Ranking the Van der Linde Gang: Who’s the Most Honorable Outlaw?

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Each bandit doesn’t adhere to the same set of rules. Although acts like murder and theft may be common among the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption 2, many renowned outlaws and gunfighters possess their unique ethical standards and moral compasses, making it feasible to judge them based on their level of honor.

Examining the Van der Linde gang members from least honorable to most will offer fans a more profound understanding of how this group functions within the grim world of Red Dead Redemption 2, revealing the fine line between their moral choices and the consequences they face.

For now, we’ll be ranking only the gun-wielding members of the Van der Linde gang. The order is set from the individual with the least honor up to the one with the most.

12. Micah Bell

An Evil Man With Selfish Gain and a Forked Tongue

  • Performance by: Peter Blomquist

Micah Bell thrives in the unruly Wild West, drawn to its thrill, danger, and wealth as an outlaw. Unlike others, Micah Bell places little value on aiding people; he’s solely focused on pursuing his self-interest, with cash and guns (his revolvers) being constant companions throughout his life.

Micah harbors no compassion within his heart; he’d ruthlessly harm any person, creature, or child if it benefits him. Betrayal is in his nature, and he’ll deceive those who try to approach him. His treacherous and manipulative actions show that he’s a wicked character, both on the surface and deep within.

11. Dutch Van der Linde

A Charismatic Leader Who Yearns for an America Long Gone

  • Performance by: Benjamin Byron Davis

I find myself deeply drawn to the captivating charm of Dutch van der Linde, yet it’s this very allure that makes him such a master of manipulation. He leads his faithful group with an iron fist, expecting nothing less than absolute devotion. This ruthless leader yearns for the world from those who walk by his side, and while he always has a strategy, it seems to lead inexorably towards tragedy – be it the demise of innocent souls or his very own crew.

Dutch may seem to show concern for others, but ultimately, his actions are driven by his personal ambition and ego. Time after time, it’s clear that Dutch doesn’t hesitate to discard or harm those in his group, and even kill innocent people if it benefits him in the short term, living day-by-day in a controlled West where he scorns societal norms and legal structures. This disregard for human life allows him to justify actions that he considers morally acceptable.

10. Bill Williamson

A Brash Brute, Blindly Loyal and Deadly

  • Performance by: Steve J. Palmer

Bill Williamson can often appear somewhat slow-witted, easily becoming agitated when things don’t go as planned or mistakes are made. However, it would be unwise to underestimate him, as provoking him might lead to confrontations he’s willing to escalate. Throughout his life, Bill has faced underestimation and frustration.

Despite many of Bill’s difficulties being rooted in his struggle with accepting his sexuality, this does not justify his self-centered actions, which frequently involve amassing casualties when he fails to get what he wants. Bill’s unwavering devotion to Dutch exposes a selfish individual who is unwilling to assist others and instead seeks the most effortless life possible, resorting to threatening others with a gun to achieve his goals.

9. Sean MacGuire

A Young Irish Menace Who Robs Anyone He Feels Like

  • Performance by: Michael Mellamphy

Sean MacGuire is young and impulsive, frequently finding himself in sticky situations. Despite being a valuable member of the Van der Linde gang, he exhibits unsavory behavior when not among his allies. In the wilderness, Sean has no qualms about preying on others, whether they are innocent or not.

Sean may not resort to homestead robbery without just cause, but his actions suggest he acts impulsively, especially when it comes to valuable treasures. His moral compass isn’t the strongest, and he seems to relish the outlaw lifestyle, being both a gunman and a thief, with no apparent ambition beyond that – except possibly a romantic connection with Karen.

8. Javier Escuella

A Mexican Outlaw Who Longs For the Untamed West

  • Performance by: Gabriel Sloyer

Javier Escuella is another loyal member of the Van der Linde gang, deeply committed to Dutch. Originally from Mexico, Javier moved to America due to a substantial bounty on his head, eventually finding himself in a more dangerous group. Dutch’s vision of a free land where Javier could live as an outlaw for eternity only served to deepen the ideology already taking root in Javier’s mind.

Javier behaves just like other members of his criminal group, engaging in acts of violence and theft. However, deep down inside him lies compassion, as he’s concerned about the gang’s survival. Despite this concern, he becomes so entangled in the gang that he fails to exercise independent thought.

7. Uncle

An Old Man Who Will Do Anything to Get Out of Work

  • Performance by: James McBride

As a gamer, let me put it this way: It’s tricky to gauge Uncle’s moral compass, but his dedication and commitment are crystal clear. You see, Uncle is always lounging around the camp, seemingly unwilling or finding reasons not to pitch in with chores – these reasons often revolve around a mysterious ‘lumbago’.

Even though he’s no threat, there’s a certain moral flexibility about him that leaves one questioning his decisions.

In simpler terms, Uncle seldom employs his gun for lethal purposes, and when he does, it’s not typically unjustifiable. Nevertheless, Uncle remains a criminal, which means that rustling cattle and bank robberies are common occurrences within the Van der Linde gang. However, you will never catch Uncle engaging in malicious or immoral acts.

