History Characters / NeedForSpeedBlackBoxEra

[[header:[[center:'''''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed''''' [[Characters/NeedForSpeed character index]]\\
[-'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedClassicEra Classic Era]]'''\\
'''Black Box Era''': ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedUnderground Underground]]'' (''1'' and ''2'') | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWanted Most Wanted]]'' (2005) ([[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWantedRazor Razor]]) | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedCarbon Carbon]]'' | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedProStreet ProStreet]]'' | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedUndercover Undercover]]''\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedAutologEra Autolog Era]]''': ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedTheRun The Run]]'' | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedRivals Rivals]]''\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeed2014 2014 film adaptation]]'''\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedGhostGamesEra Ghost Games Era]]''': [[Characters/NeedForSpeed2015 (2015)]] | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedPayback Payback]]'' | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedHeat Heat]]'']]-]]]
----
With [[Creator/BlackBox EA Black Box]] taking over the development of ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'' games from that time, they focused less on semi-professional exotic racing on scenic roads in favor of customizable import tuners and street racing. ''Underground'' became the first-ever ''Need for Speed'' game to introduce story mode, featuring some of the most memorable characters in racing games, becoming a mainstay feature in several later installments.
----
[[foldercontrol]]
!''Need for Speed: Underground''
Has its own page [[Characters/NeedForSpeedUnderground here]].
!''Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)''
Has its own page [[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWanted here]].
!''Need for Speed: Carbon''
Has its own page [[Characters/NeedForSpeedCarbon here]].
!''Need for Speed: [=ProStreet=]''
Has its own page [[Characters/NeedForSpeedProStreet here]].
!''Need for Speed: Undercover''
Has its own page [[Characters/NeedForSpeedUndercover here]].
----

[[header:[[center: [- '''''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed''''' [[Characters/NeedForSpeed Character Index]]\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedClassicEra Classic Era]]''' | '''Black Box Era''' (''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedUnderground Underground]]'' (''1'' and ''2'') | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWanted Most Wanted]]'' (2005) ([[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWantedRazor Razor]]) | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedCarbon Carbon]]'' | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedUndercover Undercover]]'') | '''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedAutologEra Autolog Era]]''' (''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedTheRun The Run]]'' | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedRivals Rivals]]'') | '''[[Characters/NeedForSpeed2014 2014 film adaptation]]''' | '''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedGhostGamesEra Ghost Games Era]]''' ([[Characters/NeedForSpeed2015 (2015)]] | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedPayback Payback]]'' | ''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedHeat Heat]]'')]]-]]]

With [[Creator/BlackBox EA Black Box]] taking over the development of ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'' games from that time, they focused less on semi-professional exotic racing on scenic roads in favor of customizable import tuners and street racing. ''Underground'' became the first ever ''Need for Speed'' game to introduce story mode, featuring some of the most memorable characters in racing games, becoming a mainstay feature in several later installments.

!!Player character
[[folder:Ryan Cooper]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryan_6.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:''[[Series/TopGear Some say that he is always seen wearing a helmet and never talks at all. All we know is, he's called Ryan Cooper.]]'']]

!!!'''Car:''' Nissan 240SX (S13), any car of your choice, [=McLaren=] [=570S=] (''Payback'', possibly), BMW X6 M [=F86=] (''Payback'', possibly)

->''"..."''

The main protagonist in ''[=ProStreet=]''.\\\
Ryan is a former street racer who then participated in sanctioned races. Ryan is a newcomer that first entered the "D-day" event at the Chicago Airfield to gain attention to the crowd and make a name for himself.\\\
Upon being mocked by the recently crowned [[TheRival Ryo Watanabe]], becoming the Showdown King has become Ryan's ultimate and motive desire.
----
* OneHundredPercentAdorationRating: The MC and the crowd must be cheering, rooting and making some noise for Ryan, as they think that he has what it takes to win and dominate the race day, as well as becoming one of the Street Kings and later [[spoiler:the Showdown King]].
* TheAce: Ryan is a capable contender for all four disciplines: Grip, Drift, Drag and Speed.
* AscendedFanboy: He went from being a street racer to participating in professional racing leagues.
* CantDropTheHero: Not his character, but averted for his car. He can sell his [=240SX=] or change it for another car, or even change its mode so it runs in a different discipline.
* ExperiencedProtagonist: Given that he already has skills from illegal street racing before, he's this trope.
* TheFaceless: He's always wearing his helmet, a la [[Series/TopGearUK The Stig]]. In ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedUndercover Undercover]]'', the police [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] this by stating that he refuses to take off his helmet as stated in the quote below.
* MythologyGag:
** In ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedUndercover Undercover]]'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbFBsp6-Yg his full name is overheard on the police radio]], alluding to his ReformedCriminal status.
--->'''Police:''' Dispatch I uh... I got a guy resisting arrest here, he's in the backseat in my cruiser. He, uh... he's not talking, and uh... he refuses to take off his racing helmet. Uh, I got his ID here. Surname "Cooper", first name "Ryan". Please run checks for priors. I don't know, somethin' not right about this guy.\\
'''Dispatch:''' Roger that.
** In ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedPayback Payback]]'', Mac will mention Ryan's name stating that he is the only one that defeated Aki Kimura, and someone named "Cooper" (which might possibly be him) is one of the participants of the Outlaw's Rush. The Curator also talks during the Outlaw's Rush about the one who "Stumped the Speed King" as a candidate to participate in the Rush.
* TookALevelInBadass: He managed to beat the four Kings and Ryo Watanabe with wide variety of cars.
* ReformedCriminal: He was a former street racer before deciding to go legal and jump into professional racing leagues.
* WhatAPieceOfJunk: Ryan’s [=240SX=] when he enters his maiden sanctioned race. The car doesn't even look cool enough, which was the reason why Ryo mocked him.
[[/folder]]

