As a child, he did not have the luxuries and privileges that his own children have, and grew up in the deprived environment of a trailer park with his parents. Michael was born in either 1965 or 1968, possibly in the Midwest, which would explain why he spent some of his criminal careers in North Yankton or on the East Coast. He is the husband of Amanda and the father of Jimmy and Tracey. Michael is an old friend of fellow protagonist Trevor, and, early on in the storyline, he also befriends Franklin and becomes a mentor figure to him. Meanwhile, his midlife crisis pushes him to his ultimate snapping point, and he becomes determined to achieve something more with his life while also attempting to escape his past, become a free man and start a new life with his family. Michael's story centers around how his seemingly idyllic and halcyon lifestyle is halted as his past demons and morally dubious lifestyle choices come back to haunt him. However, his unhealthy relationship with them takes its toll and he soon gets pulled back into his criminal life, forcing him to return to his old ways.
Michael is a former bank robber and career criminal who faked his death to retire and live a peaceful life with his family in Los Santos. Michael De Santa, formerly Michael Townley, is one of the three protagonists in Grand Theft Auto V, along with Franklin Clinton and Trevor Philips.
