What is Arthur Morgan Really Afraid Of? Unpacking the Fears of a Red Dead Redemption 2 Icon

At the heart of Red Dead Redemption 2 lies Arthur Morgan, a complex character grappling with a life of violence, loyalty, and ultimately, mortality. While he portrays a hardened exterior as an outlaw, Arthur is deeply human, plagued by a range of fears that drive his actions and shape his journey. The most prominent of these is his fear of death, specifically the looming specter of his tuberculosis. However, Arthur’s fears extend far beyond the physical, touching on his past failures, the changing world, and his deep-seated anxieties about the future. This article delves into the intricacies of Arthur Morgan’s fears, exploring what truly haunts this iconic character.

The Shadow of Tuberculosis: Fear of an Inevitable Death

The most immediate and palpable fear that grips Arthur Morgan is his impending death due to tuberculosis. Contracted during a confrontation with Thomas Downes, this disease slowly corrodes Arthur’s health, forcing him to confront his own mortality. This isn’t just a passive acceptance of death; it’s a visceral fear that manifests in his coughing fits, his weakening body, and his growing awareness of the finite nature of his time. Arthur admits he’s afraid to die in the game, a raw display of vulnerability that is rarely seen in his usual interactions. The knowledge that his life is being cut short fuels his desperate search for meaning and redemption, highlighting the profound impact this fear has on his character arc. His deterioration, both physically and emotionally, serves as a poignant reminder of the futility of his life of violence and the tragic irony of the “outlaw” life he is forced to embrace.

Beyond the Physical: The Fear of an Unfulfilled Life

Arthur’s fear isn’t merely confined to the physical aspects of death. He is also deeply afraid of dying without making amends for his past actions and finding a sense of inner peace. His past is riddled with loss and violence, creating a burden of guilt that he carries throughout the game. The loss of his son, Isaac, and his former love, Eliza, deeply affects him. This is only lightly touched upon in his narrative, but his reluctance to speak of them suggests a great pain. He also has regrets about his actions as an outlaw and his complicity in the crimes of the Van der Linde gang. He witnesses the gang and their ideals crumbling around him, causing his core belief system to falter. Arthur fears that his legacy will be that of a ruthless killer, rather than a man who could have lived a better life.

Fear of a Changing World: Losing the Old Ways

Another significant fear for Arthur is the rapidly changing world around him. The era of the Wild West, with its lawless frontiers, is coming to an end, and he struggles to find his place in this new, more civilized world. Arthur, a product of the old ways, feels increasingly out of step with the times and fears the obsolescence of his lifestyle. This fear is intertwined with his loyalty to the Van der Linde gang, which represents a dying breed of outlaw life. He sees his own death as a symbol of the end of an era, making his passing all the more poignant. As society becomes more structured and law-abiding, Arthur’s skills as an outlaw become less valuable, deepening his sense of unease and uncertainty about his future, further compounding his fears.

The Fear of Betrayal: Distrust and Loyalty

A subtler, yet ever-present fear, is that of betrayal. Throughout the game, Arthur witnesses the unraveling of the Van der Linde gang, fueled by internal conflicts, paranoia, and the machinations of the manipulative Micah Bell. He sees Micah as a snake, and grows suspicious of him from very early in the game. He watches the gang, his chosen family, descend into chaos. The betrayal of the gang, coupled with his eventual betrayal from Micah, is a stark reminder of the fragility of trust, making him wary of those around him. This fear of betrayal is rooted in his deeply conflicted sense of loyalty, as he grapples with his allegiance to the gang and the growing awareness of their destructive path. In his final moments, he is betrayed by Micah who tries to kill him as well, a testament to the legitimacy of his fears.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What disease kills Arthur Morgan?

Arthur Morgan is killed by tuberculosis (TB), a disease he contracts from Thomas Downes during a debt collection mission.

Can Arthur avoid death in Red Dead Redemption 2?

No, Arthur Morgan cannot avoid death in the story of Red Dead Redemption 2. His death due to tuberculosis is an integral part of the narrative. Although, if a player ceases to continue the story missions prior to his death, he would remain alive.

When does Arthur contract tuberculosis?

Arthur contracts tuberculosis when he is coughed on by Thomas Downes during the “Money Lending and Other Sins” mission.

Who is in love with Arthur Morgan?

Arthur has two major romantic relationships during his life. He was in love with Eliza, with whom he had a son named Isaac. Later in his life he has a romantic relationship with Mary Linton, a former love. Mary also reveals she still has feelings for him and asks him to run away with her.

Why does Arthur hate Micah?

Arthur hates Micah Bell because Micah is a manipulative and treacherous character who betrays the Van der Linde gang, leading to its downfall. Micah also physically abuses a very weak, terminally ill Arthur.

How can I see Arthur’s grave?

After the game’s main story concludes, players can visit Arthur Morgan’s grave, which is located in the north-east of Bacchus Station, close to the hill. The look of the grave is determined by your honour level at the time of his passing. If he had low honour, his grave will not be as pristine as if he had high honour.

Is Arthur Morgan a hero or a villain?

Arthur’s morality is dependent on your choices as a player. With low honor, he can be seen as a villain, capable of cruelty. With high honor, he is portrayed as a flawed but ultimately good-hearted anti-hero seeking redemption.

Why does Arthur look so sick in the game?

Arthur’s appearance deteriorates throughout the game due to the progression of his tuberculosis. He becomes pale, his eyes become red and sickly, and he becomes increasingly weak.

Why are Arthur’s eyes red?

Arthur’s red eyes are a symptom of his worsening tuberculosis. They contribute to his sickly and weakened appearance.

Is Arthur afraid of death?

Yes, Arthur admits he’s afraid of death, revealing his vulnerability despite his tough exterior. This fear is central to his character development and the choices he makes in the game.

Who kills Arthur Red Dead?

Arthur’s death is a complex scenario. If you play with high honor, Arthur succumbs to his tuberculosis and injuries while watching the sunrise, having abandoned his vengeful pursuit of Micah. If the player has low honor, he is executed by Micah.

What happens if you visit where Arthur died?

If Arthur died with high honor, his grave will be pristine and adorned with flowers, as well as an eagle sitting atop of it. The epitaph will be “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” If he died with low honor, the grave will be in disarray, with the epitaph reading “Blessed are those who mourn.”

How old is Arthur Morgan during the game?

Arthur Morgan is 36 years old during the events of Red Dead Redemption 2, set in 1899.

Is Lenny Arthur’s best friend?

While Lenny Summers is one of Arthur’s close friends, they are not necessarily best friends. Lenny is one of Arthur’s closest confidants, and they frequently spend time together during the game. The mission “A Quiet Time” showcases a funny and close friendship between the two.

Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?

While there hasn’t been an official announcement, there have been hints and teases from Rockstar Games suggesting that a Red Dead Redemption 3 is a possibility in the future. Based on their history, it is speculated that the next installment may be released by 2026.