!!Street Kings
[[folder:In General]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/untitled_1_975.jpg]]
A collective term for the EliteFour in ''[=ProStreet=]'', who specializes in certain types of race events.
----
* DuelBoss: In most races, you are pitted against four or eight racers depending on versions. But when facing a Street King, it's a one-on-one race each.
* EliteFour: They are the four Street Kings who are specialists, before you can face Showdown King.
* ExtremityExtremist: Each Street King (aside from Showdown King) is assigned to specific race types.
** Ray Krieger specializes in Grip, which is a more-traditional approach to circuit racing.
** Nate Denver specializes in Speed, which puts high acceleration and top speed into priority on highways.
** Karol Monroe specializes in Drag, which focuses on acceleration in short drag strips with shortest time possible.
** Aki Kimura specializes in Drift, which focuses on neat angle and drifting speed to combine high scores.
** Ryo Watanabe, as the Showdown King, does all fours, but his main speciality is Grip, which his car belongs to after you receive it.
* HeWhoMustNotBeSeen: None of the four Street Kings (discounting their AlternateUniverse counterparts from ''Need for Speed: Shift'' for the PSP, and even there Aki Kimura isn't shown, since he's not a Street King there) have face reveals, and are always wearing helmets for safety measures. Ryo is most likely an exception.
* PimpedOutCar: Each of the Street Kings obviously has a CoolCar. But also shows some artistic creativity with overloading their vinyls and decals.
* ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill: Related to ArtificialStupidity on the main page, all the Kings' cars are actually a lot worse than the AI driven cars (crew-allied or otherwise) leading up to their levels, with Nate Denver and Karol Monroe being the worst offenders. Even Ryo Watanabe's Evo X can totally be pulled away by any highly-tuned car, especially exotics.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Nate Denver]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_11_23_at_114306_pm.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:Nate Denver as depicted in the PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'']]
!!!'''Car:''' Pontiac GTO (1965) (''[=ProStreet=]''), Dodge Viper SRT-10 (ZB II) (''Shift'', PSP version), Lamborghini Huracan [=LP610-4=] (''Payback'', possibly)
!!!'''Affiliation:''' Boxcut, Nitrocide
The Speed King and the leader of Boxcut crew who specializes in top speed challenges. He drives a classic Pontiac GTO.\\\
Completing all of the Nitrocide events will permit Ryan to face Nate Denver in three rounds at the Nevada Highway for the title as the new Speed King.
----
* DrivesLikeCrazy: Since his Speed races take place entirely on highways instead of racetracks, Nate certainly counts.
* HoodOrnamentHottie: The boss intro has Krystal Forscutt sitting on top of the bonnet of Nate's GTO. While moving.
* JokeCharacter: Many players stated that Nate Denver is the most disappointing boss in the game, due to the fact how easy it is to beat him with simply just even a subpar car. Also, when you acquire his GTO after winning, it's easy to reach 300 km/h but it is ridiculously uncontrollable due to its tendency to oversteer at high speeds.
* MythologyGag:
** Nate Denver also appears in the [=PC/console=] main versions of ''Need for Speed: Shift''. Unlike his {{Reformulated|Game}} PSP counterparts, he's just a regular opponent driver instead.
** Someone named "Denver" (who might be him) appears in ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedPayback'', as one of the racers in the Outlaw's Rush.
* RunningAwayToCry: Winning against the Speed King has this line:
-->'''DJ:''' Oh, big Nate's gonna be crying himself to sleep tonight 'cause he lost that crown, and that classic GTO!
* WhatAPieceOfJunk: His Pontiac GTO is old, but he's able to drive it at blazing speeds, to the point of being appointed leader over his team members. [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill He might be no match for Ryan Cooper depending on what car the latter uses]], but Nate is living proof that old cars aren't always left behind.
* WeakButSkilled: In a similar vein to the above. His Pontiac GTO isn't actually that fast compared to what his team members use (a Zonda F, a [=JZA80=] Supra, and a [=C6=] Corvette), but he's an extremely skilled driver at high speeds, which is why he's the Speed King.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Ray Krieger]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_1_23_at_114306_pm.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:Ray Krieger as depicted in the PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'']]
!!!'''Car:''' BMW M3 (E92) (''[=ProStreet=]''), Acura NSX '02 (''Shift'', PSP version)
!!!'''Affiliation:''' Grip Runners, G Effect
The Grip King and the leader of Grip Runners who specializes in standard, GT racer-style driving. He drives an E92 version of the BMW M3.\\\
Completing all of the G Effect events will permit Ryan to face Ray Kreiger in three rounds at Willow Springs for the title as the new Grip King.
----

* FilmTheHand: In the AlternateUniverse PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'', his bio stated that he hates being filmed on camera, reasoning why he sticks his hand out on the lens, which explains the pose as described in the said image.
* HotBlooded: It's implied that challenging Ray Krieger made him really angry, implying he's this.
-->'''DJ:''' It seems Cooper has made the Grip King really angry!
* JokeCharacter: Ray Krieger's M3 has the lowest stats (Having Level 2 Power and Handling, and is even ''worse'' than the real-life [=BMW M3 GT2=] which showed up in ''Shift'') among other street kings. He is so easy to beat that it is possible to lap him in the third race.
* LookBothWays: His boss race intro cinematic has his M3 [[DrivesLikeCrazy drive briskly]] close to many bystanders, scaring them. He also nearly hit the race model Sayoko Ohashi, freaking her out, just before she starts the race.
-->'''DJ:''' Oh! Hey, hey, there's no call for that, Krieger!
* MeaningfulName: "Krieger" means "warrior" in German, which suits his name.
* MythologyGag:
** Apparently, in ''VideoGame/BurnoutParadise'', there is a fictional German car brand named "Krieger", which was ostensibly derived from the Grip King himself.
** Although Ray doesn't appear as a random opponent in the ''Shift 2: Unleashed'', his Grip Runners crew sticker can be used by the player for vehicle customizations. Perhaps Ray Krieger and his Grip Runners crew have taken part in FIA-sanctioned GT series?
* [[WearingAFlagOnYourHead Wearing a Flag on Your]] [[CoolCar Car]]: Also in the AlternateUniverse PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'', being of German origin, Ray mounts a German flag on the hood of his Acura NSX.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Karol Monroe]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_11_23_at_114315_pm.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:Karol Monroe as depicted in the PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'']]
!!!'''Car:''' Ford Mustang GT (Gen. 5) (''[=ProStreet=]''), Honda S2000 ([=AP1=]) (''Shift'', PSP version)
!!!'''Affiliation:''' After Mix, Rogue Speed

