The player character in Cyberpunk 2077 is called V.
V is a mercenary operating in Night City whose background can be selected at the beginning of the game. The three lifepaths are Nomad, Streetkid, and Corpo. Each gives V a different opening sequence and dialogue options, but all three paths lead into the central story involving a valuable biochip.
The name V is intentionally brief and is used regardless of the character’s chosen appearance, voice, or gender presentation. Players customize V’s body, clothing, skills, cyberware, and relationships, making the protagonist more flexible than a fully predefined character.
V’s story becomes intertwined with Johnny Silverhand after the Relic biochip is implanted in V’s head. That setup drives the main conflict and creates a contrast between the player’s choices and Johnny’s memories and ambitions. V should not be confused with Johnny, Jackie Welles, or other important figures: V is the customizable protagonist controlled by the player.