The One Unifying Trait That Defines Every Van Der Linde Gang Member in Red Dead 2

Highlights

The characters in Red Dead Redemption 2 have complex backgrounds that provide context for their actions in the game.

Numerous individuals within the Van der Linde gang were drawn in during their formative years owing to the absence of familial backing or the tragic demise of their loved ones. The significance of family serves as a pivotal motif throughout the narrative, evoking both empathy and tension among the gang's members, ultimately culminating in the downfall of the gang.

Red Dead Redemption 2 impressed players not only with its intricate gameplay but also with its intricate characters and storytelling. Although the game featured familiar characters from its 2010 predecessor, they were portrayed in a fresh and insightful manner, providing fans with a deeper understanding.

The central figures in Red Dead Redemption 2 are the members of the Van der Linde gang, who also appeared in the original game. Throughout both releases, a significant amount of information is revealed about their backgrounds. It is worth noting that there is a common, pivotal factor that drives and influences many of the Van der Linde gang members.

The Family Backgrounds of the Van der Linde Gang

Many members of the Van der Linde gang find themselves drawn into a life of outlaw gun-slinging and robbery at a young age, with no other options and lacking a support system. These individuals often come from broken families or have experienced the loss of their parents during childhood or adolescence. This is exemplified through the stories of beloved Red Dead protagonists John Marston and Arthur Morgan, who both tragically lost their parents at a young age due to various unfortunate circumstances. The disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds of these characters further contribute to the understanding of why so many Van der Linde members ultimately turned to a life of crime.

Even Dutch, the founder of the Van der Linde gang, suffered the loss of his father at a tender age during the American Civil War, which ultimately led him to depart from his childhood home when he turned 15. Similar to Dutch, the rest of the members of the Van der Linde gang share a common bond, as each individual carries their own personal burdens and yearnings for a family life that was unjustly taken away from them in their formative years.

The Sad Family Cycle of the Van Der Linde Gang

The Van der Linde gang's narrative revolves around the significance of family, a theme that may not be immediately obvious but plays a pivotal role in their eventual downfall. The members of the gang share a familial bond, with John famously referring to Arthur as his brother, and Dutch regarding Arthur as his son.

The tense dynamics of the gang's daily lives contribute to both stress and compassion among the Van der Linde members. Coming from broken homes, they carry deep emotional baggage that emerges during moments of tension. They often become frustrated with each other over current events and harbor resentment towards their original families. Eventually, the Van der Linde gang collapses under its own weight, as Dutch, the figurehead, succumbs to the influence of individuals who many consider unworthy of being part of the family, like Micah Bell.

In this way, it becomes evident that the downfall of the Van der Linde gang was inevitable, given their shared family backgrounds. By forming a vulnerable and corruptible surrogate family within the gang, they unconsciously perpetuated the problems of their broken biological homes.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.