Donald "Don" Percival is a character mentioned in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online.
History[]
Background[]
Donald Percival is an ex-Navy SEAL Lieutenant General who founded Merryweather in 2003 using money from a coup in Western Africa. He floated Merryweather on the BAWSAQ stock exchange in 2010, and is expanding domestic operations to appease shareholder demand. Percival is also lobbying the US government for a new war in the Middle East, Asia, Africa or France to help turn the economy around. [1]
He recently teamed up with Vinewood actor Bruce Spade as he seeks to follow up his humanitarian work in war zones with military action.
Events of Grand Theft Auto Online (before Grand Theft Auto V)[]
Heists[]
Don Percival is mentioned some times during the events of GTA Online. It is revealed in the Humane Raid online heist that his company, Merryweather, operates Humane Labs and Research.
Events of Grand Theft Auto V[]
Percival begins to hold a grudge against Michael De Santa and Trevor Philips after they interfere in his business interests by stealing valuable cargo his militia was guarding.
If the player chooses the "Deathwish" ending of the game (which was confirmed to be the canon ending), Percival emails Michael and Trevor afterwards to thank them for killing Devin Weston. He admits that he did not particularly like Devin, and explains that he has bought Devin's shares in the company at a reduced rate due to Devin's death, which will make him a lot of money, which he thanks them for. However, he warns them not to interfere with his business again.
Events of Grand Theft Auto Online (after Grand Theft Auto V)[]
The Doomsday Heist[]
In 2017, during the events of The Doomsday Heist, Percival remains an unseen character. He remains CEO of Merryweather, and is good friends with one of his clients, tech mogul Avon Hertz. He is mentioned in Setup: Avenger by Avon as a visionary, doer, and a personal friend. Lester calls him a "war criminal".
Los Santos Tuners[]
In 2021, Percival's private bunker is invaded by the GTA Online Protagonist who kills several Merryweather mercenaries and steals four hard drives containing Percival's secret files. The secret files are delivered to Avi Schwartzman in Elysian Island.
San Andreas Mercenaries[]
In 2023, two years after the Merryweather bunker data leaks, Avi Schwartzman is captured by Merryweather and held hostage at the NOOSE Headquarters server farm. He is forced by Percival to give information on the Los Santos Angels, a recently established mercenary group and air squadron hired for multiple operations against Merryweather. He is rescued by the Los Santos Angels shortly after, and later assists them in the LSA's Project Overthrow operation.
It is currently unknown what happens to Don Percival after their off-the-books government contracts are publicly exposed and the U.S. Government ceases their relation with Merryweather.
Mission Appearances[]
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- The Third Way (Post-mission e-mail)
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Percival is based on Erik Prince, the founder and former CEO and Chairman of Blackwater Worldwide (now Academi). Prince was himself a former SEAL who served with SEAL Team 8 from approximately 1993 to 1995.
- During the obvious approach for "The Big Score", Lester Crest mentions Percival after shooting down the Merryweather helicopters, but the subtitles misspell his name as "Perceval".
- His former rank is listed as Lieutenant General, but his branch was the United States Navy (which housed the Navy SEALs), which does not have Lieutenant Generals. The appropriate rank is Vice Admiral.
