The Shocking Demise of Gertrude Braithwaite in Red Dead Redemption 2 Unveiled

Highlights

Despite not featuring directly in the main narrative, Gertrude Braithwaite possesses a profound association with key characters in the game by virtue of the intense rivalry between the Gray and Braithwaite families.

Gertrude's tragic life uncovers the hidden secrets and brutal mistreatment within the Braithwaite family, ultimately resulting in her downfall, confined in a locked outhouse cage.

Despite its nearly five-year span, Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to astonish fans with its multitude of enigmatic enigmas. While Rockstar has always incorporated perplexing Easter eggs into their games - such as the heart concealed inside the Statue of Happiness in GTA 4 - Red Dead Redemption 2 fully embraces the unconventional, not only by featuring mysterious characters as mere hidden surprises, but at times integrating them as integral components of side quests or even significant elements of the game's lore.

Some of the most captivating enigmas in Red Dead Redemption 2 revolve around peculiar individuals. The Strange Man stands out as the epitome of this enigma, alongside the vampire encountered in Saint Denis. However, while these characters may be intriguing, their significance to the actual plot and characters of Red Dead Redemption 2 is limited. In contrast, Gertrude Braithwaite forms a significant bond with many of the game's key figures.

The Tragic Life and Death of Gertrude Braithwaite

Upon starting Chapter 3 in Red Dead Redemption 2, players will set up camp in Clemens Point. Situated to the east of Clemens Point is the town of Rhodes, where an intriguing tale of the Braithwaites and the Grays, two feuding families, unfolds. Originally hailing from England, the Braithwaites made their way to America in 1779, and within a few decades, they amassed great wealth by establishing a plantation and engaging in the slave trade. As a result, the Braithwaites became the dominant force in Rhodes, until their reign was disrupted by the intervention of the Gray family.

Following a mutual misunderstanding regarding the alleged theft of their respective funds, the Grays and Braithwaites in Red Dead Redemption 2 found themselves entangled in an enduring conflict. In the aftermath of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery in 1865, the Braithwaites experienced a significant decline in power and resources, allowing the Grays to rise as the more esteemed family in Rhodes and its vicinity. It was during this period that Gertrude Braithwaite likely came into existence.

Afflicted with physical deformities from birth and later succumbing to mental instability, Gertrude Braithwaite became the immediate outcast within her family. In a household that placed great importance on maintaining appearances, Gertrude's life was destined to be a tragedy. While the precise timing remains uncertain, Gertrude was secluded in a cramped outhouse at the rear of Braithwaite Manor, as her relatives refused to provide her with the necessary assistance. They feared that if news spread throughout the town, the family would lose its fragile social status, which was already precariously teetering at the time.

Arthur Morgan arrives in town and gets entangled in a forbidden romance reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. In the midst of this, he stumbles upon Gertrude Braithwaite, who is imprisoned in an outhouse cage. Seeking shelter from her family, Penelope Braithwaite brings Arthur to hide there, and he inquires about the unfortunate figure. Penelope confesses that Gertrude is her cousin, locked away by their family. Despite Penelope's assurance of sending help once she reaches Boston, Gertrude meets a tragic fate. In the epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2, players assume the role of John Marston and have the opportunity to revisit the charred remains of Braithwaite Manor. If they explore Gertrude's outhouse, they will discover her skeletal remains strewn on the floor. It is believed that abandoned by her deceased family, Gertrude suffered a lonely demise, trapped and starved in her confinement. Red Dead Redemption 2 is now available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.