Top 7 Characters Who Shaped John Marston’s Wild Journey

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As a seasoned gamer, I’ve found myself in the boots of John Marston, the shining star of Van der Linde gang, a man with the skills of a gunslinger but yearning for a future beyond this outlaw life filled with bandits and bloodshed. It’s not a dream that John may openly embrace, but it’s a shared aspiration among those who know him best in the world of Red Dead Redemption, as he strives to protect his wife and son amidst the dust and chaos of the old west.

In the game “Red Dead Redemption,” John Marston’s life was significantly influenced by key figures who molded him into a killer, a man, a farmer, and a husband and father. The individuals crucial to John Marston are detailed below, along with their actions that made them so pivotal in his life.

7. Hosea Matthews

Fatherly Advice from a Worried Old Man

Hosea Matthews served as one of the foster parents for John Marston, guiding and nurturing him during his upbringing. Yet, John was a headstrong teenager, often clashing with Hosea’s views on honor and safety. Instead, he found himself more drawn to Dutch’s influence than Hosea’s, but it’s important to note that Hosea remained an influential figure in John Marston’s life.

“We all gotta die but you… got the chance to live.”

Hosea was both compassionate and wise, never feeding John false dreams but instead speaking truths, even if those truths weren’t always what John desired to hear. Hosea’s kindness stemmed from his genuine concern for John’s well-being, desiring him to seize more out of life—for himself, Jack, and Abigail—rather than wasting it with a reckless gang of bandits.

6. Bonnie MacFarlane

A Rancher Who Saved John and Showed Him How to Farm

Bonnie MacFarlane is one of the rare, unblemished individuals that John Marston encounters in New Austin. She’s not just a woman who rescued John from a gunshot wound inflicted by Bill Williamson, but also played a crucial role in saving his life. Although it’s clear Bonnie has feelings for John, what might not be so apparent is the depth of John’s gratitude towards her. This is because she not only saved his life but also taught him essential farming skills at the MacFarlane Ranch.

Bonnie demonstrated to John that kindness exists in the world, enabling him to apply the lessons she imparted to improve farming at Beecher’s Hope and cherish his wife even more deeply than before, embodying the devoted man he already was.

5. Arthur Morgan

A Teasing yet Caring Older Brother

Arthur Morgan and John Marston grew up side by side, but Arthur’s tough upbringing and his seniority gave him a broader perspective of the world, along with a hint of envy whenever Dutch paid more heed to John. This sibling-like rivalry led to Arthur occasionally poking fun at John, yet it didn’t diminish their brotherly bond.

“Get the Hell out of here and be a goddamn man.”

Arthur’s teasing and bullying towards John may seem harsh, but it stems from a deep-seated concern for John’s well-being. He frequently tried to push John into maturity and prioritize what truly mattered: his siblings Abigail and Jack. Despite his own illness, he was willing to put himself last, even sacrificing his life, so that John could find the life he couldn’t have.

4. Dutch Van der Linde

The Manipulative Father Figure Who Sold Dreams of an Outlaw

When Dutch van der Linde rescued a young, orphaned John Marston from execution, the boy deeply identified with Dutch’s words. At such a tender age, John was drawn to Dutch’s vision of an America free from societal constraints, laws, and civilization, which he unquestioningly embraced. This early exposure significantly molded John into an exceptional soldier and outlaw.

“We can’t always fight nature, John…”

Dutch was an eloquent speaker, and many of his words struck a chord with John. Although Dutch tutored John on writing, shooting, and reading, he additionally imparted upon him a unique way of viewing the world, which eventually led John to give up his own life.

3. Uncle

A Lazy Leech Who Helped John Build a Home

In simpler terms, my uncle portrays himself as someone who dislikes work, rather than being genuinely lazy. This subtle difference, however, doesn’t alter the fact that he appears to lack motivation and is often found resting or napping. He frequently attributes his inactivity to back pain (lumbago). Interestingly, he seems to find solace in alcohol, using it as an excuse to avoid work. Despite his lethargic behavior, there’s a certain endearing quality about him that keeps John from wanting to part ways, and even if John tried, he probably wouldn’t be able to get rid of him.

Although Uncle may appear to be laid-back and somewhat impolite, there’s no denying that he harbors genuine concern. In truth, Uncle has played an instrumental role in transforming Beecher’s Hope from a run-down shack into a welcoming abode that could win over any wife – precisely what John requires to win back Abigail. Despite his humble appearance, Uncle is actually quite intelligent, as demonstrated by his ability to construct a house and barn in 1907 alongside John. This shared effort ensured that both of them had a shelter, underscoring his steadfast loyalty as a friend.

2. Jack Marston

A Son That John Tries So Very Hard to Take Care of

Jack Marston is the offspring of John Marston, whom John didn’t take great pleasure in having. The majority of their gang had previously been intimate with Abigail, and the arrival of Jack caused John to question his beliefs. His affection for Abigail, his dedication as a father, and being an outlaw within the gang offered him not only deep fulfillment but also a sense of safety for those he cherishes.

Jack Marston appears unfamiliar with John’s lifestyle, yet John strives diligently to be a caring father, though he may have fallen short in the past. Communication between them is challenging due to their contrasting lives, but John holds deep affection for his son and desires to provide him with a fulfilling life, despite becoming exasperated at times by what he perceives as excessive pampering compared to his own experiences.

1. Abigail Marston

The Love of John’s Life, Who He Promised to Grow Up For

Initially, Abigail Roberts and John Marston became acquainted as young, orphaned sweethearts within the Van der Linde gang. As Abigail gave birth to their son, Jack, the dynamics between them shifted significantly for John. At first, John behaved callously towards Abigail and their newborn, but eventually, he came to cherish family values and made every effort to abandon his outlaw ways in order to provide Abigail with a peaceful life that she desired and truly deserved – ordinary people who aren’t renowned heroes or notorious criminals.

“And John… I love you. Don’t you forget that.”

Everything John does is centered around Abigail. From purchasing a farm under the name Beecher’s Hope as a gift for her, to braving cross-country journeys to protect his family from his former gang members, John will go to great lengths for Abigail. It’s evident that she has had a profound impact on him, offering him love, personal development, and a newfound sense of responsibility.

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2025-04-06 04:36