The Drag King (actually Drag Queen) and the leader of After Mix crew who specializes in drag racing. She drives a fifth-gen Ford Mustang built for drag racing.\\\
Completing all of the Rogue Speed events will permit Ryan to face Karol Monroe in three rounds at Infineon (now called ''Sonoma Raceway'') for the title as the new Drag King.
----
* BikerBabe: Karol is a female drag racing driver, who rules over the drag strip with her Mustang GT.
* MythologyGag: She also appears in the console[=/=]PC versions of ''Shift''. Unlike the {{reformulated|Game}} PSP version, she's just a random opponent driver instead.
* SamusIsAGirl: If you listen carefully to the announcer, they'll refer Karol to as a woman. It's also hinted in one of the decals on her car reading "Race Queen".
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: The only "Street Queen" in the game.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Aki Kimura]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/aki_kimura_cars.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:Aki Kimura's cars.\\
Top: His Mazda RX-7 (FD) from ''[=ProStreet=]''.\\
Bottom: His Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (S15) from ''Payback''.]]
!!!'''Car:''' Mazda RX-7 (FD) (''[=ProStreet=]''), Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (S15) (''Payback'')
!!!'''Affiliation:''' Touge Union (''[=ProStreet=]''), Noise Bomb (''[=ProStreet=]'' and ''Payback'')
!!!'''Voiced by:''' Akie Kotabe (''Payback'')

The Drift King and the leader of Touge Union who specializes in drifting. He returns in ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedPayback'' as the leader of Noise Bomb. His car is a Mazda RX-7 in ''[=ProStreet=]'', and a Nissan S15 Silvia in ''Payback''.\\\
In ''[=ProStreet=]'', completing all of the Noise Bomb events will permit Ryan to face Aki Kimura in three rounds at Autopolis for the title as the new Drift King.
----
* TheBusCameBack: He reappears in ''Payback'' throwing a FriendlyRivalry on Mac and later [[spoiler:voice support for his crew in the Outlaw Rush]].
* GracefulLoser: He takes defeats in a professional stride.
* HeWhoMustNotBeSeen: In both ''[=ProStreet=]'' and ''Payback'', the only one that is seen is his car. Even in the AlternateUniverse PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'', Aki is the only character among the other Street Kings from [=ProStreet=] to not be featured among the 10 Race Kings, whom they all have faces. He is only listed as a normal driver.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: {{Subverted|Trope}}. Though in ''[=ProStreet=]'', he has no set personality, in ''Payback'', he is depicted as somewhat of [[DeadpanSnarker a little egoistic and sarcastic]] JerkJock regarding who takes his crown as the top drifter in Fortune Valley. With some CharacterDevelopment at the end of the Noise Bomb arc, he becomes more mellow and cheers for Mac from now on.
* MythologyGag: His crew in ''Payback'' is named after the drift event organiser in ''[=ProStreet=]''.
* NotEvenBotheringWithTheAccent: He has some Japanese characteristics, but he still sounds like an American.
* PimpedOutCar: Both his RX-7 and Silvia have some artistic decals.
* SuddenlyVoiced: He doesn't seem to speak during the events of the ''[=ProStreet=]'', but he speaks alot in ''Payback''.
* WorthyOpponent: Aki praised Mac's drifting skills, and offers the latter to join Noise Bomb for a change.
-->'''Aki Kimura''': You did it Mac. You took my crown fair and square.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Ryo Watanabe]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2020_06_18_at_30959_pm.png]]
[[caption-width-right:300:[[labelnote:Click here to see Ryo from the PSP version of ''Shift''.]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_11_22_at_104555_am.png[[/labelnote]]]]

!!!'''Car:''' Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (''[=ProStreet=]''), Koenigsegg CCX (''Shift'', PSP version)
!!!'''Affiliation:''' Apex Glide, Showdown
!!!'''Portrayed by:''' Darren Dahl

->''"Super Promotion races are the real deal."''

