We Got Feminism Before GTA VI

Exploring the Roles of Women in the Grand Theft Auto Series

Written by Isabella Wen

From its beginnings, Grand Theft Auto captivated players with the freedom to explore Rockstar’s gritty, satirical universe. The thrill of wreaking havoc in Vice City or untangling crime in San Andreas, paired with a mix of dark humour and pointed social commentary, has made GTA iconic. Yet, the series has often fallen short when it comes to representing women.

Over time, the limited portrayal of female characters has revealed the franchise’s tendency to rely on reductive stereotypes. In doing so, GTA has missed key opportunities to portray women as complex figures with ambitions and flaws of their own.

Consider GTA V’s Amanda, wife to one of the main protagonists, Michael. Amanda displays moments of defiance and frustration, suggesting a character with hidden depth. However, she ultimately succumbs to the “nagging wife” trope, with her role defined more by her turbulent relationship with Michael than by her own personal motivations. Potential for growth in her character remains largely unexplored, and her inner world is glimpsed only through conflicts with Michael.

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Similarly, GTA: San Andreas features CJ’s sister, Kendl, who stands out as an intelligent and fiercely loyal figure. Yet her role remains secondary, firmly rooted in support of CJ’s journey, while her voice is often sidelined in favour of the male-driven storyline.

Certain female characters in GTA have managed to defy conventional roles and leave lasting impressions. Catalina, for example, appears in GTA III and San Andreas as a chaotic, fearless character with her own agenda. As one of the few female figures actively shaping her own destiny, Catalina stands out for her unapologetically independent and unpredictable nature. She defies traditional stereotypes, embodying an antihero with fierce ambition and ruthless tactics that rival any male lead.

Another notable example is Elizabeta Torres from GTA IV, a powerful drug lord offering a more nuanced portrayal. Unlike secondary female characters who serve mainly as accessories to the central storyline, Elizabeta has a compelling arc driven by her ambitions, conflicts, and flaws. She is unapologetic, driven, and influential, placing her on par with the series’ most iconic male characters. Her navigation of a treacherous world without adhering to traditional expectations of femininity is refreshing, and her character remains one of the best examples of what GTA could achieve with female representation.

With the gaming community increasingly advocating for diverse and authentic portrayals of women, the upcoming GTA VI offers a prime opportunity for Rockstar to redefine its approach to female characters. Imagine a protagonist who is female, flawed, and complex, leading her own storyline rather than playing a supporting role. Such a character could grapple with moral conflicts and ambitions that challenge players in new ways. This would introduce a fresh perspective, inviting players to experience GTA through a lens that is not only new to the franchise but to gaming as a whole.

Looking to the future, GTA has a chance to set new standards by embracing female characters with greater complexity. Here lies an opportunity to move beyond stereotypes and to create female leads who are integral to the narrative, not merely background figures or plot devices. As more games strive for multi-dimensional portrayals of women, Rockstar has the potential to position GTA VI as a groundbreaking entry in the series through the crafting of dynamic, story-central female characters.

Ultimately, GTA has always been bold, consistently pushing boundaries in gameplay and storytelling. Now, the series can challenge itself further by rethinking gender representation and setting a new bar for how women are depicted in video games. By evolving in this way, Rockstar could not only meet the shifting expectations of players but also contribute to a larger movement toward gender equity in gaming narratives.

Through thoughtful, diverse character creation, GTA VI could become an iconic title that reshapes the future of women’s representation in video games, resonating with a generation of players eager for more than recycled tropes.