversight since he potentially can in GTA V's story mode.
Who is Franklin Similar to in the GTA Series?
Franklin shares clear parallels with Carl "CJ" Johnson from San Andreas. Both are young Black men from Los Santos affiliated with the Families gang, focused on rising in the criminal world, and are more level-headed than those around them. A neat real-world connection: their voice actors, Shawn Fonteno (Franklin) and Young Maylay (CJ), are cousins.