Random characters

For the similar missions from Grand Theft Auto V, see Strangers and Freaks.
Not to be confused with Random Events.

Random characters are minor characters found around the game world with whom the player can interact, often providing the player with a small bonus mission or objective. They have appeared in every game in the HD Universe with the exception of Grand Theft Auto Online.

Description

GTA IV, EFLC and GTA Chinatown Wars

Their presence is indicated by a small blue person icon on the radar, but only when within close proximity to the player (Usually around 1 block). In The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony upon unlocking the random character's mission, their location will appear on the minimap represented by a white person icon. They provide Niko, Johnny, Luis and Huang with small missions. They generally are in some problem and will ask the Protagonist's help.

After completing the first encounter for every character in GTA IV, the achievement/trophy "No More Strangers" will be unlocked. If a character dies during the storyline, that character's encounter will not be required for the achievement/trophy. Most of the random character missions are required for 100% completion. Though some are not required (like Cherise Glover's, Brian Jeremy, Ivan Bytchkov's, Clarence Little's, and Jeff Harlingford's random encounters).

GTA V

In Grand Theft Auto V random characters are known as Strangers and Freaks.

There are a total of 58 Strangers and Freaks missions, though only the 20 ones assigned to Franklin are required for 100% Completion.