The Showdown King and the final opponent to face in ''[=ProStreet=]''. He's a cocky and ambitious racer who seeks to reach and maintain his top status and frequently mocks Ryan Cooper. He is the leader of Apex Glide crew, and he drives a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.\\\
Completing all of the three Showdown events (Battle Machine, React Team Sessions and Super Promotion) will permit Ryan to face Ryo in a final showdown, with five rounds (Speed and Drag) at the Nevada Highway, and another five rounds (Drift and Grip) at the Tokyo Dockyard, for the title as the new Showdown King.
----
* TheAce: Like Ryan, Ryo is also a capable contender to all of the four said disciplines, despite that his Evo X says otherwise. See MyRulesAreNotYourRules.
* AnimalMotif: He has a Japanese dragon theme to his name and his car, signifying his HotBlooded tendencies.
* BigBad: Subverted. Despite being the main "antagonist" to face, he is not a criminal.
* BossSubtitles: Ryo was introduced with [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/nfs/images/3/39/NFSPSRyoShowdownKing.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140412153222&path-prefix=en this along with his "Showdown King" status]].
* ButNotTooForeign: He is Japanese-American, which is the reason why he speaks in an American accent.
* DrivesLikeCrazy: Ryo loves to show off his ride. During his introduction cutscene, Ryo was performing donuts with his car. [[spoiler:...while sticking out half of his body out of the window. [[FridgeLogic With that height, who is even pressing the gas pedal?!]]]]
* FaceOfAThug: He dresses up like a typical delinquent with a hooded jacket.
* HotBlooded: You guessed it right. He's very passionate and ambitious about racing and he never gives up on that. Even his title "Showdown King" plays this trope straight.
* IShallTauntYou: Ryo loves mocking with Ryan, despite the latter having the will to win, which also upsets the crowd.
* InTheHood: He wears a hoodie representing is HotBlooded and antagonistic traits.
* JerkJock: He is a cocky racer who looks down on other opponents he faces.
* MyRulesAreNotYourRules: In drift events, he uses an all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, which is otherwise only usable in other race types. Maybe he takes some techniques from UsefulNotes/WorldRallyChampionship [[note]]4WD cars cannot really drift, but "powerslide" in a form of the "Scandinavian flick" used in rally racing, which later was utilized in drifting as the "Feint Drift" or "Kansei Drift". The chief problem, however, with drifting in 4WD cars is that they will move the power to stabilize the car, rather than keeping the drift going.[[/note]] or he applied a RWD conversion to his Evo [[note]]To meet sporting regulations, especially in drifting, some 4WD cars are required to convert its drivetrain to RWD. Nobushige Kumakubo in [=D1GP=] had to convert his Evo X to RWD in order to compete.[[/note]].
** Same applies when he uses the said car for wheelie competitions; although FWD and 4WD cars can enter Wheelie Competitions, they can't pull wheelies and thus score zero compared to RWD cars.
** His Drift-tuned and Drag-tuned Evo cannot be obtained, though. You'll receive his Grip-tuned Evo X as a reward instead.
* MythologyGag:
** Although Ryo doesn't appear as a random opponent in the [=console/PC=] versions of ''Shift'', his Apex Glide crew sticker can be used by the player for vehicle customizations.
** Ryo's car was also available for purchase in ''World'' with nearly all the decals that were in ''[=ProStreet=]''.
* PimpedOutCar: Not only his decals on his car, but also sprays red smoke from the tires during the cinematic cutscene. That was the only scene with colored tire smokes until in ''Payback'' introduces tire smoke colours as part of vanity items.
* RaceLift: In the AlternateUniverse PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'', he is depicted more of an actual Japanese and [[AdaptationalHeroism looking less arrogant]].
* ReformedCriminal: Like Ryan, Ryo used to be street racer before settling into sanctioned events.
-->'''Ryo''': Yeah, y'know. I ran a lot of street races too. So I went some like this. It was my ticket to the big time. Still, nice to get back to see small races.
* TheRival: To Ryan Cooper.
* SoreLoser: Ryo does not take himself ''or his team'' losing well.
* VillainyFreeVillain: He's not a criminal, just a really arrogant racer.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Street Kings in general]]

** Ryo Watanabe, as the Showdown King, does all fours, but his main speciality is Grip, which his car belongs to after you received it.
* HeWhoMustNotBeSeen: None of the four Street Kings (discounting their AlternateUniverse counterparts from ''Need for Speed: Shift'' for the PSP) have face reveals, and are always wearing helmets for safety measures. Ryo is most likely an exception.

[[WMG:[[center: [- '''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed''' [[Characters/NeedForSpeed Character Index]]\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedClassicEra Classic Era]]''' | '''Black Box Era''' ([[Characters/NeedForSpeedUnderground Underground]] ''(1 and 2)'' | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWanted Most Wanted]] ''(2005)'' [[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWantedRazor (Razor)]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedCarbon Carbon]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedUndercover Undercover]]) | '''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedAutologEra Autolog Era]]''' ([[Characters/NeedForSpeedTheRun The Run]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedRivals Rivals]]) | '''[[Characters/NeedForSpeed2014 2014 film adaptation]]''' | '''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedGhostGamesEra Ghost Games Era]]''' ([[Characters/NeedForSpeed2015 (2015)]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedPayback Payback]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedHeat Heat]])]]-]]]

'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedClassicEra Classic Era]]'''\\
'''Black Box Era''': [[Characters/NeedForSpeedUnderground Underground]] ''(1 and 2)'' | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWanted Most Wanted]] ''(2005)'' [[Characters/NeedForSpeedMostWantedRazor (Razor)]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedCarbon Carbon]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedUndercover Undercover]]\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedAutologEra Autolog Era]]''': [[Characters/NeedForSpeedTheRun The Run]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedRivals Rivals]]\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeed2014 2014 film adaptation]]'''\\
'''[[Characters/NeedForSpeedGhostGamesEra Ghost Games Era]]''': [[Characters/NeedForSpeed2015 (2015)]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedPayback Payback]] | [[Characters/NeedForSpeedHeat Heat]]]]-]]]

With [[Creator/BlackBox EA Black Box]] taking over the development of ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'' games from that time, they focused less on semi-professional exotic racing on scenic roads in favor of customizable import tuners and street racing. ''Underground'' became the first ever ''Need for Speed'' game to introduce story mode, featuring some of the most memorable characters in racing games, becoming a mainstay feature in several later installments.

->''"We exist in curves and motion. We skirt the knife's edge between life and death, traction and freefall. I am Aki Kimura. Welcome to Noise Bomb."''

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ryan_6.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:''[[Series/TopGear Some say that he is always seen wearing a helmet and never talks at all. All we know is, he's called Ryan Cooper.]]'']]

--->''"..."''
-->'''Car:''' Nissan 240SX (S13), any car of your choice, [=McLaren=] [=570S=] ''(Payback)'' (possibly), BMW X6 M [=F86=] ''(Payback)'' (possibly)

* AscendedFanboy[=/=]ReformedCriminal: He was a former street racer before he jumps into professional racing leagues.

* TheFaceless: He's always wearing his helmet, a la [[Series/TopGearUK The Stig]]. [[spoiler:In ''Undercover'', the police [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] this by stating that he refuses to take off his helmet as stated in the quote below.]]
* MythologyGag: Mac from ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedPayback Payback]]'' will mention Ryan's name stating that he is the only one that defeated Aki Kimura, and someone named "Cooper" (which might possibly be him) is one of the participants of the Outlaw's Rush.
** [[spoiler:Also, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbFBsp6-Yg his full name is overheard on the police radio in]] ''Undercover'' which alludes to his ReformedCriminal status.]]
-->[[spoiler:'''Police''': Dispatch I uh... I got a guy resisting arrest here, he's in the backseat in my cruiser. He, uh... he's not talking, and uh... he refuses to take off his racing helmet.]] [[spoiler:Uh, I got his ID here. Surname "Cooper", first name "Ryan".]] [[spoiler:Please run checks for priors. I don't know, somethin' not right about this guy.]]\\
[[spoiler:'''Dispatch''': Roger that.]]

