The Tragic Parallels Between Protagonists in Red Dead Redemption 2

The narratives of Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, delve into the tumultuous transformation of American society, portraying characters who grapple with the relentless march of change. Set in a reimagined American West in the early 20th century, the stories follow outlaws fighting for survival in an increasingly inhospitable world that has little room for their way of life.

[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Red Dead Redemption 1 & 2.]

From John Marston and his son, Jack, in the original game to John and Arthur Morgan in the sequel, the Red Dead Redemption series features protagonists that epitomize a specific archetype: outlaws torn between the desires for vengeance and peace, as well as obscurity and notoriety. Their stories intertwine with a recurring theme prevalent throughout the franchise—the inexorable cycle of violence that persists even amidst societal upheaval.

Cycles of Violence in RDR 2

The Prequel That Initiates the Cycle

Although Red Dead Redemption 2 is the second installment in the series, it serves as a prequel, establishing multiple intertwining cycles of violence. Outside of the main characters, this game is populated with figures entrenched in a legacy of vengeance, notably the longstanding feud between the Greys and Braithwaites over stolen gold and the violent rivalry between the Van Der Linde and O’Driscoll gangs. As the principal player character, Arthur Morgan is relentlessly drawn into these cycles, particularly through his connection to Dutch Van Der Linde, the gang leader and a surrogate father figure.

Dutch characterizes the stagnation inherent in the cycle of revenge and conflict. This is ironic, as he frequently speaks of the gang’s potential for a brighter future. His deteriorating mental state further compounds this issue—instead of leading his gang toward a new life, he fuels ongoing feuds, such as instigating confrontations with Colm O’Driscoll and involving himself in economically motivated disputes like the Grey-Braithwaite skirmish.

A pivotal line from Dutch highlights this ongoing merry-go-round of violence; he references thievery from the Greys and Braithwaites as a “payback” for his father, who perished in the Civil War while fighting for the Union. His fixation on vengeance becomes the catalyst for Arthur and John’s tumultuous adventures throughout the franchise.

Arthur and John: Parallel Journeys

Evolving Protagonists, Unchanging Themes

As Red Dead Redemption 2 unfolds, it becomes clear that Arthur faces an untimely death. Depending on the player’s choices, he may seek redemption and attempt to alter his path, ultimately succumbing to tuberculosis, or he may fall victim to the hands of Micah in a fight driven by revenge. However, either way, his actions pave the way for John and his family’s survival, allowing them to seek a new life outside the gang’s violent legacy.

Arthur’s demise is reminiscent of the violence he inflicted throughout his life; the disease that claims him can be traced back to a brutal encounter with an innocent man. His end epitomizes the brutal cycle he started long ago.

Despite John’s attempts to carve out a peaceful existence for himself, Abigail, and Jack, they are ultimately drawn back into the cycle of violence. John’s reversion to crime while working a farm signifies a troubling return to his former ways, escalating further as he seeks to avenge Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2. This decision triggers a continuation of Arthur’s violent legacy, jeopardizing the hard-won peace John and Abigail have endeavored to maintain.

John’s choices lead directly to the events of the original Red Dead Redemption, wherein he is coerced by corrupt lawman Edgar Ross into hunting down his old gang members to protect his family and the life they have built. Even as he aspires for tranquility, his path is eerily influenced by the very ideals ingrained by Dutch, ultimately steering him back into conflict.

Despite John fulfilling his so-called duty of killing former allies turned adversaries, the cycle of violence persists. His execution by corrupt officials at the game’s climax fuels the unforgiving wheel of retribution that spirals forward, laying the groundwork for Jack Marston to embrace his father’s mantle and exact vengeance on Edgar Ross in a cycle of bloodshed that seemingly has no end.

The Tragic Nature of Red Dead Redemption

The Balance of Realism and Romanticization

The juxtaposition between the shifting landscape around the characters and their own entrenched violent existences adds a tragic beauty to the Red Dead Redemption series. Rockstar masterfully executes this theme: John’s attempts to abandon crime only lead to Jack following a similar path, paired with Arthur’s poignant quest for improvement as he faces his end.

However, merely presenting a narrative of unchangeable violence would convey a hopeless message. Amidst its tragedy, Red Dead Redemption offers glimmers of hope. The seasoned outlaws occasionally find ways to support and uplift those they encounter, and Arthur’s spirit seems to evolve with his intentions. Despite imminent death, the pursuit of change—no matter how unsuccessful—can constitute a meaningful endeavor.

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