The Cold Truth: Why Micah Bell Stabs Arthur Morgan

Micah Bell doesn’t always stab Arthur Morgan. The ending of Red Dead Redemption 2 is complex and depends significantly on the player’s honor level. If Arthur has low honor, Micah delivers the killing blow directly, shooting him in the head after their final confrontation. However, if Arthur’s honor is high, Micah doesn’t outright kill him with a stab. Instead, he inflicts a critical wound during their fight, leaving Arthur to succumb to his tuberculosis (TB) and the severity of his injuries as he watches the sunrise. Regardless of the method, Micah is directly responsible for Arthur’s death, either through a direct kill or by creating the circumstances that ensure his demise. The core reasons behind his actions are a combination of betrayal, hatred, self-preservation, and a fundamental difference in moral compass. Micah saw Arthur as an obstacle to his own ambitions and a threat to his alliance with Dutch van der Linde.

Understanding the Context: Micah’s Motivations

Micah’s actions are not born out of a sudden impulse. They are the culmination of a series of calculated moves driven by his inherent nature. To truly understand why Micah does what he does, we need to consider the following:

• Betrayal: Micah was a rat from nearly the beginning. He sold information to the Pinkertons, leading to the downfall of the Van der Linde gang and the deaths of numerous members. Arthur, eventually uncovering this truth, represents a significant threat to Micah’s continued survival and success.

• Hatred and Jealousy: Micah harbors a deep-seated hatred for Arthur. He resents Arthur’s position as Dutch’s right-hand man and the respect he commands within the gang. This jealousy is evident in his constant attempts to undermine Arthur and paint him as a traitor.

• Self-Preservation: Micah is fundamentally a selfish character. His primary concern is always his own well-being, regardless of the cost to others. He sees Arthur as a roadblock to his own advancement within the gang and a liability that needs to be eliminated.

• Loyalty to Dutch (or Lack Thereof): While Micah appears loyal to Dutch, his loyalty is conditional. He manipulates Dutch, feeding into his ego and paranoia to maintain his position of influence. Arthur’s attempts to reason with Dutch and expose Micah’s treachery threaten this carefully constructed facade.

• Moral Difference: Arthur, despite his flaws, possesses a sense of morality and a desire for redemption. Micah, on the other hand, is devoid of empathy and driven purely by self-interest. This fundamental difference in their moral compass creates an irreconcilable conflict.

Micah’s endgame was simple: secure his own future, even if it meant sacrificing everyone else. By eliminating Arthur, he removes a significant threat and solidifies his position alongside Dutch, at least temporarily. He’s willing to do anything to obtain his freedom, no matter how brutal, because the Van der Linde gang are trapped.

The Significance of Honor

As mentioned earlier, the ending varies depending on Arthur’s honor level. This distinction highlights the impact of Arthur’s choices throughout the game.

• High Honor: If Arthur consistently makes honorable choices, he focuses on helping John escape, ensuring the safety of his family. In this scenario, Micah wounds Arthur badly enough to cause him to pass away of his ailments. This ending is seen as a “better” death, emphasizing Arthur’s redemption and selflessness.

• Low Honor: If Arthur consistently makes dishonorable choices, he succumbs to his vengeful side and goes after the money. In this scenario, Micah directly shoots Arthur, a fitting end for a character who has embraced his darker impulses.

In both scenarios, Micah is responsible for Arthur’s demise, demonstrating the lasting impact of his betrayal and the consequences of Arthur’s choices.

The Final Confrontation

The final confrontation between Arthur and Micah is a brutal and emotionally charged event. It’s not just a physical battle; it’s a clash of ideologies and a culmination of years of simmering resentment.

Micah’s taunts and accusations reveal his true nature and his contempt for Arthur. He accuses Arthur of being a traitor, attempting to deflect blame and justify his own actions. In the end, his final actions is the ultimate act of betrayal, sealing Arthur’s fate and leaving a lasting scar on the remnants of the Van der Linde gang.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did Dutch know Micah was a rat?

The game strongly suggests that Dutch begins to suspect Micah’s betrayal during Arthur’s final moments. Arthur pleads with Dutch to see the truth, and Dutch appears to realize the extent of Micah’s deception. However, his narcissistic personality makes it difficult for him to admit he was wrong, leading him to initially side with Micah before ultimately abandoning him.

