Summary
Arthur Morgan is a complex and inherently flawed character. He has spent his entire life surrounded by theVan Der Linde gang, and although they’re not all bad, they’re not entirely the best influence onRed Dead Redemption 2’s conflicted protagonist.
One of the core story aspects of developerRockstar’s epic tale is, of course, redemption. The idea is that Arthur can be a good person despite his past actions and find some level of calm in knowing he did the best he could. However, whether he was an honorable cowboy is completely up to the player. Throughout their adventures in the Old West, certain choices and actions can influenceRed Dead Redemption 2’s ‘honor meter.’ Essentially acting as a morale system, it shows just what thisloveable outlawgets up to in his free time and affects both story and gameplay in numerous ways.
This list contains spoilers for Red Dead Redemption 2’s main story.
10Arthur’s Conversation With The Sister
Take A Gamble That Love Exists
After saving Monroe,one of the game’s most iconic cutscenesensues between Arthur Morgan and the recurring Sister Calderon. It’s one of many heartbreaking cutscenes in the game, where Arthur finally confides in someone that he’s afraid of dying and doesn’t truly believe in anything.
Sister Calderon offers comfort in his vulnerability, informing him that despite what he believes of himself, everything he does is to help other people. When playing with low honor, this cutscene instead includes Reverand Swanson, who doesn’t precisely lift Arthur’s spirits in hopes of redemption, telling him that he’s lived his way and will die his way.
9Arthur’s Dialogue
May Aswell Protect The Payment
A high honor playthrough often sees the protagonist’s tone and dialogue transformed entirely throughout the game, especially after Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis. High-honor Arthur speaks much softer and values the gang’s lives over money.
It’s increasingly noticeable in his discussions with John Marstontowards the end of his journey. Arthur Morgan is a far more reasonable and convincing figure looking out for John and his family. The high-honor version seems more like someone who’s reconciled with his past and actively tries to do good for those around him. He is heartbroken when a gang member passes, whereas a low-honor player will see the protagonist more focused on the lost money.
8Story Implications
The Canonical Journey
Having Arthur be an inherently good person is arguably the story ofRed Dead Redemption 2. It makes his journey all that more convincing as we see his constant obsessing over his bad deeds and how much Dutch twisted him as he grew.It’s the classic hero’s journey.
However, Arthur’s numerous regretful actions occur not only throughout the main story buthave been happening his entire life leading up to the main story’s events. A low-honor player sadly sees someone who’s lived their entire lives one way. A high-honor playthrough perfectly meshes with the idea of Arthur’s changing ideals, his morals colliding with Dutch as he devolves into an ever-deluded tyrant.
7How The Gang Reminisce
Arthur Didn’t Care About Revenge
As players take on the role of the iconic John Marston, they’ll see him meet up with various gang members as the epilogue unfolds. This is where Rockstar shows the player just what the gang thought of Arthur when he was alive.
During a discussion while the two walk through Blackwater, Charles discusses Arthur and the events in the previous chapter. Charles berates John’s chasing of revenge, saying that high-honor Arthur knew it was a fool’s game, as opposed to low-honor Arthur, who would’ve been more understanding of John’s quest for vengeance. The quote written by Charles on Arthur Morgan’s grave is also entirely different and instead reads, “Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness,” whereas the low-honor lettering says, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”
6The Deer Spirit
Caregiving Nature
Upon being diagnosed with tuberculosis, the player will start having visions showing one of two different spirits.The Deer represents high-honored Arthur. In Native-American mythology, deer are often cited as compassionate caretakers associated with gentleness and comfort.
During these moments when Arthur is confronted with his nature, he’ll often recall dialogue snippets, which vary depending on the player’s honor level. High-honor versions see the protagonist recalling his fellow gang members confiding in him, generally showing everyone’s much nicer outlook on Arthur. This is also a fantastic vessel through which the game showcases Arthur’s own introspection and just how far he’s come since the Blackwater Massacre.
5The Last Ride
The Many Things He’s Learned
After saying goodbye to Abigail and Sadie, Arthur sets out on hislegendary final ride back to camp. Filled with emotion and guaranteed to get the tears flowing, the high-honor version of this scene sees the song more hopeful and heroic as the screen is bathed in a warm orange tone.
Arthur reflects on the various times people have been incredibly grateful to him and confidently told him that he was a good man. It shows that, despite how much Arthur tends to shrug off these remarks when they’re made, realistically - all he wanted to do was be kind, and leading up to what he knew would be his final moments - being good was what was most important to him.
4Exploration Bonuses
That Haircut Is Now 50% Off
High honor also lends itself to bonuses in the open world, from entirely new outfit sets to a massive 50% discount in all stores. It can be massively beneficial, especially if one grinds high morality early in the game, although it may be time-consuming to repeatedly greet everyone at the town of Valentine.
Half-off in all stores is a massive bonus, whether it’s clothes, armor, or horses - it’s incredibly beneficial and great for anyone looking to get that all-too-lofty platinum trophy. It also serves as a friendly reminder of the opinions of those around him.
3Story Choices
Should Probably Spare Them
Throughout the main story, the player is given various choices, and it’s typically reasonably apparent which are right and wrong. Many of them can come down to whether or not Arthur will spare someone at his mercy.
Arthur Morgan typically doesn’t murder in cold blood; he even criticizes Dutch for doing so as he watches his mentor and father figure’s sanity and principles slowly slip away. Dutch instilled this trait in a younger Arthur, even if he doesn’t strictly follow it himself.
2Relationship With Dutch
Arthur Gave Dutch All He Had
One of the more tragic sides of the tale is seeing Arthur’s father figure, Dutch, slowly lose himself and desperately try to drag the rest of the gang down with him. After the death of Hosea,there was no one left to reign in Dutch’s volatile side, and no one left to reason with him.
The tale works far better from the perspective of high-honored Arthur, who’s fiercely loyal to his mentor and will have his back no matter what - finally being shown Dutch’s true colors. The duo butt-heads numerous times throughout the story, as Arthur continuously points out Dutch’s constant double standards and how, seemingly leaving his ideals behind, the Van Der Linde gang leader is dooming everyone around him.
1The High Honor Ending
In The End, He Did
Arthur gives his hat and satchel to John Marston before ascending the cliffside to face Micah and draw the gunmen away from the fleeing Marston. Choosing to help John instead of going back for the money and having high honor while doing it is arguablythe definitive ending forRed Dead Redemption 2.
After a grueling fight with Micah Bell, Arthur lies on the ground, struggling to get his last few breaths in as he crawls to see his final sunrise slowly rising over the treeline. He then sees his final vision of the deer in the woods, reminded that, in the end, he tried to be good. Arthur took a gamble that love existed, and his final act was a loving one: He helped John and his family escape.
