Never Mentions Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption
The Red Dead Redemption series is celebrated for its deep storytelling and complex characters, creating one of the most emotionally resonant narratives in gaming. However, one question has lingered with fans for years: why does John Marston never mention his former brother-in-arms, Arthur Morgan, in the first game?
The answer lies in the heart-wrenching bond between the two men and the painful history they shared.
For those unfamiliar with the timeline, Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption (2010). Players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, a senior member of the Dutch van der Linde gang, with a young John Marston as a central character in his story. The first game, set 12 years later, follows John as he is forced to hunt down the remaining members of his old gang.
The most straightforward answer is a practical one: Arthur Morgan hadn’t been conceived by Rockstar Games when the first title was developed. But the fan community has embraced a far more compelling and emotionally truthful in-universe explanation.
On Reddit and other forums, players overwhelmingly agree that John’s silence is a testament to his profound grief and respect for Arthur. Talking about him would be too painful. As one fan succinctly put it, “John doesn’t bring him up because it’s too painful.”
This theory is deeply supported by the themes of the games. The outlaw lifestyle was brutal, and men of that era were not known for openly expressing vulnerability. As another fan noted, “Men generally have a hard time expressing their emotions these days, so I can only imagine how rough it would be in the early 1900s.” John internalizes his trauma, and the memory of Arthur—a man who ultimately sacrificed everything for John’s family—is a wound that never fully healed.
The idea that John would simply forget Arthur is universally dismissed by the community. “No one’s forgetting Arthur Morgan,” one user exclaimed. Instead, his name is left unspoken out of reverence and the immense weight of loss. Arthur’s actions granted John a chance at the redemption he so desperately sought, a debt so great that perhaps words could never do it justice.
Also, Read
- Fans Are Calling This “10/10” Game Better Than Red Dead Redemption 2
- Red Dead Redemption 2 ‘Ultimate’ Mod Offers the Definitive PC Experience
- Rockstar Pulls Red Dead Redemption 2 Companion App, Fueling Next-Gen Speculation
This fan interpretation enriches the narrative, turning a simple plot hole into a powerful statement about grief, loyalty, and the unspoken bonds between men. It shows how a passionate community can deepen a story, finding meaning in the silence left behind by a beloved character.