Random characters are noted on the map with blue icons that say "friend" when you mouse-over them, and are unlocked by completing various side missions. Traveling to one of the blue friend icons will trigger a cut scene in which the character will offer a side mission that you may then choose to ignore or accept. Meeting all of the random characters unlocks the No More Strangers achievement.

Ten of the random characters give missions that are necessary to achieve 100 Percent completion of the game. If these characters are allowed to remain alive, they are capable of assigning missions at later stages in the game.

1. Brian: Unlocked by completing It's Your Call (located near Roman's cab business)
2. Badman: Unlocked by completing Shadow (located in front of Pill Pharm in East Island City
3. Mel: Unlocked by completing Escuela of the Streets (located near your first safehouse)
4. Ilyena Faustin: Unlocked by completing Puerto Rican Connection (located at the carnival on the boardwalk)
5. Hossan: Unlocked by completing Puerto Rican Connection (located in Suffolk on Garner street)
6. Sara: Unlocked by completing Puerto Rican Connection (located in Suffolk, when its dark)
7. Pathos: Unlocked bu completing Puerto Rican Connection (located near Thespian Theaters in Star Junction)
8. Jeff: Unlocked by completing Photo Shoot (located near East Holland)
9. Cherise: Unlocked by completing Ruff Rider and The Holland Play (located at Cluckin' Bell in Algonquin)
10. Marnie: Unlocked by completing Three Leaf Clover (located in Alderney City park)
11. Eddie Low: Unlocked by completing Three Leaf Clover (located in Alderney near an alley)
12. Ivan: Unlocked by completing Three Leaf Clover (located in Alderney in the Acter area) – Must have chosen to spare Ivan in the mission Ivan the Not So Terrible
13. Clarence: Unlocked by completing Holland Nights (located in East Holland)
14. Gracie: Unlocked by completing Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (she calls you a few days after the mission)