[[quoteright:275:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_11_23_at_114306_pm.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:275:Nate Denver as depicted in the PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'']]
-->'''Car:''' Pontiac GTO (1965) ''([=ProStreet=])'', Dodge Viper SRT-10 (ZB II) ''(Shift, PSP version)'', Lamborghini Huracan [=LP610-4=] ''(Payback)'' (possibly)
-->'''Affiliation:''' Boxcut, Nitrocide

** Someone named "Denver" (who might be him) appears in ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedPayback'', as one of the racers in the Outlaw's Rush. The Curator also points out during the Outlaw's Rush about the one who was "Stumped by the Speed King".

-->'''DJ''': Oh, big Nate's gonna be crying himself to sleep tonight 'cause he lost that crown, and that classic GTO!

[[quoteright:275:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_1_23_at_114306_pm.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:275:Ray Krieger as depicted in the PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'']]
-->'''Car:''' BMW M3 (E92) ''([=ProStreet=])'', Acura NSX '02 ''(Shift, PSP version)''
-->'''Affiliation:''' Grip Runners, G Effect

* FilmTheHand: In the AlternateUniverse PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'', his bio stated that he hates being filmed on camera, reasoning why he sticks his hand on the lens, which explains the pose as described in the said image.

-->'''DJ''': It seems Cooper has made the Grip King really angry!

-->'''DJ''': Oh! Hey, hey, there's no call for that, Krieger!

[[quoteright:275:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_11_23_at_114315_pm.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:275:Karol Monroe as depicted in the PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'']]
-->'''Car:''' Ford Mustang GT (Gen. 5) ''([=ProStreet=])'', Honda S2000 ([=AP1=]) ''(Shift, PSP version)''
-->'''Affiliation:''' After Mix, Rogue Speed

The Drag King (actually [[spoiler:Drag Queen]]) and the leader of After Mix crew who specializes in drag racing. [[spoiler:She]] drives a fifth-gen Ford Mustang built for drag racing.\\\

* BikerBabe: [[spoiler:Karol is a female drag racing driver,]] who rules over the drag strip with her Mustang GT.
* MythologyGag: She also appears in the console[=/=]PC versions of ''Shift''. Unlike in {{Reformulated|Game}} PSP version, she's just a random opponent driver instead.
* SamusIsAGirl: If you listen carefully to the announcer, they'll refer Karol to as a [[spoiler:woman]]. It's also hinted in one of the decals on her car reading "Race Queen".
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: The only [[spoiler:"Street Queen"]] in the game.

--->''"We exist in curves and motion. We skirt the knife's edge between life and death, traction and freefall. I am Aki Kimura. Welcome to Noise Bomb."''
-->'''Car:''' Mazda RX-7 (FD) ''([=ProStreet=])'', Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (S15) ''(Payback)''
-->'''Affiliation:''' Touge Union ''([=ProStreet=])'', Noise Bomb ''(Both [=ProStreet=] and Payback)''

* HeWhoMustNotBeSeen: In both games, the only one that is seen is his car.
** In the AlternateUniverse PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'', Aki is the only character among the other street kings from [=ProStreet=] to not be featured among the 10 Race Kings, whom they all have faces. He is only listed as a normal driver.
* JerkJock [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold with a Heart of Gold]]: [[SubvertedTrope Subverted]]. Though in ''[=ProStreet=]'', he has no set personality, in ''Payback'', he is depicted as somewhat [[DeadpanSnarker a little egoistic and sarcastic]] regarding who takes his crown as the top drifter in Fortune Valley. With some CharacterDevelopment at the end of the Noise Bomb arc, he becomes more mellow and cheers for Mac from now on.

[[quoteright:347:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2020_06_18_at_30959_pm.png]]
[[caption-width-right:347:[[labelnote:Click here to see Ryo from the PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift''.]][[quoteright:340:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2019_11_22_at_104555_am.png]][[/labelnote]]]]

--->''"Super Promotion races are the real deal."''
-->'''Car:''' Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X ''([=ProStreet=])'', Koenigsegg CCX ''(Shift, PSP version)''
-->'''Affiliation:''' Apex Glide, Showdown
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Darren Dahl

[[folder:Chase Linh]]
!!!FBI Special Agent Chase Linh

[[quoteright:267:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/untitled_1_27.jpg]]
--->''"Your job is to drive, my job is to get you in. Nothing more, nothing less."''
-->'''Car:''' BMW M6 Coupé ([=E63=]) [[spoiler:''(originally from Chau Wu)'']], Porsche 911 [=GT2=] (997) (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), BMW M3 ([=E92=]) (''PSP and [=iOS=] version'')
-->'''Affiliation:''' Tri-City Bay Police Department
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Creator/MaggieQ

An FBI agent who assigned the player "Jobs" to take down a ruthless smuggling syndicate in the criminal underworld of Tri-City Bay.\\
[[spoiler:By the near end, she is revealed to be a [[DirtyCop corrupt police officer]], whereas all the player's jobs offered by Chase herself are just for a certain cause. This leads to her becoming the main antagonist of the game.]]
----
* AdaptationDyeJob: She drives an [=E92=] M3 in the PSP/[=iOS=] release, complete with the blue paint job.
* BigBad: [[spoiler:Predating Lina Navarro of ''Payback'' as the first female antagonist of the whole franchise, she is revealed to be the final boss of the game after she reveals her allegiance to Chau Wu immediately before killing Wu.]]
* DirtyCop: She seems on your side at first, but as mentioned below [[spoiler:she is actually a mole for Chau Wu.]]
* DoubleAgent: [[spoiler:Though she maintained the visage of an FBI agent, she was working for Chau Wu's syndicate the entire time.]]
* DragonLady: She's a mysterious, aloof, and sexy Asian-American woman, although for most of the game she subverts the usual example by being the player's MissionControl. [[spoiler:Then she's revealed to be the true villain of the game at the end of it to play this straight.]]
* FinalBoss: The final story mission in ''Undercover'' involves taking her down in a HotPursuit fashion.
* MsFanservice: Not to the same extent as [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted Mia]], but she's definitely easy on the eyes. Pretty much every single one of her cutscenes has detailed looks of her body.
* VillainousBreakdown: [[spoiler:Gets this at the end when she is arrested. The last seen of her in the game is her kicking and screaming as she is taken away by the cops.]]
-->[[spoiler:'''Chase:''' ''[to the player, as she is escorted by police]'' This isn't over! You have no idea how high this goes!]]
* WalkingSpoiler: Revealing her true allegiance will spoil the big reveal in the finale.
* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: [[spoiler:Pulls this on the player and Chau Wu upon revealing her true colors, killing the latter in order to take the package for herself.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Jack M. Keller]]
!!!Lieutenant Jack M. Keller
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screenshot_2021_12_11_at_55252_pm.png]]
--->''"This place has changed. These guys in their cars, no regard for anyone. It's time to put a stop to what's going on around here."''
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Paul Pape

