The Complex Bond: Who is Arthur Morgan to John Marston?
Arthur Morgan is far more than just a fellow gang member to John Marston; he is a complex figure embodying a brother, mentor, and even a tragic hero in John’s life. While not related by blood, Arthur and John’s relationship, forged in the crucible of the Van der Linde gang, transcends mere camaraderie. Arthur, being about nine years older, assumes an almost older-brother or even father figure role to John, especially in his early years. Their bond is a mixture of shared hardship, mutual respect, and an unspoken, deep-seated loyalty. Throughout their time in the gang, Arthur often acts as the more pragmatic and reliable counterpart to John’s more impulsive nature. Despite their differences, they are bound by a deep, often unspoken, affection that plays a critical role in shaping who John becomes and ultimately the events that unfold in the Red Dead Redemption series. Arthur’s influence on John is so profound that his absence in John’s later life is acutely felt, shaping John’s choices and actions as he seeks redemption.
A Brotherhood Forged in Outlaw Life
Arthur and John’s relationship begins well before the events of Red Dead Redemption 2. They grew up together in the Van der Linde gang, essentially a family of outlaws. The article text specifies that Arthur was born in 1863 and John in 1873, which places them about a decade apart, making the older Arthur a significant influence on the younger John. The article states that they grow up as brothers which suggests a close proximity to each other and how their relationship develops. They are both outlaws and though John is seen as the ‘golden boy’ he was far more impulsive and quick tempered which led Arthur to be the ‘muscle’ for the gang. Arthur’s father, Lyle Morgan, was a criminal which would have certainly influenced his path, and perhaps his decision to raise John in the way he did. Arthur became a more experienced and trusted member of the gang while John was more naive and prone to making mistakes which led to Arthur often having to bail him out of trouble. While their relationship has its ups and downs, a bond of loyalty and respect was always present.
Avuncular Affection and Guidance
A particularly touching aspect of Arthur and John’s connection is their interaction with John’s son, Jack Marston. Arthur develops a genuinely avuncular affection for Jack, often taking him on fishing trips and acting as a kind, patient presence in his life. This displays a gentle side of Arthur, in stark contrast to his hardened outlaw persona. This relationship provides insights into what type of father figure Arthur might have been if he were able to see his own son grow. The article mentions the heartbreak of Arthur losing his son Isaac, and the avuncular affection he gives to Jack could be viewed as a subconscious replacement, even if he doesn’t fully acknowledge it himself.
The Unspoken Grief
The article highlights John’s silence about Arthur in the events of the first Red Dead Redemption, a telling point about the deep impact Arthur had on him. Three primary reasons are mentioned for this silence: The pain of remembrance, shame for being saved by Arthur, and Arthur’s own request that John should not look back. The grief of losing Arthur, someone he considered a brother and mentor, is clearly too painful for John to discuss openly. The guilt of needing Arthur’s sacrifice to secure his family’s future adds another layer of complexity to John’s emotional turmoil. Additionally, fulfilling Arthur’s dying wish – to live a new life without the constraints of the past – would also be a powerful motivator to not speak about his departed friend.
Loyalty and Sacrifice
The core of Arthur and John’s relationship is built upon unwavering loyalty and profound sacrifice. Arthur ultimately chooses to help John and his family escape, even knowing it will likely lead to his own demise. The article mentions that Arthur was primarily loyal to the gang but it was also clearly stated that he is also loyal to John and this loyalty ultimately influences his actions as he seeks a way for John to escape and live a life away from the gang. This demonstrates the depth of his feelings for John, highlighting the intensity of their bond. Arthur puts aside his personal desires and beliefs to give John and his family a chance at a normal life. This act of sacrifice cements Arthur’s role as a crucial figure in John’s life and provides the foundation for John’s own desire for redemption in the first Red Dead Redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Arthur Morgan and John Marston brothers?
No, Arthur and John are not blood-related brothers. However, they grow up together within the Van der Linde gang, which creates a brotherly bond through shared experiences and loyalty.
2. Why does John never mention Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 1?
John’s silence about Arthur is attributed to several factors: the immense pain of remembering Arthur, the shame he feels for Arthur having to save his family, and Arthur’s dying request that he never look back to his past.
3. How much older is Arthur than John?
Arthur is approximately nine years older than John. The article states Arthur was born in 1863 and John in 1873.
4. Did John know that Micah killed Arthur?
It’s not explicitly stated that John knows Micah personally killed Arthur. However, it is mentioned that John knows Micah ratted out the gang, which leads to Arthur’s fate. This implies John understands Micah’s role in Arthur’s death, though the exact details remain unspoken.
5. Did Arthur have a son?
Yes, Arthur had a son named Isaac with a waitress named Eliza. Sadly, they were killed in a robbery.
6. Who were Arthur Morgan’s parents?
Arthur’s parents were Beatrice and Lyle Morgan. His mother died when he was very young, and his father was a petty criminal.
7. How did Arthur and John join the Van der Linde gang?
While not explicitly covered in this article, both boys were adopted into the gang at a young age, essentially raised by Dutch Van der Linde and Hosea Matthews. Arthur was in the gang for about two decades according to the article.
8. Who is more loved by fans, Arthur or John?
While both characters are popular, it is generally considered that Arthur Morgan is more beloved. He has a compelling character arc and is deeply empathetic, making him a favorite among players.
9. Is it true that John can’t swim in RDR2?
Yes, John cannot swim in Red Dead Redemption 2. This is a nod to the first game where he also couldn’t swim, and it’s now considered canon. Arthur, conversely, can swim.
10. Was Arthur in love with Mary Linton?
Arthur had feelings for Mary Linton, but their relationship was complicated by circumstances and the disapproval of her family. However the love was not reciprocated and he would have had more success with another character such as Sadie Adler.
11. Was Sadie Adler in love with Arthur?
There are hints and implications that Sadie Adler may have harbored romantic feelings for Arthur. She trusted him the most within the gang.
12. Who is stronger in a fight, Arthur or Micah?
Arthur is definitively stronger than Micah in a physical confrontation. Micah’s inability to defeat an emaciated, dying Arthur emphasizes his lack of combat prowess.
13. What happened to Arthur Morgan’s dad?
Arthur’s father, Lyle Morgan, was arrested for theft in 1874 when Arthur was only 11. The article mentions that Arthur doesn’t divulge how or when his father died.
14. What is the significance of Hosea Matthews?
Hosea and Dutch operated as father figures for Arthur. According to the article, their relationship was like that of parents. Hosea’s death is significant to both Arthur and John and if he had survived, the plot of Red Dead Redemption 2 could have played out completely differently.
15. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?
According to the article, a Red Dead Redemption 3 is not expected until 2026 at the earliest. However, there have been hints and teases from Rockstar Games, suggesting that a third installment is possible in the future.
This detailed overview shows that Arthur’s significance in John’s life goes far beyond a simple relationship, making their bond one of the most important aspects of the Red Dead Redemption series.