The Saints Row series is known for a lot of things, but memorable characters aren’t high on that list. Aside from Johnny Gat or Shaundi, Stilwater was largely populated by ciphers and forgettable wannabes. Of course, while you’re spraying raw sewage on passers by in a septic truck or setting them alight in a go kart, you’re probably not too concerned about making new friends.

With Saints Row: The Third, Volition is going out of its way to deliver loads of action as well as a lineup of interesting friends, rivals, and other people. This week, Game Informer is highlighting just some of the folks you’ll be interacting with in Steelport.

“Phillipe Loren is the leader of the Syndicate, in particular the gang called the Morning Star,” says Steve Jaros, lead writer of Saints Row: The Third. “He’s kind of like a Bond villain. He’s statuesque and poised and elegant, and he’s a total gentleman. He’s not a fop—he’s not effeminate—and he’s not going to play to that European stereotype. He’s coldly logical and dangerous and very savvy.”

Phillipe is the main antagonist in the game, essentially kicking off the game’s story by kidnapping the player character, Johnny Gat, and Shaundi after a botched bank robbery. The game’s first mission takes place in Phillipe’s jet, as the player blasts his way out of the aircraft and down into Steelport.

It turns out that the player has made a powerful enemy in Phillipe, who’s far more powerful than the street level thugs that littered Stilwater. “He’s made a killing being an international arms dealer. He’s pretty much the leader of the criminal fraternity in Steelport. He calls all the shots, he directs everybody, he’s the guy that you just don’t want to f--- with.”