A former officer of the US Armed Forces who currently serves as the Lieutenant for Tri-City Bay Police Department.
----
* GoodAllAlong: [[spoiler:It turns out that Jack sides with the player and [[ClearMyName tries to prove their innocence]]. As it turns out, Carmen told him everything she knew, which combined with the later reveal that Keller also worked as an undercover cop in the past made Keller believe in the player.]]
* HotBlooded: He's absolutely not happy about how Chase is handling all the operations.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Yes, he may be very hard-headed, but he still has a faithful heart.
* RabidCop: According to his rap sheet, it's revealed that Jack used numerous excessive force during his service with the TCBPD.
* UndercoverCopReveal: [[spoiler:It turns out he worked as an undercover cop in the past in the end.]]
[[/folder]]
!!Maio Brothers
[[folder:Hector]]
!!!Hector Maio
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/hector_maio_6.png]]
--->''"If you can beat me, you keep the wheels. You're up for that, holmes? Let's ride!"''
-->'''Car:''' Nissan 370Z ([=Z34=]), Dodge Charger [=SRT8=] Super Bee (LX), Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), Volkswagen Golf GTI ([=Mk5=]), Pontiac Solstice GXP (''[=iOS version=]'')
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Kurt Caceres

The leader of his own crew and the older brother of Zack.\\\
It is stated in his bio that he races for adrenaline in his flashy [=370Z=].\\
After the player won the Palm Harbor Rally, Hector congratulates them and offers a pink slip to one of the seven rivals they have beaten (including Zack). After pulling heists for Zack, Hector impresses the player and offers a special job...\\\
[[spoiler: In the near-end it is revealed that Hector and Zack unknowingly stole the missing car from Chau Wu.]]
----
* AccidentalTheft: Zig-Zagged. [[spoiler: Hector and Zack stole which would be another car for a client. Unbeknownst that the car they stole belonged to Tri'City's triad crime lord, Chau Wu, as stated by Carmen, revealing the car in the chop shop.]]
* AffablyEvil: A friendly ally as you think. [[spoiler: Until Chase orders you to take Hector down.]]
* BadassCrew: Hector has a bunch for faithful members of his crew, including his brother Zack. In fact they're useful to help protect Hector from you while you're taking him down.
* FriendlyEnemy: You get to hang out with him (alongside his brother Zack) and pull heists together. There's even one mission where you and Hector steal two cars and you race him to the lighthouse.
* SiblingYinYang: Hector is the level-headed, as oppose to the hot-headed Zack.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Zack]]
!!!Zack Maio
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screenshot_2021_12_11_at_123431_pm.png]]
--->''"Zack. Yeah, that's right, we met. Look now I wanna see what you've got. You and me, pal. '''You and me!'''"''
-->'''Car:''' Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TSI, Volkswagen Golf R32 ([=Mk5=]), Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), Dodge Charger [=SRT8=] (LX) (''PSP version''), Mazda [=Mazdaspeed3=] (''[=iOS version=]'')
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Joshua Alba
Hector's younger brother and second-in-command of his crew.\\\
Zack is a hot-headed and brash racer who has more criminal records than his older brother.\\
After impressing Zack, the player is offered new jobs from Zack; to steal cars for his clients and deliver them to his chop shop.
----
* HotBlooded: Zack sure has a major heat score with the cops that go well with his heated personality.
* TheDragon: As of being second-in-command behind his older brother in his crew.
* FriendlyEnemy: Like Hector, after being Zack, you get to go along with him and pulling out heists as a crew. [[spoiler:But that friendship was severed as you're forced to take down and arrest Zack, as ordered by Chase.]]
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: He would have been a total {{Jerkass}} if it weren't for his unusual friendship with the player.
* SiblingYinYang: Zack is known for having brash attitude, whereas his older brother keeps his cool.
* SoreLoser: He can't take his bitterness out after losing the Palm Harbor Rally, a race for pink slips. Hector had to calm him down. Though it transitioned into being a GracefulLoser after losing to the player again in the first highway battle.
[[/folder]]
!!GMAC's Crew
[[folder:GMAC]]
!!!Gregory "GMAC" [=MacDonald=]
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/g_mac.png]]
--->''"Man's gotta take care of his friends. Take one, it's yours."''
-->'''Car:''' Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, Lamborghini Gallardo Coupé (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), Porsche 911 [=GT2=] (997) (''PSP release''), Porsche Carrera GT (''[=iOS version=]'')
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Creator/DavidReesSnell
An ex-Lieutenant cop who was kicked out of the department for using excessively brutal and sadistic tactics.\\\
Fueled for his hatred for cops, he starts to get into illegal street racing and forms his own racing crew from Sunset Hills, representing himself as TheLeader.
----
* CopHater: He despises cops for being booted out of the department.
-->'''GMAC:''' Yeah, I didn't like being a cop very much. A cop enforces rules that keep rich people rich and poor people poor. I don't like rules very much. I like thrills, and I like cars. That's why I walked away.
* DualBoss: He is faced alongside Rose Largo in a late-game job.
* LawmanGoneBad: The Tri-City Bay cops were fed up with his violent tactics and they decided to sack GMAC.
* MasterOfAll: His special edition Lamborghini Gallardo in the ''Boss Cars Pack'' is notable in that all of its stats are maxed out.
* RabidCop: Predating [=F-8=] and [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHeat Shaw]], GMAC was this.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: The game is rather inconsistent on how his nickname is spelled; the on-screen instructions during the game refer to him as "G-Mac" (i.e. "Take Down G-Mac"), but pretty much everywhere else he's referred to as "GMAC".
* VillainousBreakdown: He throws a fit when he find out that Chau Wu is coming for his crew and interfering his business. Then the player has to take him down. Not a good day for GMAC.
-->'''GMAC:''' ''[one of his lines to the player when the player rams him]'' You're finished, you hear me? '''FINISHED!'''
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Rose]]
!!!Rose Largo
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rose_largo_9.png]]
--->''"Hey pretty boy, I've been hearing stories. Word on the street is that you've got skills."''
-->'''Car:''' Porsche 911 [=GT2=] (997), Mercedes-Benz [=SL65=] AMG (R230) (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), Porsche Cayman S (987) (''PSP version'')
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Heather Fox
A notoriously intelligent outlaw who also serves as GMAC's associate and advisor.\\
When on duty, she runs day-to-day for GMAC, but also offers the player some wheelman jobs.
----
* CoDragons: She is one of GMAC's henchmen, alongside Nickel.
* CoolCar: Her modified Porsche 911 [=GT2=] appears front-and-center in the game's cover art.
* DidntSeeThatComing: If her dialogue during the job where the player has to take her down is anything to go by, she didn't expect the player to go against her. One of her lines after you ram her car has her even calling the player "pretty boy", a nickname she used for the player.
-->'''Rose:''' What are you doing, pretty boy?!
* DualBoss: She is faced alongside GMAC in a late-game job.
* EmergingFromTheShadows: Her introductory cutscene shows her completely obscured by shadows, before revealing herself later on.
* EvilGenius: She graduated with honors from Stanford University, and her intelligence made her a successful criminal.
* EvilWearsBlack: Black hair, black clothes, black tattoos, black car... you name it.
* FlowerMotif: A racing {{Goth}} with thorny rose tattoos on her arms. No wonder why she's called [[MeaningfulName Rose]].
* MinionShipping: It's implied that she and Nickel are in a relationship. When you race against Rose in the Lamborghini Gallardo, shortly before winning you'll be notified that your brakes were cut and you end up crashing upon winning. Afterwards, Keller informs that they concluded that Nickel did it, or as he puts it, "because a jealous boyfriend cut the '''brake line'''!"
* TheNicknamer: She likes to call the player "pretty boy" in a flirty manner, although if annoyed she will call them "dog" ("I'll out-race you dog!").
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Nickel]]
!!!Freddie Brad "Nickel" Rogers
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nickel_rogers.png]]
--->''"Former boxer, or should I say punching bag. Rap sheet as long as his reach. Five year stretch in the pen earned him [his] moniker." -Chase Linh''
-->'''Car:''' Dodge Viper SRT-10 (ZB I) , Dodge Charger R/T
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Lawrence B. Adisa
An overly aggressive African-American psychopath who also serves as GMAC's enforcer.\\
Prior to his criminal life, Nickel was once a boxer, but served 5 years in the city's penitentiary.
----
* AngryBlackMan: Nickel's an extremely dangerous and ferocious African-American. Like [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted Earl]], but HotBlooded.
-->'''GMAC''': I like your anger, man. Let it FUEL your racing next time.
* AxCrazy: He's a man who is an unhinged lunatic.
* CoDragons: He is one of GMAC's henchmen, alongside Rose.
* MinionShipping: It's implied that he and Rose Largo are in a relationship. When you race against Rose in the Lamborghini Gallardo, shortly before winning you'll be notified that your brakes were cut and you end up crashing upon winning. Afterwards, Keller informs that they concluded that Nickel did it, or as he puts it, "because a jealous boyfriend cut the '''brake line'''!"
[[/folder]]

