Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

Key Takeaways

  • Rains Fall prioritizes peace over violence in tribal conflicts.
  • Arthur’s selflessness depends on player choices & help to others.
  • Jack Marston remains kind, giving gifts and showing concern.

As I delve deeper into the lives of these remarkable characters from the wild west of Red Dead Redemption, I find myself awestruck by their resilience and kindness amidst the harsh realities of their time. From Tilly Jackson showing mercy to Anthony Foreman despite his mistreatment, to Charlotte Balfour’s selfless act of giving her fortune to Arthur, these women stand as beacons of compassion in a world ruled by brutality.


In the period of significant growth in American history, often referred to as the Wild West era, it was populated by individuals such as murderers, thieves, and those on the fringe of society. Many of the characters within the Red Dead Redemption series were shaped by this environment, leading them to live self-centered, emotionless, and destructive lives. However, contrary to many unsavory outlaws and power-hungry leaders who boast about stepping on the downtrodden for their survival, wealth, and success, the Red Dead Redemption series features numerous characters with a strong sense of morality that defies expectations.

In stark contrast to every tyrant driven by power and violence, there exists an equally remarkable individual, characterized by generosity, compassion, and selflessness, who devotes their life to uplifting those around them – a truly noble pursuit indeed. These exceptionally altruistic characters serve as a balancing force in the Red Dead Redemption series, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the self-centered era depicted in this game’s portrayal of American social policy.

1 Rains Fall

Always Puts His Tribes’ Safety First And Values A Pacifist Mindset

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

As a proponent of peace, Rains Fall favors resolving disputes through non-violent protests, contrasting sharply with his son Eagle Flies who advocates for retaliation due to their tribal mistreatment by oil tycoon Leviticus Cornwall. In reaction to Colonel Favours’ efforts (acting under Cornwall’s instructions) to force the Wapitians out of their ancestral land, Rains Fall consistently selects more pacifist methods to resolve the conflict, including negotiations with both Favours and Cornwall directly.

In a conversation between Eagle Fly and Rain Fall, Eagle Fly attempts to persuade Rain Fall that death holds honor, but Rain Fall, being more seasoned and wise, shares his experiences of observing many fellow tribe members perish while seeking justice. He finds no glamour in these events, only sorrow. Although Rain Fall’s tactics for preserving the peace within the tribe may be debated, he consistently puts the Wapitians first and remains a noble and selfless leader until his final moments.

2 Arthur Morgan (Determinant)

Goes Out Of His Way To Help Others In A High Honor Run

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

Despite Arthur Morgan not appearing as the typical character for an individual known for boundless generosity, his actions can vary greatly depending on how the player decides to present him. Whether he follows a path of high morals or chooses a more questionable lifestyle, Arthur ultimately takes many lives and doesn’t hesitate to steal from others. However, Arthur’s redeeming qualities become apparent when he dedicates his spare time to assisting others, regardless of whether they are strangers or loved ones like Mary Linton.

In a “High Honor” version of events, Arthur initially leads a wretched lifestyle but undergoes a dramatic change after interacting with Thomas Downes, which results in him contracting tuberculosis. This life-altering experience prompts him to reevaluate his decisions. From that point forward, Arthur transforms into a selfless champion, determined to fight for justice against figures like Dutch and Micah, who exploit others for their own selfish purposes.

3 Young Jack Marston

Shows Concern For Others’ Wellbeing And Gives Gifts To Gang Members

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

As I grew up, Jack Marston mirrored his father in cunning and recklessness as an adult, but as a young lad, he was nothing if not thoughtful and considerate. Jack’s heart shone brightest when it came to animals and the people he held dear, including John, Abigail, and his uncles Arthur and Hosea. Unlike many who were focused on providing for him, Jack, during fishing trips with Arthur, was less about catching fish (more like sparing the life of an innocent creature) and more about crafting a daisy-chain necklace for his mother, a sweet token of kindness that spoke volumes of his tender nature.

Jack is consistently thankful for whatever comes his way, like when Arthur locates the Penny Dreadful book that he’d lost. He’s always more concerned about others’ welfare than his own, a trait that remains unchanged even as he adopts some of John Marston’s less desirable traits.

4 Simon Pearson

Ensures The Gang Members Never Go Hungry

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

It’s generally true that most gang members have their share of wrongdoings, making Pearson not an exception to this rule. He was saved from loan sharks by Dutch Van der Linde and his gang following his service in the U.S. Navy, which led him to join the gang as its butcher and cook. Despite sending tough guys like Arthur and Charles out hunting for meat, Pearson ensured that the gang never went hungry.

He’s frequently spotted breaking down carcasses close to his cart or cooking delicious meals. Ensuring that the group maintains full bellies is a vital but often disregarded responsibility within their ranks, which he diligently fulfills. Despite occasionally appearing grouchy, Pearson has good intentions and consistently prioritizes the gang’s wellbeing by keeping the cart stocked with medicine, supplements, and other essential items.

