Who Was Truly on Arthur’s Side in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Figuring out who stood by Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 is more complex than a simple tally. It wasn’t just about picking sides; it was about loyalty, shared values, and recognizing the moral decay gripping the Van der Linde gang. Those truly on Arthur’s side understood the necessity of escaping Dutch’s increasingly erratic leadership and securing a future for the remaining members. It was about making sure those who were left behind would be safe and that they would survive the choices Dutch was making. Arthur had seen the death of so many of his friends and family over the course of the game that he wanted to protect the ones that were left. With that, here’s a look at the true allies of Arthur Morgan.
Core Allies: Unwavering Support
The most steadfast members of Team Arthur included:
- Hosea Matthews: The voice of reason and Dutch’s oldest confidant, Hosea consistently offered Arthur guidance and saw the flaws in Dutch’s plans long before others did. Hosea’s passing was a tragic event that spurred Arthur into stepping up and saving those who were left.
- Lenny Summers: Young and idealistic, Lenny admired Arthur and readily followed his lead. His loyalty was unwavering, and his death was a heavy blow to Arthur.
- Charles Smith: Quietly observant and deeply moral, Charles understood the importance of doing what was right, even when it was difficult. He consistently supported Arthur’s efforts to protect the innocent.
- John Marston: While their relationship had its tensions, Arthur ultimately saw John as the future. His primary goal was to ensure John’s escape and the safety of his family, showing profound selflessness.
- Abigail Roberts and Jack Marston: While not directly involved in the conflicts within the gang, Arthur recognized their vulnerability and fought to secure their future. He saw them as innocent victims of the outlaw life.
Conditional Supporters: Shifting Allegiances
Several characters displayed varying degrees of support for Arthur, often influenced by circumstances or their own personal beliefs:
- Uncle: While seemingly lazy and good for nothing, Uncle’s was known for his ability to avoid any responsibilities, and in his own odd way he seemed to want to protect Arthur as well.
- Miss Grimshaw: Her loyalty shifted as she witnessed Dutch’s descent into madness. Eventually, she sided with Arthur and paid the ultimate price.
- Kieran Duffy: Though initially an enemy, Kieran proved his loyalty to the gang and formed a bond with Arthur before his tragic death.
Those Who Were Never on Arthur’s Side
It’s crucial to acknowledge those who were diametrically opposed to Arthur’s ideals:
- Micah Bell: The primary antagonist, Micah was manipulative, ruthless, and ultimately betrayed the gang for personal gain. He represented everything Arthur stood against.
- Dutch van der Linde: Initially a mentor figure, Dutch’s ego and delusions of grandeur led him down a path that directly conflicted with Arthur’s values. His inability to admit fault and his blind faith in Micah sealed the gang’s fate.
- Javier Escuella: Despite past camaraderie, Javier’s unwavering loyalty to Dutch blinded him to the truth, ultimately placing him in opposition to Arthur.
The True Measure of Loyalty
Ultimately, being on Arthur’s side wasn’t just about agreement; it was about understanding the moral imperative to protect the vulnerable and escape the destructive path Dutch had chosen. It was about recognizing that loyalty to an ideal was more important than blind obedience to a flawed leader. Arthur’s true allies understood this and stood with him, even when it meant facing insurmountable odds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Hosea side with Arthur?
Hosea, being a seasoned veteran and a wise man, saw through Dutch’s increasingly unrealistic plans. He recognized Arthur’s growing disillusionment and supported his desire to protect the innocent and find a way out for the remaining gang members. He cared deeply about Arthur and saw him as the son that Dutch never was.
2. Was Lenny truly loyal to Arthur?
Yes, Lenny deeply admired Arthur’s strength and moral compass. He was young and eager to learn, and he saw Arthur as a mentor figure. His unwavering loyalty was a significant source of support for Arthur.
3. What was Charles’ role in supporting Arthur?
Charles, with his strong moral code and pragmatic approach, provided unwavering support to Arthur. He was always ready to help those in need and stood by Arthur’s decisions to protect the vulnerable.
4. How did John and Arthur’s relationship influence who was on Arthur’s side?
Arthur’s selfless dedication to ensuring John’s survival and the safety of his family highlighted the core values that defined “Team Arthur.” It demonstrated that loyalty to a cause, especially protecting the innocent, was paramount.
5. Why did Miss Grimshaw eventually side with Arthur?
Miss Grimshaw, a staunch traditionalist, initially supported Dutch’s leadership. However, as she witnessed his descent into madness and the senseless violence he inflicted, she realized Arthur was the only one trying to salvage what was left. Her shift in allegiance reflects a realization of Dutch’s failings.
6. How did Micah’s betrayal influence the dynamics of the gang?
Micah’s treachery served as a catalyst, exposing the fault lines within the gang and forcing individuals to choose sides. His manipulative nature and ruthless ambition contrasted sharply with Arthur’s values, making him the antithesis of everything Arthur stood for.
7. Why did Dutch ultimately become Arthur’s adversary?
Dutch’s ego, delusions of grandeur, and blind faith in Micah led him down a path that directly clashed with Arthur’s moral code. His inability to admit fault and his growing paranoia created an irreconcilable divide between him and Arthur.
8. What role did Javier play in the conflict?
Javier’s unwavering loyalty to Dutch, even in the face of overwhelming evidence of his failings, placed him in direct opposition to Arthur. He represents the dangers of blind obedience and the consequences of prioritizing loyalty over morality.
9. How did the Pinkertons influence the division within the gang?
The relentless pursuit of the Pinkertons created immense pressure and paranoia within the gang, exacerbating existing tensions and contributing to Dutch’s increasingly erratic behavior. This external pressure heightened the internal conflict, forcing members to choose sides.
10. What was the significance of Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis?
Arthur’s illness forced him to confront his own mortality and prioritize what truly mattered. It strengthened his resolve to protect John and his family and to fight for what was right, even in the face of death.
11. What happened to Uncle?
Uncle, while not a primary actor in the final conflict, was implied to have survived, but had lived a life that he would never change.
12. Did the girls in the camp, like Karen and Tilly, take a side?
The women of the camp, like Karen and Tilly, were primarily concerned with survival. While they may not have taken a direct role in the conflict, Arthur’s actions to protect them resonated with them, and they recognized the importance of escaping the outlaw life.
13. Where did the money from the Blackwater heist go?
The location of the Blackwater money remains a mystery. There are many theories online about its whereabouts and who may have taken it, but it is never fully answered in the game.
14. Is Arthur Morgan the greatest video game character of all time?
Whether Arthur is the greatest video game character of all time is subjective, of course, but many consider him to be among the best. His complex morality, his internal struggles, and his capacity for both violence and compassion make him a deeply compelling and memorable character. His redemption arc is a powerful and emotional journey.
15. How does Red Dead Redemption 2 explore themes of morality and loyalty?
Red Dead Redemption 2 masterfully explores themes of morality and loyalty by presenting a nuanced and morally ambiguous world. The choices players make as Arthur Morgan, and the consequences of those choices, force them to confront their own values and consider the complexities of right and wrong. The game challenges players to question the nature of loyalty and to consider whether blind obedience is always the right path. It is a compelling narrative that is often talked about among scholars within the Games Learning Society, as referenced at GamesLearningSociety.org.