 The single @-@ player mode lets players control three characters : Michael De Santa , Trevor Philips and Franklin Clinton — criminals whose stories interconnect as they complete missions . Some missions are completed with only one character and others feature two or three . Throughout single @-@ player , players may switch between the protagonists at will by means of a directional compass on the HUD . The game may switch between characters automatically in single @-@ player missions to complete certain objectives . A character 's compass avatar will flash red if he is in danger and needs help , and flash white if he has a strategic advantage . Though players complete missions as any of the three protagonists , the more difficult heist missions require aid from AI @-@ controlled accomplices with unique skill sets like computer hacking and driving . If an accomplice survives a successful heist , they take a cut from the cash reward and may be available for later missions with improvements to their unique skills . Differentiation in heist mission strategies is encouraged ; in a holdup mission , players may either stealthily subdue civilians with an incapacitating agent or conspicuously storm the venue with guns drawn . 
