The Treachery of Micah Bell: What He Did to Arthur Morgan
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Micah Bell is arguably one of the most reviled characters in video game history, and his actions towards Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 are a major reason why. Directly, Micah’s betrayal was multi-faceted and utterly devastating to Arthur. He undermined and manipulated the Van der Linde gang, ultimately contributing to their downfall and Arthur’s tragic end. Micah:
- Infiltrated and Manipulated: From the moment he joined the gang, Micah began sowing seeds of discord, subtly influencing Dutch and turning him against long-time loyalists like Arthur. He used flattery and manipulation to gain Dutch’s favor, undermining Arthur’s position and influence.
- Acted as an Informant: Micah secretly worked as a Pinkerton informant, providing them with information about the gang’s activities. This betrayal led to repeated ambushes, losses, and the increasing pressure that ultimately destroyed the gang.
- Brutalized Arthur: When Arthur, already weakened by tuberculosis, confronted Micah about his betrayal, Micah brutally attacked him. Depending on your honor level, he either shoots him in the head or leaves him to die in a brutal fistfight.
- Undermined Morale: Micah’s presence and actions consistently eroded the gang’s morale. He encouraged violence and selfishness, further corrupting Dutch’s leadership and sowing division within the group.
- Murdered Arthur (Low Honor Ending): In the low honor ending, Micah vengefully kills Arthur, shooting him in the head and mocking him before walking away. This act solidifies his status as a cold-blooded killer and a complete betrayer.
- Stole from the Gang: Micah hoarded much of the gang’s stolen money and loot. Instead of ensuring the safety and future of the gang, he only cared about his own personal gain.
- Contributed to Dutch’s Paranoia: Micah fueled Dutch’s paranoia and distrust. He manipulated Dutch to view Arthur as a threat and a liability, accelerating Dutch’s descent into madness and violence.
In essence, Micah Bell was the catalyst for Arthur’s downfall, his illness, the destruction of the Van der Linde gang, and the heartbreaking events that define the climax of Red Dead Redemption 2. He betrayed every member, including Arthur, for his own personal advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Micah Bell’s Actions Against Arthur
Why did Micah shoot Arthur in the face in the low honor ending?
In the low-honor ending, Micah says to Arthur, “You’re not better than me, Morgan,” before shooting him. This suggests that Micah kills Arthur out of spite, believing that a low-honor Arthur is just as bad as he is. He sees Arthur as a hypocrite, making the murder personal and vindictive. He wanted to prove that Arthur, despite his moral stances, was no different than him.
Why did Dutch and Micah betray Arthur?
Micah’s betrayal was self-serving, aiming for his own gain and power within the gang. He manipulated Dutch, exploiting the latter’s ego and growing paranoia. Dutch’s betrayal of Arthur was more complex; he was becoming increasingly distrustful, and Micah’s influence amplified that distrust. Dutch ultimately believed Micah’s lies because it aligned with his own growing paranoia.
Why did Micah call Arthur “cowpoke”?
Initially, Micah calls Arthur “cowpoke” after Arthur calls him the same thing in Strawberry. Micah uses the term antagonistically, trying to belittle Arthur. However, it becomes a subtle way for Micah to mark Arthur as someone he admired and feared as well as someone that he wishes to be like. He realized that Arthur was the toughest member of the gang, and therefore a threat.
What happens if Arthur gets arrested while Micah is in jail?
This specific scenario does not play out directly within the game’s narrative, but Micah being in jail doesn’t affect the core storyline of Arthur’s progression. The primary conflicts and story points revolve around Micah’s actions as a free man, and his eventual infiltration of the gang.
Why did Arthur hate Micah?
Arthur’s hatred for Micah grew over time as he witnessed Micah’s brutality, selfishness, and blatant disregard for the gang’s well-being. Ultimately, Arthur’s hatred is cemented upon discovering Micah’s role as a Pinkerton informant and experiencing firsthand Micah’s violence, especially when he was already sick. This betrayal cemented their enmity and was a core factor in the climax of the game.
Why did Dutch seem to love Micah?
Dutch’s affection for Micah was rooted in a false sense of loyalty and gratitude. Micah saved Dutch’s life earlier, creating a bond that Micah exploited. Dutch, increasingly influenced by Micah’s flattery, and descending into madness, saw him as a trustworthy confidant, while rejecting the warnings of loyal members like Arthur.
Did Dutch regret killing Arthur?
Whether Dutch regretted his actions towards Arthur is left ambiguous in the game. The ending doesn’t clearly state whether he felt remorse or not. Some players believe he did feel regret, as he seemed conflicted. The lack of explicit regret, however, shows just how far Dutch fell from his original ideals and the degree to which he had been manipulated by Micah.
Did Dutch know Micah was a rat?
Dutch had suspicions about Micah but didn’t fully believe it for business purposes. His unwillingness to see Micah as a traitor led him to test Arthur and the gang’s loyalty instead. Dutch allowed his paranoia and ego to take over instead of rationally examining the evidence.
Could Arthur have beaten Micah if he wasn’t sick?
Yes, Arthur was one of the strongest men in the Van der Linde gang, second only to Charles. If Arthur had not been sick, his physical strength would have undoubtedly allowed him to defeat Micah in a fight. His weakened condition allowed Micah to gain the upper hand at the final confrontation.
Could Arthur have killed Micah without TB?
Absolutely, Arthur’s tuberculosis greatly weakened his immune system and his overall physical capabilities, thus making him vulnerable. If he was healthy, he would likely have had the strength and stamina to overcome Micah and kill him. This underscores the significance of Arthur’s illness in the final act.
How did Micah Bell get his scar?
Micah’s scar is a result of Arthur slashing his face with a knife in the “Go after the money” ending if players have a high honor status. This scar serves as a physical reminder of their conflict and Arthur’s capabilities even while dying.
Is Micah good or bad in RDR2?
Micah is overwhelmingly considered the main antagonist and one of the most evil villains in gaming. He is brutal, self-serving, manipulative, and shows no remorse for his actions, making him a truly despicable character. His actions showcase only negative traits, with no sign of redemption.
Will there be a RDR3?
While there’s no official announcement, hints and teases from Rockstar Games suggest that Red Dead Redemption 3 is a possibility in the future. However, based on previous release patterns, it is unlikely we would see this until at least 2026, or potentially later.
Does Micah ever sleep in RDR2?
Micah rarely sleeps, which is unusual for a gang member. This detail further adds to his unsettling nature, implying that he’s constantly plotting and scheming, never fully resting or showing any form of relaxation.
Who all betrayed Arthur in RDR2?
Arthur was primarily betrayed by Micah Bell, who acted as an informant for the Pinkertons, and by Dutch Van der Linde, who allowed his paranoia and ego to drive him to side with Micah and turn against his loyal members. These two individuals played the most significant role in Arthur’s downfall.