!!Other Characters
[[folder:Chau Wu]]
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/chau_wu.png]]
--->''"I'm Chau Wu. You stole my car and yet you're still alive; most unusual." ''
-->'''Car:''' Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, Porsche 911 [=GT2=] (997) (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), Nissan 370Z (Z34) (''PSP and DS version'')
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Jack Yang
One of the main characters and leader of the local Triads.\\\
Chau's BMW M6 was originally stolen and assigned the player to retrieve it back to him since it has a PDA containing his criminal record. It was later to be revealed that [[spoiler:Chase is working for Chau.]]
----
* TheAnticipator: Chau is aware of the player's actions. [[spoiler: Which was demonstrated when he finds out about the player stealing one of his cars and attracting the cops' attention, as per GMAC's orders.]]
* GratuitousForeignLanguage: Chau at one scene was speaking Mandarin to his thugs.
* KilledOffscreen: [[spoiler:By Chase who betrayed him.]]
* TheTriadsAndTheTongs: He's a ruthless crimelord of Tri-City Bay's Chinese Mafia.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Carmen]]
!!!Carmen Mendez
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/carmen_mendez.png]]
--->''"Stay close to me, baby. If you can." ''
-->'''Car:''' Shelby [=GT500=] '67, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), Mazda RX-7 ([=FD=]) (Series 8) (''PSP version''), Ford Mustang GT (Gen. 5) (''[=iOS version=]'')
-->'''Portrayed by:''' Christina Milian
A local street racer who is implied to have a love interest in a player.\\\
Carmen was introduced after impressing Zack and offers to challenge the player to a friendly race.
----
* AndTheAdventureContinues: [[spoiler:After going through hell and with the player's name cleared from any connections, Carmen begins a new journey by taking her to a university and starting her degree.]]
* AwfulTruth: [[spoiler: Carmen reveals to the player that Hector and Zack stole a BMW [=M6=] from Chau Wu before being arrested. ]]
* DamselInDistress: [[spoiler:During a rematch, Carmen was ambushed by Chau Wu's henchmen, forcing you to intervene. Later on, it's revealed that she's been scared ever since Hector and his crew had mysteriously disappeared. Not to mention she is also afraid of Chau Wu who is likely to be after her also.]]
* ImpliedLoveInterest: It's implied that she has one with the player, as stated in the bio. The ending also implies that now that they are free from the menace of the crime syndicates, she and the player might start a relationship.[[note]]This a first for the franchise, with not even ''Carbon'', where Nikki, one of the most prominent female characters, is stated to be the player's ex-girlfriend, implying that.[[/note]]
* MsFanservice: While maybe not to the extent of Chase Linh, Carmen is also a source of eye-candy with her flirty attitude towards the player in her most relaxed moments.
* NiceGirl: Carmen is among the most innocent characters of the cast, personality included.
* SpicyLatina: Downplayed. Carmen isn't HotBlooded, though still keeps her Hispanic origin.
* TokenGoodTeammate: She is only character affiliated with the player who isn't a target of Chase. Not to mention that according to Chase, Carmen has no criminal record or any connections to any of the city's mobs.
-->'''Chase''': Carmen Mendez. The Bureau has no record on her, but somehow she may be involved.
[[/folder]]

