RDR2: How Every Character Joined the Van der Linde Gang

Although people may be familiar with the outcomes of the Van der Linde gang as depicted in Red Dead Redemption 2, they might not be aware of how each member joined the gang initially, thus leaving their backstories as yet unwritten.

It’s interesting to delve into the backstories of each member in the Van der Linde gang, understanding how they came across Dutch before the storyline of Red Dead Redemption 2, and grasping that joining this gang would have profound, life-altering effects for them, be it for good or ill.

25. Dutch Van der Linde

Dutch Found Hosea, a Man Who Was His Thief Equal

Performance by: Benjamin Byron Davis

In the 1870s, Dutch Van der Linde joined forces with Hosea Matthews to create the Van der Linde gang. Originally, they had planned to rob each other, but when they successfully pulled off their individual heists, they recognized their potential as a team. Dutch’s eloquent persuasiveness convinced Hosea to form a partnership aimed at robbing the wealthy and helping the needy – an idea that resonated with Hosea’s noble character.

24. Hosea Matthews

Hosea Found Dutch, An Equally Talented Thief

Performance by: Curzon Dobell

At a campfire setting, Hosea Matthews and Dutch Van der Linde crossed paths, ironically swindling each other simultaneously. Enthralled by Dutch’s talents and charm, Hosea elected to accompany him on an expedition across America. The pair embarked on a self-styled Robin Hood adventure, intending to steal from the wealthy and aid the needy – all while avoiding any legal repercussions.

23. Arthur Morgan

Arthur Was An Orphan, Raised by Hosea and Dutch

Performance by: Roger Clark

Following the demise of Lyle Morgan, who was Arthur Morgan’s father, Arthur found himself as an orphan with limited abilities. However, his life took a turn when he encountered Dutch and Hosea in 1877. Recognizing Arthur’s latent potential, they decided to take him under their wing and nurture him, treating him as their own son. They taught him reading, writing, shooting, and the ways of an outlaw, mirroring their own lifestyle.

22. Susan Grimshaw

Dutch and Susan Had a Relationship Together

Performance by: Kaili Vernoff

Around 1877, Dutch Van der Linde became entangled with a fiery woman named Susan Grimshaw. Their relationship grew and may have eventually faded, but following her joining their group, the once solitary gang of outlaws began to resemble a family.

21. John Marston

John Was An Orphan, Saved and Raised by Dutch

Performance by: Rob Wiethoff

Approximately in 1885, a young, orphaned boy faced execution for theft, but Dutch van der Linde intervened and saved him. This young man turned out to be John Marston, who eventually became Dutch’s right-hand man. Similar to Arthur, Dutch taught John both reading and shooting skills. As a result of this tutelage, John rose through the ranks of the gang, with Arthur serving as his senior brother. Loyal to the Van der Linde gang, John, however, temporarily departed from them for about a year following the birth of his son, Jack.

20. Josiah Trelawny

A Charismatic Scammer Who Comes and Goes As He Pleases

Performance by: Stephen Gevedon

It seems plausible that Josiah Trelawny eventually became part of the Van der Linde gang’s exploits due to being captivated by Dutch’s charm, possibly around the time they first encountered each other in a saloon. Although Josiah isn’t formally a member of the gang and can come and go as he chooses, their paths often intersect because Josiah frequently has valuable intel on heists and bank jobs that Dutch finds beneficial over the years.

19. Uncle

A Roaming Freeloader Who Becomes Dutch’s Court Jester

Performance by: James McBride

As a fan, I imagine myself saying: I reckon I hopped aboard the Van der Linde gang’s wagon before 1894. The details on why I joined ’em or how Dutch stumbled upon me aren’t exactly clear, but it feels like Dutch found my antics amusing and saw me as a jester to keep him entertained and enchanted, even though I was rather lackadaisical and never fancied getting my hands dirty with any grubby chores – or work, for that matter. Turns out I was decent company, so it’s plausible Dutch spotted me causing a ruckus in some local saloon and invited me along for the ride.

18. Simon Pearson

A Navy Cook Who Got In Trouble With Loan Sharks

Performance by: Jim Santangeli

Following a brief service in the Navy, Simon Pearson found himself in a tough spot financially, resorting to help from loan sharks. But when things turned dire, Dutch Van der Linde, a stranger who was captivated by Pearson’s tales and culinary skills, stepped in to help. As a result, Pearson was recruited as the camp cook by Dutch van der Linde.

17. Orville Swanson

A Reverand Who Saved Dutch’s Life

Performance by: Sean Haberie

Orville Swanson, who is a minister, has a secret life involving alcohol and morphine. Despite his strong moral character, these vices do not hinder him. An instance where this was evident was when he managed to calm down a situation, possibly a robbery attempt at a saloon by Dutch Van der Linde using his charm. Dutch was saved by Swanson’s quick thinking. This incident left Dutch indebted to Swanson, allowing the reverend to continue staying with them.

