Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto IV follows protagonist Niko Bellic in his journey to try and start a new life in Liberty City and get revenge on someone who he believes betrayed his squad in the Yugoslavian wars. Niko is quickly brought back into the criminal world by working for (and eventually fleeing from) the Russian Mob, where the game's dark, tragic story truly begins.
GTA IV's story is highly praised amongst fans and critics alike, due to its dark, serious tones and realism, making it stand out from the rest of the franchise. This is massively due to Niko himself, as his shady backstory, dark desire for revenge, and chilling dialogue make him one of the best protagonists throughout the Grand Theft Auto series and gaming itself.
His Tragic Past
"I Know The Traitor Was Not Me. So For 10 Years, I've Been Searching For The Other Two. One Of Them Lives Here."
After eliminating Vlad Glebov, Niko tells his cousin, Roman, the true reason he came to Liberty City, which is that he is in pursuit of a man who betrayed him and his squad in the Yugoslavian Wars. Roman responds to this bombshell by freaking out and shouting, already shocked from witnessing Glebov's death.
This line happens relatively early in the game, and fantastically sets up one of the best ranking Grand Theft Auto stories with its dark revelations. This line holds weight as it briefly hints towards Niko's tragic backstory, as well as demonstrating his abiding loyalty and determination, having traveled across the world to make events right for his squad, even after all the years that have passed.
Just Getting By
"I Kill And Steal To Scrape Together A Living So My Cousin Can Fritter It Away Online And Pay Off Debts. And, All The While? People Are Trying To Kill Us!"
When Bernie Crane calls Niko in hysterics, he rushes down to the docks to find out what's wrong. It turns out Bernie just wants to "have fun" with Niko, to which Niko responds by shouting this somber speech at him.
Bernie believes Niko is stressed - the understatement of the century. But this quote gives the player a reality check, a reminder that Niko is going through a genuinely difficult time with the weight of the world on his shoulders. It makes Niko even more relatable and allows players to sympathize and relate to him, with this shouting match proving that despite his flaws, Niko is still human.
A Man Of His Word
"I Promised To Deal With You ... I Don't Break Promises."
Early in the game, Vlad tasks Niko with eliminating Ivan Bytchkov, someone who plans on robbing Roman. Niko chases Ivan upon rooftops until he finally catches him, and says this incredible line right before pushing him to his doom.
This dramatic quote proves Niko's relentless loyalty and determination, showing how he truly is a man of his word and gets things done. Loyalty is rare and treasured throughout the Grand Theft Auto series, as in a world full of thieves, there is no honor, so this rare characteristic of Niko demonstrates one of the reasons why he is loved and cherished by fans so much.
Tying Up Loose Ends
"Actions Have Consequences. You Screwed Me Over, Now You're Going To Pay For It. Shame That's The Second To Last Thing That Goes Into Your Head."
In one of the last main events of the story, Dimitri Rascalov, one of the game's many antagonists, delivered this chilling line right before Niko takes him out. After all the trouble he caused Niko and other characters, it's safe to say he got what he deserved.
This is a truly unsettling yet undeniably awesome line. It shows how easily Niko can intimidate his enemies, and paints a disturbing image of the gritty lifestyle he has to endure. Players also get to see his determination and strength, showing that anything Niko puts his mind to, he will achieve by any means necessary - no matter who gets in his way. Niko's determination is admirable and leads to a satisfying end for one of the GTA franchises' best villains.
Sweet Revenge
"I Told You To Leave Me Alone."
After crime boss Jimmy Pegorino gunned down Malorie at Roman's wedding, Niko chases after him in an intense action-filled final mission. Finally, Niko catches up to him, and talks down to Jimmy, even mocking him, before taking him out.
This is a truly bittersweet moment for Niko. Jimmy has put him through so much turmoil throughout the game, so to see Jimmy run for his life and Niko finally catch him, is cathartic. The quote shows Niko's strength by persisting in a harsh world, where he manages to take down the head of the Pegorino Crime Family, despite being the underdog.
Chilling Threats
"Maybe The Best Way To Get The Message To Your Boss Is For Me To Send Him Your Heart?"
When Dimitri Rascalov blackmails Bernie's lover, Niko helps Bernie by confronting Dimitri's men, where he delivers this dark, chilling threat.
This line shows how Niko values his friendships, as he goes out of his way to make frightening threats towards people with who he is not involved, a characteristic adored by fans. It further highlights his loyalty and his bravery, demonstrating how he is completely unphased by intimidation and how strong he is in the dark world of Liberty City.
Sarcasm
"Hey, You're A Pretty Relaxed Guy, Huh Vlad?"
During one of Vlad's infamous profanity-filled rants, a surprisingly relaxed Niko subtly and sarcastically mocks Vlad, which goes completely over his head.
Niko's humor is one of the reasons many fans see Niko Bellic as the funniest protagonist of the series, adding to the many reasons he is loved so much. His hilariously cold and harsh sarcasm shows that he's not scared of offending anybody, even dangerous crime bosses he works under.
Memories Of War
"The Creature That Could Do This Doesn't Have A Soul."
Speaking to Ilyena Faustin about his time in the war, Niko reflects on the bad things he had done in the war. When asked if he was worried about his soul, he explained an incredibly dark thing he saw during the war and compared himself to it.
This is one of the darkest conversations throughout Grand Theft Auto IV. It is clear Niko's time in the war has affected him badly, and this depth allows players to feel sympathy for him and better understand him as a character. Niko's tragic backstory makes his character even more unique, as he stands out from other Grand Theft Auto protagonists and reflects the dark yet lovable realism of the game, which makes it one of the best games Rockstar has made.
Deception
"War Is Where The Young And Stupid Are Tricked By The Old And Bitter Into Killing Each Other."
In one of his most famous quotes, Niko states this relatively early in the game, whilst explaining to Roman where he has been for years.
Being a war veteran himself, Niko has first-hand experience about the realities of being a soldier, and players learn from this speech that he regrets joining. This gives more depth to Nico's already complex past, by showing how truly distraught he is over his time in the war, making players feel even more sympathy for him.
The Past Catches Up
"I'm The One ... Who Survived."
After finally finding Darko Brevic, the man who betrayed and killed Niko's squad, Niko helps Darko remember their past. This line is incredible. It holds a lot of weight, being that Niko was the only person not killed and that his desire for revenge has finally led him to Darko.
Niko's anger and frustration can be heard in the line, as can his genuine hatred for Darko. His past has hung over him throughout the whole game, impacting all of his decisions and feelings, and now he is face to face with it. The quote neatly summarises Niko's story and ambitions, highlighting how unique he is from other Grand Theft Auto protagonists.