Arthur Morgan's Heartbreaking Journey Continues to Stir Emotions Half a Decade Later
Red Dead Redemption 2 marks its five-year anniversary, and Arthur Morgan's poignant tale remains an unforgettable, emotional rollercoaster Delve into the intertwined fates of Arthur and John Marston, as they navigate the dying Wild West together
Highlights
Red Dead Redemption 2 had a profound impact on gaming, offering a memorable open-world experience with beautifully developed characters like Arthur Morgan.
Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of the story, is a multifaceted and sorrowful character who displays true transformation and unwavering loyalty despite living as an outlaw. The game accentuates the drastic decline of the lawless Western frontier and the unavoidable nature of change, with Arthur's premature demise serving as a poignant representation of the conclusion of a significant era.
Red Dead Redemption began as a ambitious successor to the lesser-known Red Dead Revolver, utilizing the successful open-world format seen in Grand Theft Auto to create a highly memorable game for the PS3/Xbox 360 generation. It established itself as the pinnacle of the western genre, holding its position until it was surpassed eight years later by Red Dead Redemption 2. This aptly-titled sequel expanded upon the game's setting, improved the visuals, and delivered a story that ranks among the finest in the medium. Now, as the fifth anniversary of Red Dead Redemption 2 approaches, the anticipation of a potential third installment builds.
Not only did Red Dead Redemption 2 leave its mark on the gaming industry, it also had a profound impact on Rockstar Games themselves. Few open-world games have made such a significant impact, but it is the depth and development of the characters within the game's setting that truly shines. The protagonist, Arthur Morgan, and his fellow outlaws undergo a remarkable transformation as their initial optimism gives way to heartbreaking disappointment. Arthur Morgan is a tragic figure, whose trials and tribulations leave a lasting impression on players, evoking an emotional response that endures even after half a decade.
Arthur Morgan and John Marston are Two Sides of One Coin
The primary focus of the first installment of Red Dead Redemption revolves around John Marston, who spends a considerable amount of time desperately evading his previous life of criminal activities. John Marston is a truly captivating character, possessing a deeply layered story arc where he grapples with his inherent nature as an outlaw, while his past relentlessly pulls him towards the abyss. In contrast, Arthur Morgan is not inherently virtuous. However, instead of succumbing to peer pressure and committing wicked acts, he displays genuine, self-driven, and transformative growth by acknowledging the extent of his detrimental actions and accepting that he has lived his life on the wrong side of morality.
Arthur remains loyal to the gang until his untimely demise, even attempting to shield it from its leader, Dutch, when Micah Bell begins to poison his mind. Despite his flaws, Arthur exhibits unwavering loyalty to his chosen companions and demonstrates immense honor towards them. Five years have passed since the release of Red Dead Redemption 2, and very few games have managed to create a protagonist as intricate and captivating as Arthur Morgan. The conclusive nature of his fate in the 2018 game only intensifies fans' adoration for him, as subsequent sequels will be unable to tarnish his legacy through corruption.
Arthur Morgan and the Wild West are Dying Together
By the time 1899 arrives, the lawless western frontier is clearly on the decline. The Van Der Linde Gang eagerly awaits their final heist, hoping to escape to a life free from poverty, aware that their outlaw lifestyle can't last forever. The advancements in industry witnessed in Saint Denis serve as a warning sign for a more civilized society, leaving no place for those who operate outside the law.
Throughout Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur serves as Dutch's loyal right-hand man. However, it is in chapter six, at the train station, where he reveals his vulnerability. This powerful moment is one of the most satisfying and emotionally wrenching payoffs in the history of video games. It signifies the completion of a character arc for Arthur, who has lived a life of criminality and self-interest. It is evident that Arthur Morgan is not a virtuous man, and Red Dead Redemption 2 does not shy away from this fact. Witnessing his tragic demise, knowing that his path towards redemption remains unfinished, leaves a profound and lasting impression on players, resonating for years to come.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