* InSeriesNickname: Her FBI file claims that she goes under the aliases "Ally Kaner" and "Lady Gray".

* EmergingFromTheShadows: Her introductory scene shows her

* GoodAllAlong: [[spoiler:It turns out that Jack sides with the player and [[ClearMyName tries to prove their innocence]]. As it turns out, Carmen told him everything she knew, which made Keller believe in the player.]]

* BigBad: [[spoiler:Gradually becomes this. Predating Lina Navarro of ''Payback'' as the first female antagonist of the whole franchise.]]
* DirtyCop: She seems on your side at first, but as mentioned below [[spoiler:she is actually a spy for Chau Wu.]]

* DragonLady: Of Chinese-American, no less.

* MsFanservice: Not to the same extent as Mia, but she's definitely easy on the eyes.

* ImpliedLoveInterest: It's implied that she has one with the player, as stated in the bio.
* MsFanservice: Like Rachel & Mia, Carmen is also a source of eye-candy.

-->'''GMAC''': Yeah, I didn't like being a cop very much. A cop enforces rules that keep rich people rich and poor people poor. I don't like rules very much. I like thrills, and I like cars. That's why I walked away.
* DualBoss: He is faced alongside Rose Largo in a late-game Job.

* LawmanGoneBad: The Tri-City Bay cops were fed up with his violent tactics, that they decided to sack GMAC.

* RageBreakingPoint: He throws a fit when he find out that Chau Wu is coming for his crew and interfering his business.

* DamselInDistress: [[spoiler:During a rematch, Carmen was ambushed by Chau Wu's henchmen, forcing you to intervene. Later on, it's revealed that she's been scared ever since Hector and his crew had mysteriously disappeared.]] [[spoiler:Not to mention she is also afraid of Chau Wu who is likely to be after her also.]]

* NiceGirl: Carmen is among the most innocent character of the cast, personality included.

* DidntSeeItComing: If her dialogue during the job where the player has to take her down is anything to go by, she didn't expect the player to go against her. One of her lines after you ram her car has her even calling the player "pretty boy", a nickname she used for the player.

* DualBoss: She is faced alongside GMAC in a late-game Job.

* GoodAllAlong: [[spoiler:It turns out that Jack sides with the player and [[ClearMyName tries to prove their innocence]].]]

* AdaptationDyeJob: She drives an [=E92=] M3 in the PSP/[=iOS=] release, complete with the blue paint job, that would match the cinematics.

* GoodAllAlong: [[spoiler: It turns out that Jack sides with the player and [[ClearMyName tries to prove their innocence]].]]

* RabidCop: According to his rap sheet, it's revealed that Jack used numerous excessive force during this service of the TCBPD.
* UndercoverCopReveal: [[It turns out he worked as an undercover cop in the past in the end.]]

* CoolShades: In the AlternateUniverse PSP version of ''Need for Speed: Shift'', she wears one. Though some images of her has [[TheGlassesComeOff her without her shades]].

* RedOniBlueOni: Hector is the blue to Zack's red.

* RedOniBlueOni: Zack is the red to Hector's blue.

--->''""Man's gotta take care of his friends. Take one, it's yours."''

Fueled for his hatred for cops, he starts to get into illegal street racing forms his own racing crew from Sunset Hills.

A notoriously intelligent outlaw and also serves as GMAC's associate and advisor.\\
When on duty, she runs day-to-day for GMAC. But also offers the player a wheelman job.

[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nickel_rogers.png]]

* HeelFaceTurn: [[spoiler: He finds out that Chase was a DoubleAgent all along and framed the player. He sides with the player and [[ClearMyName tries to prove their innocence]].]]

-->'''Car:''' Porsche 911 [=GT2=] (997), Mercedes-Benz [=SL65=] AMG (R230) (''[=PS2=]/Wii version''), Porsche Cayman S (''PSP release'')

Prior to his criminal life, Nickel was once a boxer. He also served 5 years in the city's penitentiary.

* AngryBlackMan: Nickel's an extremely dangerous and ferocious African-American. Like [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted Earl]], but HotBlooded

* LargeHam

('''NOTE''': This article is a Work in Progress and needs expanding. Please feel free to edit, revise and add more content and tropes to this page.)

An ex-Lieutenant cop who was kicked out of the for using excessively brutal and sadistic tactics.\\\

After the player won the Palm Harbor Rally, Hector congratulates them and offers a pink slip to one of the seven rivals they have beaten (including Zack). After pulling heists for Zack, Hector impresses the player and offers a special job...

* WeUsedToBeFriends: [[spoiler:The friendship was sadly short-lived as you're ordered by Chase to take him down, alongside his brother, severing the ties to all.]]

* BlackIsEvil: Black hair, black clothes, black tattoos, black car... you name it.

* BreakTheHaughty: [[spoiler:With Ryan winning and becoming the new Showdown King, JerkJock Ryo not only loses his title and his car, but loses his respect and credibility with the Apex Glide, which explains the other Apex Glide racers driving away from Ryo. His cockiness and arrogance has paid the price.]]

-->'''GMAC''': I like your anger, man. Let it FUEL your racing next time.