Arthur Morgan’s Redemption: Selfless Acts of a Dying Outlaw

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Arthur Morgan is portrayed as an individual harboring a virtuous spirit, yet struggling with a formidable burden. This intricate personality makes him one of the most complex characters in recent gaming history and sets him apart as a memorable figure with a deeply engaging storyline. Regardless of the wrongs he may have committed, there are many aspects of his journey towards redemption that more than balance it out in the game Red Dead Redemption 2.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the character Arthur Morgan is portrayed as a man with a noble heart hidden beneath his rugged exterior and self-doubt, and for those who choose the honorable path in their gameplay, they’ll have the opportunity to witness this firsthand while helping Arthur confront his inner struggles and strive to depart from the world with some remnants of goodness.

Spoilers ahead for Red Dead Redemption 2!

8. Helping Strangers for No Real Reason

Arthur Can Involve Himself With Some Strangers For No Reason Other Than Fun

In various places Arthur travels, he frequently comes across peculiar individuals who need assistance, and he usually is willing to lend a hand, even if they don’t initially disclose the rewards that await him. Whether it’s assisting Hamish Sinclair, an old-timer, with his horse or showing Charlotte Balfour how to hunt, Arthur extends help because of his good nature.

In my perspective as an admirer, there are moments when Arthur extends a helping hand to people he doesn’t know simply because he can. One such instance is Albert Mason, the photographer whom Arthur repeatedly rescues from the jaws of danger posed by dangerous wildlife. Despite these brief encounters, Arthur’s selfless acts have etched him into the memories of many, making him an unforgettable figure.

7. Assisting Mary, Despite Their Love Having Passed

Helping Mary Linton Proves Arthur Morgan Has a Heart

The tale of Arthur Morgan’s and Mary Linton’s love is filled with sorrow. Despite their tender youth, their paths diverged due to their separate lives. Though Arthur stayed devoted to Dutch and his outlaw existence, the affection in his heart forever belonged to Mary Linton – the kind soul who yearned for a better life with her partner by her side.

Although Mary and Arthur had both hurt each other deeply in their romantic past, they found ways to interact with one another beyond romance. Interestingly, Arthur chose to aid Mary’s brother and later her father, demonstrating a profound affection for the people in his life, even though he may view himself as a bit of a fool for doing so.

6. Fighting Against Racism

Arthur Won’t Stand for Prejudice Against People of Color

Arthur Morgan appears rather indifferent towards most things except for his gang, whom he regards as his family. Notably, members of this family come from various ethnic backgrounds. Characters such as Charles, Javier, Lenny, and Tilly often face discrimination due to the color of their skin, particularly in the deeply prejudiced state of Lemoyne.

In “Red Dead Redemption 2,” Arthur has encounters with some racist individuals whom he can provoke and even fight against without any negative impact on his reputation. These range from ex-slave catchers to Ku Klux Klan gatherings or other foolish racists spewing hateful rhetoric. Regardless, Arthur Morgan remains steadfast in his principles and refuses to tolerate their bigotry.

5. Giving to the Poor

Arthur Morgan Can Help the Homeless and Other Poor Souls

Instead of Herr Strauss primarily focusing on draining resources from the impoverished and saddling them with debt they can’t possibly pay off, Arthur Morgan demonstrates a contrasting approach by being more inclined towards charitable acts. Characters such as the deceptive veteran, Mickey, in Valentine serve as vivid illustrations of Arthur’s generosity.

Arthur also reminisces about the Van der Linde gang’s past when they used to rob the wealthy and occasionally share their wealth with the less fortunate. However, those times are long gone. In the present, there are a few homeless individuals who ask for small amounts of money, and Arthur’s act of giving them cash shows that he’s not as self-centered and gruff as he appears to be.

4. Standing for Women’s Rights

Arthur Defends Women, Even if He Doesn’t Care So Much About the Politics

1899 marked a time when American women were yet to gain the right to vote, and the suffragette movement was actively advocating for women’s rights. Interestingly, some female characters in the game “Red Dead Redemption 2” joined this fight, with Dorothea Wicklow being one of them, based in Saint Denis. Many men express their disapproval or even hostility towards Dorothea, but Arthur, despite his initial indifference towards women’s suffrage, stands up against those who oppose her.

In the year 1899, finding myself as a gamer, I often find myself rescuing numerous women across the states, who are unfortunately abused and kidnapped by ruthless men. It’s not just about standing up for the weaker sex; it’s about ensuring that every soul is treated with the respect they deserve in this harsh era where men can be downright brutal.

3. Absolving the Debts of Strauss’s Victims

Loan Shark Victims Are Freed of Debt From a Dying Arthur Morgan

After receiving the diagnosis of tuberculosis, Arthur has much thinking ahead about his situation, and he harbors a great deal of anger towards Strauss, whom Arthur now recognizes as a ruthless exploiter who intentionally targets defenseless and financially vulnerable people, forcing them into unpayable debts that ultimately result in the seizure of all their possessions by Arthur Morgan.

In a turn of events, with Arthur being ill and the Van der Linde gang disintegrating, Arthur decides to shoulder the debts on his own, thus releasing those entangled in Strauss’ shady financial obligations. Moved by compassion for those potentially endangered by such practices, Arthur removes the root cause by expelling Strauss from their camp.

2. Aiding the Native American People

Helping Rains Fall and the Wapiti Indian Reservation Makes Arthur a Hero

Arthur Morgan doesn’t have a self-serving motive to aid Rains Fall, as doing so won’t profit him or his Van der Linde gang. Dutch, too, recognizes this and instead aims to influence the younger men into becoming aggressive soldiers for his personal cause. Contrarily, Arthur chooses to support Rains Fall and work towards peace on the reservation despite the U.S. Army opposition.

Arthur’s admiration for Native American customs, along with his bond with the sage Rains Fall, demonstrates his journey towards courage and kindness, suggesting that he may discover tranquility in his atonement as he aids those oppressed by stronger forces.

1. Helping John Marston Escape

Arthur Prioritises John Getting Back to His Family Over His Own Safety or Greed

After the Van der Linde gang disbanded and the Pinkerton’s attack at Beaver Hollow, Arthur Morgan faces two possibilities: Aid an injured John Marston in his escape, allowing him to reunite with his family and embark on a fresh start, or battle through the Pinkertons and his former gang to seize the money Dutch had hidden away, choosing selfishness over loyalty.

If Arthur decides to act heroically in his final moments, he will join forces with John Marston and rescue him. This action underscores the deep bond they share as brothers, and it illustrates how highly Arthur values honor, even in the face of his own impending fate. Furthermore, this heroic act gives John a chance to change his life for the better.

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2025-02-12 15:06