So here's what's important about protected characters in the system: when you engage certain targets, you'll notice a very specific damage immunity pattern that triggers based on npc classification. Story-critical characters display a unique hit registration response - their health bars won't deplete no matter what combat approach you take. This protective flagging extends to all child npcs too, completely preventing target acquisition on them. The game's core protection logic works similar to other open world rpgs like skyrim.

For regular civilian targets though you've got full damage calculations enabled and they'll respond appropriately to combat engagement. Just keep in mind that aggressive actions against non-protected npcs will trigger escalating response protocols from law enforcement and local gang ai. The immunity system uses specific flags tied to quest-critical status, so you'll notice it most during main story and side mission content, where the game needs to preserve key narrative beats.

Maybe interesting: watch for the subtle visual feedback when hitting protected npcs - there's a distinct lack of damage numbers and impact effects that clearly signals their protected status. This helps identify quest-important characters without breaking immersion.