The Price of Saying No: What Happens When You Decline Helping Mary in Red Dead Redemption 2
So, you’re playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and Mary Linton, Arthur Morgan’s former flame, comes calling. She’s in trouble and needs your help. But what happens if you, the player, choose to decline her plea? The consequences are significant, impacting Arthur’s personal narrative and limiting your access to certain content within the game. Let’s delve into the repercussions of rejecting Mary’s request.
Simply put, if you don’t agree to help Mary, the questline “We Loved Once and True” comes to an immediate halt. There are no further missions related to Mary Linton available to you. This means you will miss out on the subsequent missions where you assist her father and grapple with their complicated relationship dynamics. The interaction ends with a farewell, a polite but definitive closure that effectively marks the end of Arthur and Mary’s romantic possibilities. It’s a poignant moment, emphasizing the irreversible choices and sacrifices inherent in Arthur’s outlaw life.
This decision isn’t just about missing missions; it’s about shaping Arthur’s character arc. Choosing to help Mary allows players to explore a more vulnerable and compassionate side of Arthur. Declining her assistance reinforces the idea that Arthur is tethered to the Van der Linde gang, unable or unwilling to fully embrace a life outside its influence. It’s a crucial crossroads that forces players to confront the core themes of loyalty, love, and redemption within Red Dead Redemption 2.
Understanding the Impact of Your Choice
The decision to help or not help Mary is a pivotal one, influencing the overall narrative experience and how you perceive Arthur Morgan. It speaks to the power of player agency in shaping the story and reinforces the weighty consequences that come with being an outlaw.
Missing Content and Character Development
By choosing not to help Mary, you effectively cut off a significant portion of Arthur’s personal narrative. You won’t experience the emotional turmoil of assisting her troubled father, nor will you have the opportunity to potentially rekindle (or further extinguish) the embers of their past romance. This decision can lead to a more cynical portrayal of Arthur, one more entrenched in the outlaw life and less willing to embrace personal connections.
Furthermore, failing to help Mary also impacts the way you, the player, interact with the game’s themes. The missions involving Mary often delve into the complexities of family, forgiveness, and the struggle to escape one’s past. By skipping these missions, you miss out on valuable opportunities for character reflection and moral deliberation.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Mary Linton Decision
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of helping or not helping Mary in Red Dead Redemption 2.
1. Can I change my mind after declining to help Mary?
No, the decision to help or not help Mary is final. Once you decline, you cannot go back and accept the mission.
2. Does declining to help Mary affect the main storyline?
No, declining to help Mary does not impact the overall plot of the main story involving the Van der Linde gang. However, it does affect Arthur’s personal storyline and character development.
3. Will I miss any essential items or rewards if I don’t help Mary?
No, the missions involving Mary do not offer any essential items or rewards that are crucial for completing the main story. However, some players may find the narrative rewards to be valuable.
4. Is it possible to romance Mary Linton in Red Dead Redemption 2?
While Arthur and Mary share a deep connection and a complicated history, a full-fledged romantic relationship is not possible. The storyline explores their past and the challenges that prevent them from being together.
5. What happens to Mary Linton after Arthur dies regardless of my choices?
After Arthur’s death, Mary eventually marries a man named Barry Linton. We see her in mourning at Arthur’s grave during the epilogue credits.
6. Can I meet Mary Beth in the epilogue?
Yes, as John Marston in the epilogue, you can find Mary-Beth at the train platform in Valentine. She has become a romance novelist under the pen name Leslie Dupont.
7. Does helping Mary affect my honor rating?
Yes, helping Mary generally increases your honor rating, as it’s considered a charitable and compassionate act.
8. What are the different missions available if I choose to help Mary?
If you choose to help Mary, you will unlock missions where you assist her brother, Jamie, and eventually her father. These missions involve challenges and moral dilemmas that test Arthur’s resolve.
9. Is it better to help Mary or not in terms of experiencing the full game?
For a more complete and nuanced understanding of Arthur Morgan’s character and the themes of the game, it is generally considered “better” to help Mary. However, the choice is entirely up to the player and how they wish to shape Arthur’s story.
10. Does Mary know about Arthur’s death?
Yes, the game implies that Mary learns about Arthur’s death, as she is seen in mourning at his grave during the end credits.
11. How does Arthur feel about Mary?
Arthur clearly harbors deep feelings for Mary, despite their tumultuous history. He is drawn to her vulnerability and sees a possibility for a different life, one free from the violence and chaos of the gang.
12. Why does Mary’s family disapprove of Arthur?
Mary’s family disapproves of Arthur because of his outlaw lifestyle and association with the Van der Linde gang. They believe he is a dangerous and unsuitable match for Mary.
13. Does helping Mary guarantee a happy ending for Arthur?
No, helping Mary does not guarantee a happy ending for Arthur. His fate is ultimately sealed by his tuberculosis diagnosis and the events surrounding the downfall of the Van der Linde gang.
14. Can Arthur ever truly escape his past?
The game explores the difficult question of whether Arthur can truly escape his past. While he strives for redemption and seeks to make amends for his actions, he is ultimately bound by his loyalty to the gang and the consequences of his choices.
15. Where can I learn more about the complex narratives in video games?
You can explore research and discussions on narrative design and player agency in games at organizations like the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: The Weight of Choice in Red Dead Redemption 2
Ultimately, the decision to help or not help Mary Linton in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. Each choice leads to a different experience, shaping Arthur Morgan’s character and influencing your understanding of the game’s core themes. By carefully considering the consequences of your actions, you can craft a unique and meaningful narrative that resonates with your own values and beliefs. Remember, every decision in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 has weight, and the choices you make will ultimately define your Arthur Morgan’s legacy.