2. Why does Dutch shoot Micah in the epilogue?

Dutch shoots Micah at the end of the epilogue out of some degree of redemption, however small. Although not explicitly stated, it is implied that he now knows the extent of Micah’s betrayal and the role he played in the downfall of the gang. In a way, Dutch is acknowledging Arthur’s sacrifice and punishing the man responsible for his death.

3. Could Arthur beat Micah without TB?

Absolutely. Arthur was considered one of the physically strongest members of the gang, second only to Charles Smith. A healthy Arthur, unburdened by the debilitating effects of tuberculosis, would likely have easily defeated Micah in a fight.

4. Was Micah a better shot than Arthur?

No. Arthur is consistently portrayed as the superior marksman. Characters within the game remark on his skill, and even in his weakened state, he can draw his weapon faster than Micah.

5. Why does Dutch seem to favor Micah?

Dutch’s attraction to Micah stems from a combination of factors. Micah is charismatic, manipulative, and willing to tell Dutch what he wants to hear. Dutch also seemed to appreciate the fact that Micah saved his life at one point. This, combined with Dutch’s own increasing paranoia and reliance on flattery, made him susceptible to Micah’s influence.

6. What did Micah do to the girl in Blackwater?

The details surrounding the Blackwater incident are deliberately vague, but it’s implied that Micah organized the botched ferry robbery that resulted in the death of an innocent woman. This event marked a turning point for the gang, setting in motion the events that led to their downfall.

7. Is there a secret ending where Arthur survives?

No. Despite various rumors and theories, there is no secret ending where Arthur Morgan survives Red Dead Redemption 2. His death is a central part of the narrative and a crucial element of John Marston’s story in the original Red Dead Redemption.

8. Why is Arthur Morgan never mentioned in RDR1?

Several reasons could explain Arthur’s absence in Red Dead Redemption. John may have simply wanted to move on from his past. It’s also possible John simply found it too painful to discuss the events of Red Dead Redemption 2 and the death of Arthur.

9. How did Micah get his scar?

Micah’s eye scar comes from the player’s decision to go back for the money or help John, and whether Arthur is playing with high or low honor. If you have high honor, Arthur slashes Micah’s face with a knife during the “Go after the money” ending.

10. Will there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?

While nothing has been officially announced, the success of the Red Dead Redemption series makes a third installment highly likely. Based on Rockstar’s development patterns, a Red Dead Redemption 3 could arrive sometime after 2026.

11. How old is Micah at the end of RDR2?

Based on information found in a newspaper scrap within Red Dead Redemption 2, some fans theorize that Micah is around 39 years old during the events of the game.

12. Why does Micah shrug when he dies?

Micah’s nonchalant shrug after being shot by John is interpreted by many as a final act of defiance. It suggests that he doesn’t care about his own death as long as he knows he has caused pain and suffering for others, particularly John. He’s willing to die if it means he’s set John on a path of vengeance that will eventually consume him.

13. What illness did Hosea have?

While never explicitly stated, various clues suggest that Hosea was suffering from a lung disease, possibly emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Other members of the Van der Linde gang talked about his persistent cough, and the general ailment seemed to hinder Hosea’s breathing.

14. Did Micah get tuberculosis?

There’s no evidence to suggest that Micah contracted tuberculosis. It is most likely that he’s simply lucky enough to avoid the virus. The narrative focuses heavily on Arthur’s infection, and there is no reason to show Micah in such a state.

15. What makes Red Dead Redemption 2 an effective learning game?

Red Dead Redemption 2, while primarily an entertainment product, offers players a learning experience through narrative and gameplay. The choices in the game and their consequences provide moral decision-making lessons, as well as insights into social issues and historical context. To understand more about how games can be used to improve and further education, consult the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Conclusion

Micah’s betrayal and subsequent actions stem from his inherent nature: a self-serving, manipulative, and ultimately evil character. Arthur, by his own hand, is forced to confront the consequences of his moral descent by an irredeemable monster. The stabbing – or the circumstances leading to Arthur’s death – is a direct result of these actions, resulting in a memorable experience that resonates with players long after the credits roll.