Who is the main character in grand theft auto san andreas?

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas centers on Carl "CJ" Johnson, a former gangster who returns to his hometown of Los Santos after his mother’s murder. The narrative follows CJ as he navigates the deteriorating streets of his old neighborhood, rebuilds his long‑abandoned street gang, and confronts corrupt law enforcement and rival criminal factions. Over the course of the game, CJ uncovers clues that reveal deeper conspiracies surrounding his mother’s death, leading to personal and moral challenges. The gameplay is conducted from a third‑person perspective, allowing players to explore the expansive fictional state of San Andreas, interact with a range of characters, and complete missions that advance CJ’s story. CJ’s progression from a reluctant returnee to a determined leader is the core driver of the game’s plot and thematic exploration of loyalty, family, and redemption.