Carl 'CJ' Johnson: Protagonist returning home to Los Santos.
Big Smoke: CJ's friend who has changed since CJ's departure.
Officer Tenpenny: Corrupt cop, antagonist.
Sweet: CJ's brother, concerned about the state of the family and neighborhood.
Kendall: CJ's sister.
Setting
Los Santos: A city plagued by gang violence, corruption, and personal drama. CJ returns after living in Liberty City.
Grove Street: CJ’s home neighborhood, once thriving but now in decline due to gang wars and drug issues.
Plot Overview
CJ's Return: CJ returns to Los Santos to attend his mother’s funeral and confronts the changed environment, including gang violence and police corruption.
Family Issues: CJ struggles with family dynamics, particularly the guilt over his mother's death and the need to protect his family.
Gangs and War: Tensions between various gangs (Grove Street Families, Ballas) lead to violence and the need for CJ to regain control over his neighborhood.
Corruption and Betrayal: The involvement of corrupt officers (like Tenpenny) and betrayal from friends (such as Big Smoke) complicates CJ's attempts to restore peace.
Key Themes
Loyalty and Family: The importance of family ties and loyalty within gang culture.
Corruption: The pervasive nature of corruption in law enforcement and its effects on community trust.
Redemption: CJ’s journey to redeem himself in the eyes of his family and reclaim his neighborhood.
Important Events
Confrontation with Officers: CJ's initial confrontation with officers upon his return highlights the corruption he faces.
Funeral Scene: Emotional moments during his mother’s funeral set the stage for his motivations.
Gang Conflicts: Battles with the Ballas and the struggle to reclaim Grove Street.
Betrayal Reveal: Discovering Big Smoke’s true intentions and his alliance with corrupt cops.
Final Confrontation: The climax involves an intense showdown with Tenpenny and the resolution of CJ’s conflicts with his family and friends.
Conclusion
CJ’s Growth: The story charts CJ's growth from a troubled youth to a leader in his community, emphasizing themes of resilience against corruption and the importance of family.