Red Dead's Redemption: John vs Arthur's Path to Salvation

The Red Dead Redemption franchise is notorious for its violent gameplay, much like its counterpart Grand Theft Auto. Filled with brawls, gun battles, and a high body count, the games are not for the faint of heart. However, what sets Red Dead Redemption apart from other games is its focus on redemption rather than revenge. While revenge is often the driving force in video game storylines, Red Dead Redemption centers its narratives around the concept of saving oneself from sin, error, or evil. This unique approach to storytelling has earned the franchise a loyal following among gamers.

Red Dead Redemption was a standout game for Rockstar Games, with a narrative that broke away from the typical revenge-focused plots. Instead, the story followed John Marston's journey to protect his family by hunting down members of his old gang. What sets this apart is Marston's reluctance to carry out these tasks, with encounters often being tragic and sorrowful rather than vengeful. His redemption arc is also unique, as it doesn't rely on a complete character change but instead focuses on his actions and their impact on the world around him.

John Marston's character stays true to his beliefs until the very end of the game. He never wavers from his stance against Edgar Ross and his ideologies, even intensifying his negative opinion towards Ross. Marston's readiness to kill and die for his cause is evident from the beginning and remains consistent throughout the game. However, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows a more traditional approach towards redemption.

How Red Dead Redemption 2 Handled Redemption For Arthur Morgan

Arthur Morgan is the main protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, set years prior to the first game. He is depicted as a violent man with a tendency to kill, collect money for loan sharks, and beat debtors. Despite this, Arthur's actions are influenced by the player's choices, which determine his personality and dialog. As the game progresses, Arthur's priorities shift, and he becomes more invested in the survival of his fellow gang members. Ultimately, his redemption lies in paving the way for the events of Red Dead Redemption and ensuring the safety of John, Abigail, and Jack.

While revenge may seem like a tempting option in the world of Red Dead Redemption, the games make it clear that it often leads to disastrous consequences. In the first game, John Marston doesn't seek revenge despite being betrayed. The only instance of revenge is in the epilogue where Jack Marston avenges his family's death by hunting down Edgar Ross. However, even this act of revenge turns Jack into an outlaw, undoing the efforts of his father and Arthur to steer him away from a life of crime.

Red Dead Redemption 2 takes a more direct approach to the theme of revenge. Dutch van der Linde commits heinous acts in the name of revenge, such as drowning Angelo Bronte and feeding him to alligators. Sadie Adler's own quest for revenge against the O'Driscolls is equally brutal and ultimately leaves her more damaged than before. These acts of revenge stand in contrast to Arthur's and John's journeys towards redemption, which focus on saving people rather than causing harm.

The Red Dead Redemption games present a distinct contrast between redemption and revenge. The former is portrayed positively while the latter is portrayed negatively, echoing the themes of the dying Old West. It's a recurring motif that's prevalent throughout both games and is likely to continue in Red Dead Redemption 3, which is expected to be released in the 2030s. Currently, Red Dead Redemption 2 can be played on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.