 Each character has a set of eight skills that represent their ability in certain areas such as shooting and driving . Though skills improve through play , each character has a skill with expertise by default ( i.e. Trevor 's flying skill ) . The eighth " special " skill determines the effectiveness in performing an ability that is unique to each respective character . Michael enters bullet time in combat , Franklin slows down time while driving , and Trevor deals twice as much damage to enemies while taking half as much in combat . A meter on each character 's HUD depletes when an ability is being used and regenerates when players perform skilful actions ( for example , drifting in vehicles as Franklin or pulling off headshots as Michael ) . 