6. John Marston

The Gang’s Golden Boy – Young and Stupid, but Learning

  • Performance by: Rob Wiethoff

Arthur Morgan and John Marston’s relationship isn’t particularly great. It seems that John harbors resentment about the circumstances he finds himself in, with his ambiguous affection for Abigail and neglectful behavior towards their son, Jack. Frankly, he could be much more honorable and offer his family a better life than constantly living as an outlaw on the run.

John exhibits unwavering allegiance towards Dutch, a loyalty that often encompasses acts of theft and violence, although these actions seldom target the innocent. However, Dutch’s cold-blooded killing of an innocent woman in Blackwater continues to trouble John, suggesting that he does possess a moral compass. Yet, his primary focus is not on assisting others but rather acquiring what benefits him and his group most.

5. Lenny Summers

A Survivor, Never Consumed by Rage

  • Performance by: Harron Atkins

In simpler terms, Lenny Summers is quite young, yet he’s endured a tough existence. Born in 1899, Lenny, an African American, faced racial prejudice intensely. His life took a tragic turn when his father was brutally lynched by local drunkards. Seeking justice, Lenny had to flee after retaliating, but his actions were driven not by malicious intent or hatred for life, but rather as a response to the injustice he experienced.

Lenny becomes part of the Van der Linde gang, serving as their youngest sharpshooter. Though he doesn’t object to acts of violence or robberies, it’s evident that he’s not overly enthusiastic about these activities. Instead, he seems to prefer the notion of aiding others and being respected within the gang, rather than being seen as an unwanted killer.

4. Arthur Morgan

A Self-Loathing Outlaw Who Dabbles in Redemption

  • Performance by: Roger Clark

Arthur Morgan may come across as brooding and self-critical, but he’s not all harshness. Despite his reluctance to show kindness, there are compassionate aspects to his personality that set him apart from other members of the Van der Linde gang. Though initially hesitant towards helping strangers, Arthur often finds himself extending aid, and he unwaveringly demonstrates his extraordinary loyalty by protecting and sacrificing for the Van der Lindes.

Despite being faithful to Dutch van der Linde, Arthur isn’t oblivious, understanding the distinction between what’s right and what’s wrong – though he may occasionally engage in questionable acts. What makes Arthur intriguing is that his journey towards redemption involves him grappling with inner conflicts as a good man confronting a formidable moral struggle.

In this rephrased version, the focus is on highlighting that although Arthur Morgan’s choices can sometimes be questionable, they are largely influenced by player decisions. Consequently, for the sake of clarity and positive narrative, this analysis will portray Arthur as assisting John in reaching safety, rather than going back to retrieve money.

3. Sadie Adler

A Good Woman Who Develops a Blood Lust When her Life is Stolen

  • Performance by: Alex McKenna

When Arthur Morgan encounters Sadie Adler, she’s a recently widowed woman, wronged by the O’Driscoll Boys. As Sadie begins to stand up for herself following her husband’s death, she becomes consumed by anger that fuels her to commit sinful acts and murder. Joining forces with the Van der Linde gang, Sadie fights against both lawmen and outlaws alike.

Although Sadie is relatively inexperienced in the world of gangs, she exhibits an intense passion for it. It’s evident that her role as a gunslinger stems largely from her desire for retribution following the murder of her husband. When Sadie seeks vengeance, she embarks on a new chapter in her life as both a bounty hunter and a woman who continues to revel in the exhilarating atmosphere of the Old West. However, unlike many within the gang, she upholds a moral compass that sets her apart.

2. Charles Smith

A Troubled Man Who Challenges the Van der Linde Gang

  • Performance by: Noshir Dalal

In 1899, Charles Smith found himself straddling two cultures since his parents were of African American and Native American descent, making it challenging for him to find acceptance among others due to the color of his skin. The instability of having no true home tended to fuel bitterness and anger within him, but he would never direct this towards innocent people. Instead, Charles frequently chastised the Van der Linde gang for their reckless criminal behavior, preferring to see themselves as more than just common criminals; they were outlaws who were not afraid to lend a helping hand when needed.

Charles takes a strong stance against any mistreatment of Indian people by the U.S. Army, and is willing to enlist the aid of the Van der Linde gang in this fight. His unwavering moral integrity leads him to act decisively, including taking lethal action against those who harm innocent creatures.

1. Hosea Matthews

A Scammer Who Just Wants His People to be Safe

  • Performance by: Curzon Dobell

Hosea Matthews is among the oldest and original members of the Van der Linde gang, joining forces with Dutch right from the start. Compared to Dutch’s questionable schemes, Hosea serves as a moral compass for the group, offering guidance that leans more towards the virtuous than the foolish or risky. Despite his love for money and the thrill of robbery common among outlaws, Hosea abides by a certain set of principles.

As a devoted admirer, I can tell you that Hosea takes great pleasure in returning kindness to those who are innocent. By the close of each day, all he yearns for is the well-being of those dear to him. If a task appears perilous, his instinct is to steer clear of it entirely, not out of self-preservation, but to shield the Van der Linde gang – a group he views as family – from harm. Without Hosea’s guidance, the gang risks losing its moral compass and cohesion.

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2025-03-15 02:41