5 Charles Smith

Only Kills As A Last Resort And Shows Compassion To Animals

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

There’s no one in the Van der Linde gang who avoids suspicion, given their lifestyle of deceit, fraud, and violence. Charles, though a part of this group, stands out for his selflessness. He often steps up – and by extension, Arthur – to aid the Wapiti tribe, such as rescuing Captain Monroe and Eagle Flies from the U.S. Army. In the epilogue, when John sets off with Sadie to retrieve Dutch and Micah, Charles, despite being gravely injured, bravely instructs John and Sadie to carry on with their mission, showing remarkable courage.

Charles can be seen as one of the most principled members within the Van der Linde gang. He tends to resort to violence only when it’s unavoidable or absolutely necessary. He is a strong advocate for justice and equality, such as championing equal rights among all races and defending vulnerable animal species like bison from being hunted for sport. Notably, he has taken upon himself the solemn task of burying the deceased, including Susan Grimshaw and Arthur Morgan, selecting peaceful and scenic locations for their final resting places.

6 Hamish Sinclair

Sacrificed His Leg To Serve In The U.S. Army

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

As a former member of the U.S. Army, Hamish is a man of honor who made sacrifices for his duty, losing a leg and receiving a prosthetic. If Arthur manages to complete all but one of Hamish’s missions in Red Dead Online, John will inform him in the epilogue that Arthur has passed away. Hamish will fondly remember the game hunts they shared, considering Arthur as his only genuine friend. In return for helping Hamish with various tasks, the protagonist is generously compensated by Hamish, despite his limited funds.

If Arthur finishes the final part of the mission series known as “The Veteran,” it will lead to Hamish being badly hurt when he falls off his horse, Buell, and in a moment of desperation, he may ask Arthur to stay with him as he dies, expressing his deep gratitude for Arthur’s help throughout their journey together.

7 John Marston (Determinant)

Prioritizes The Safety Of His Family Above All Else

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

In the game “Red Dead Redemption”, the morality of the protagonist, John Marston, is shaped by the player’s decisions throughout the story. Initially, John portrays himself as a young, reckless individual with questionable morals within the Van der Linde gang. As he matures, he discards his youthful indiscretions and passive nature to evolve into an honorable family man, prioritizing his wife and child above all else, even himself. John’s most significant transformation comes from rectifying the mistakes of his past, particularly those made under Dutch’s guidance.

As a child, Jack was left by John for a whole year, which made him feel compelled to make amends later in life by being an exemplary father to Jack, despite their turbulent bond. In the end, John bravely faced off with the Pinkertons, giving up his own life to ensure that both Jack and Abigail could live happy lives, earning him a tragic hero status.

8 Tilly Jackson

Shows Mercy To Anthony Foreman Despite His Mistreatment Of Her

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

Among the women in the Van der Linde gang, Tilly Jackson stands out as one of the kindest and most guileless. Unlike many others, she often deviates from societal norms, demonstrating compassion towards Molly O’Shea, even going so far as to express remorse for not including her in a robbery. However, after Molly suffers a fate she deserved (according to Tilly), it is revealed that Tilly remains unaware of the full story. Later on, when Anthony Foreman, who claims Tilly belongs to him, kidnaps her, Arthur saves her from his grasp.

Despite being wronged by him, Tilly chooses to spare Anthony (a choice the player must make), demonstrating her kind and forgiving character. Additionally, Tilly harbors a tender affection for Jack Marston, and will shield him from the Pinkertons if there aren’t other gang members available to help.

9 Charlotte Balfour

Expresses Immense Gratitude To Arthur And Gives Him Her Money

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

In the vicinity of Willard’s Rest, it could be either Arthur or John who meets Charlotte Balfour. She’s a woman dealing with the loss of her husband, Cal, and trying to adapt to life in the wilderness on her own. Both Arthur and John might take it upon themselves to teach Charlotte hunting and skinning skills so she can prepare meals for herself. As Charlotte acquires these crucial abilities from our protagonist, she starts gaining self-assurance and copes with Cal’s death in a thoughtful and introspective manner. Over time, Charlotte develops strong feelings of appreciation towards Arthur or John for their guidance on survival skills.

Charlotte is perceived as compassionate and unselfish because she lets Arthur inherit all her wealth and warmly receives John, who was just an associate of Arthur’s. Additionally, John shares with Charlotte that Arthur wrote affectionately about her, adding another piece of evidence to the mark she made on him.

10 Mother Superior Calderón

Helps Arthur Through His Existential Crisis And Shows Him Kindness

Most Selfless Characters In Red Dead Redemption

In the Red Dead series, Mother Superior Calderón interacts with both Arthur and John Marston. If Arthur has earned High Honor, he can meet Mother Calderón at the train station instead of Reverend Swanson. Here, she provides comfort to Arthur as he grapples with his mortality and impending death, despite his outlaw past. Mother Calderón perceives goodness in him, acknowledging that although he’s committed wrongdoings, he is fundamentally a good person with honorable intentions who strayed from the right path.

Arthur encounters her while she’s gathering funds for the church, which underscores her role as a benevolent individual beyond her religious obligations. John has two options: contribute to Sister Calderón or steal from her, but if he goes with the former, she warmly appreciates his kindness and accepts his donation graciously.

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2024-11-19 17:34