16. Tilly Jackson

An Orphan Who Fled Her Gang to be Saved by Dutch

Performance by: Meeya Davis

At the tender age of 12, Tilly Jackson found herself compelled to take up a life of outlawry following an abduction by the ruthless Foreman Brothers. This group subjected her to inhumane treatment until she defended herself, ultimately taking the life of Malcolm Foreman’s cousin. Left without family and on her own, Tilly was fortunately discovered on the side of the road by Dutch Van der Linde – a man who had previously taken care of Arthur and John.

15. Mac & Davey Callander

Two Brothers Who Rode Ruthlessly with the Van der Linde Gang

These two siblings were fiercely devoted to the Van der Linde bandit group, yet they were incredibly hostile and prepared to attack anyone who gave them the slightest provocation. It’s uncertain how Mac and Davey became part of the gang, but given their combative nature and age differences similar to Arthur and John, it’s probable that they crossed paths in a saloon, possibly due to a bar brawl or a shared drink – or both incidents.

14. Leopold Strauss

An Immigrant Who Was Taken in by Dutch to be the Gang’s Financial Aid

Performance by: Howard Pinhasik

Strauss appears to have joined the Van der Linde gang relatively late because of his contemporary methods of earning money through loan sharking. Impressed by his intelligence and financial acumen, Dutch hired Strauss as a debt collector for the gang. However, given Strauss’ immigrant background and the gang’s requirement for detailed financial records, it’s reasonable to assume that he was enlisted into the group after other members had already been recruited.

13. Bill Williamson

A Frustrated Discharged Soldier Who Tried to Rob Dutch

Performance by: Steve J. Palmer

Following an un honorable release from the U.S. Army, Bill Williamson harbored resentment towards anyone who even glanced at him. By 1893, this bitterness was evident enough that Dutch Van der Linde encountered him as a drunk and belligerent man attempting to rob him. Dutch could relate to Bill’s struggles, and he brought him into the gang, where Bill has remained loyal since then.

12. Abigail Roberts

A Prostitute Who Was Brought to the Van der Linde Gang by Uncle

Performance by: Cali Elizabeth Moore

1894 marked the arrival of Abigail Roberts, an orphan and former prostitute, into the Van der Linde gang, introduced by Uncle. Abigail found a connection with John Marston and chose to stay with the gang. Although she had relationships with many men in the camp, her feelings for John soon blossomed into love, and her loyalty remained steadfastly with him.

11. Javier Escuella

A Mexican Revolutionist Who Adores Dutch’s Ideas About Society

Performance by: Gabriel Sloyer

Javier Escuella, a notorious Mexican fugitive with a sky-high bounty on his head, escaped to America following his crime spree. His escape was necessitated by the murder of a significant Mexican official. Later, he found common ground with Dutch after both attempted to steal the same chickens; this encounter sparked Javier’s admiration for Dutch’s beliefs.

10. Sean MacGuire

An Irishman Who Tried to Rob Dutch and Hosea

Performance by: Michael Mellamphy

In the northern parts of Elizabeth town, I, Sean MacGuire, stumbled upon what seemed like ideal targets for a heist with Hosea Matthews and Dutch van der Linde. Little did I know, these seasoned outlaws had disarmed me by emptying my revolver before I could even attempt the robbery. Instead of reprimanding me, they graciously offered me shelter within their gang.

9. Karen Jones

A Woman Who Made It Clear She Can Ride With the Boys

Performance by: Jo Armeniox

There’s no clear information on how Karen Jones came to be part of the Van der Linde gang, but her vibrant character, zest for excitement, and attraction to the criminal lifestyle probably made her an ideal candidate for Dutch to recruit from the ordinary folk of some rural town. It seems likely that Karen was drawn by Dutch’s allure of a life as an outlaw, which may have led to her joining the gang several years before 1899.

8. Molly O’Shea

An Irish Woman of Wealth Who Fell in Love with Dutch and His Lifestyle

Performance by: Penny O’Brien

Originally hailing from a prosperous family in Dublin, Ireland, Molly eventually broke away from her roots, seeking thrill and affection. She discovered both in America, where she developed feelings for Dutch Van der Linde and joined his gang. Her youthful spirit and envious disposition, however, make her more of a dependent in the relationship and it’s uncertain how long it will endure.

7. Mary-Beth Gaskill

A Ragabond who Eloped with the Van der Linde Gang After Being Caught Stealing

Performance by: Samantha Strelitz

Initially, Mary-Beth was a cunning street kid who exploited her guileless appearance to pickpocket and swindle unaware passersby. However, after crossing paths with a dangerous individual, she became a wanted criminal. To escape her pursuers, Mary-Beth sought refuge among the Van der Linde gang, finding temporary safety within their ranks.

6. Lenny Summers

A Young Man Who Runs From the Law After Killing His Father’s Killers

Performance by: Harron Atkins

In the year 1898, the Van der Linde gang encountered a fugitive named Lenny Summers. This young man was wanted by the law for a series of murders he had committed in retaliation for his father’s lynching. Feeling secure with the Van der Lindes, who were skilled professionals, Lenny decided to abandon his solitary pursuit and instead join forces with them, learning some valuable skills along the way.

2025-03-15 03:37