Who Was the Traitor in Red Dead Redemption 2? Unmasking the Rat
The question of who betrayed the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is a central mystery that fuels much of the game’s dramatic tension. While multiple characters are suspected at various points, the undeniable truth is that Micah Bell was the primary traitor, acting as an informant for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. This revelation, which comes to light near the end of the game’s story, throws the gang into chaos and ultimately leads to its demise.
Unraveling the Web of Deceit
Micah’s Actions: The Undeniable Evidence
Throughout the latter half of the game, players witness Micah’s escalating manipulative behavior, violent tendencies, and suspicious interactions. However, the clear confirmation comes during a confrontation in Chapter 6. Arthur Morgan uncovers solid evidence of Micah’s betrayal, establishing him as the Pinkerton’s inside man. This is not merely conjecture, but a hard fact that the game’s narrative underscores.
Micah’s motives are straightforward: self-preservation and greed. He uses the gang for his own ends, offering information to the Pinkertons to protect himself and further his twisted goals, eventually attempting to take over what remained of the gang after Dutch and Arthur’s falling out. He’s not loyal to anyone, except perhaps himself, which is why his actions are so utterly destructive to the bond and trust that was the core of the Van der Linde gang.
The False Leads: Molly and Abigail
Many players speculate about other potential traitors. Molly O’Shea is initially presented as a possibility when she claims to have revealed information about the Saint Denis bank job, which led to a catastrophic confrontation with the law. But later, Agent Milton directly states that Molly told them nothing; she was simply a distraught and desperate woman seeking attention from Dutch. Her confession was out of a frustrated reaction and a desire to hurt him.
Another candidate often considered is Abigail Roberts (later Marston). Some theories propose that her desire for a peaceful life with John and Jack, away from the gang’s criminal activities, might have led her to betray them. However, there’s no concrete evidence in the game to support this notion. Instead, the narrative portrays her as a fiercely protective mother and partner, loyal to those she cares for. While she desires a better life, it’s never presented as a motive for actively betraying the gang.
Dutch’s Role: A Contributing Factor, Not a Traitor
Dutch Van der Linde is not a traitor in the classic sense, but his actions contribute significantly to the gang’s downfall. His growing paranoia, increasingly erratic behavior, and blind trust in Micah facilitate the betrayal. Dutch’s belief that Micah was essential after Micah apparently saved his life creates a biased situation where any evidence against Micah is dismissed, leading to Dutch’s abandonment of Arthur and ultimately the end of the gang.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that offer a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding the traitor in RDR2:
1. Did Micah actually rat on the gang?
Yes, Micah was unequivocally the rat. The game explicitly states and demonstrates this through Arthur’s findings and Agent Milton’s confession. The narrative’s evidence directly points to his betrayals.
2. What was Micah’s motivation for betraying the gang?
Micah’s primary motivation was self-preservation and personal gain. He wanted to save himself from capture and, in his twisted way, become the leader he craved to be. He used his position to gain power and resources.
3. Did Molly O’Shea actually snitch on the gang?
No, Molly did not reveal any information to the Pinkertons. Agent Milton explicitly states that Molly told them nothing, and that Micah was the rat. Her confession was a heartbroken attempt to get attention from Dutch.
4. Why did Dutch trust Micah so much?
Dutch’s trust in Micah is often attributed to Micah’s supposed saving of his life. While that may have initiated it, Dutch’s declining mental state, and increasing paranoia, made him prone to manipulation by Micah. This also ties into Dutch’s own power hunger.
5. Was Abigail a secret traitor?
There is no evidence in the game to support the idea that Abigail was a traitor. Her actions are consistent with her desire for a better, peaceful life for her and her family.
6. Did Dutch know Micah was a traitor?
While Dutch likely suspected the possibility of betrayal, he actively chose to ignore the evidence and trust Micah, ultimately to his own demise. His actions come from a place of denial, not deliberate treachery.
7. Did Dutch betray Arthur?
Dutch’s actions at the end of the game are a betrayal of Arthur. Although he may not have intentionally acted against his gang members from a place of malice, his inability to accept the truth about Micah led to his abandonment of Arthur, showing a betrayal of their relationship.
8. What is the significance of Micah’s eye scar?
Micah’s eye scar serves as a visual reminder of his conflict with Arthur and their last, violent confrontation, especially if the player pursued the “Go for the Money” ending with low honor. It symbolizes the deep animosity between them.
9. Who is stronger, Micah or Arthur?
Arthur was physically stronger than Micah. While Micah is cunning and ruthless, Arthur possessed superior brute strength and fighting skills, and would’ve easily overpowered Micah if he hadn’t been sick.
10. Why did Micah have a reputation for being evil?
Micah had been evil from a young age, proven by his participation in murders at age 17. Throughout the game, he displays a propensity for violence, cruelty, and manipulation, cementing his role as a villain.
11. What crimes did Dutch commit?
Dutch’s crimes include robbery, murder, extortion, and insurrection against the US government. His descent into violence and criminality are integral to the narrative.
12. How did John get Dutch’s money?
At the end of the epilogue, John retrieves the money stash from Micah and Dutch, effectively regaining the lost funds and also allowing him to finally kill Micah.
13. What happened to Abigail Marston?
Abigail dies in 1914 from unknown causes and is buried beside John and Uncle at their ranch, marking a tragic end to her life.
14. Can Arthur sleep with Abigail?
Yes, in the chapter where Arthur resides in Beecher’s Hope, he can sleep in the same bed with Abigail. It is the only safehouse where this is allowed.
15. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?
While a Red Dead Redemption 3 isn’t confirmed, Rockstar Games has hinted at the possibility. It’s speculated that it might be released around 2026 at the earliest.
In conclusion, the treachery within the Van der Linde gang is a tragic narrative of manipulation, misplaced loyalty, and the destructive power of unchecked ambition. Micah Bell, with his duplicity, stands as the undeniable traitor, responsible for the gang’s dissolution and the loss of its most valued members. The other suspects, while creating moments of doubt, ultimately are secondary to the central truth of Micah’s betrayal.