TheRed Dead Redemptionseries isn’t just a game about cowboys in the wild west. The story focuses on a deep desire for redemption, and features characters who are, objectively, outlaws on the run. But, each and every character is highly developed and have their own backstories and personalities, and many members of the Van Der Linde gang have a lot more of a heart than they might appear to.
Althoughthe gang steal, manipulate and kill, many members stay true to what they feel is morally right, and only commit acts that don’t harm innocent civilians, and often try to help those in need. Ultimately, all members of the gang are criminals, and not good people objectively. However, some have more honor than others.
7Hosea
Hosea is seen as the father-figure of the gang. Having raised many of its members and been there since the beginning, Hosea is someone that Dutch trusts, but everyone else does too. He is known to be the con-man of the group: a charming person that can talk his way into situations, or give the gang time to sneakily steal from somebody.
But what makes Hosea so endearing is that he sticks to his morals, and is one of the first to challenge Dutch on things he thinks is wrong. He will do his best to protect members of the gang and advise them with wisdom and honesty. He tries to keep everyone grounded, and will always remind them that, where possible, innocent people should not be high targets for the gang.
6Lenny
Lenny is one of the younger gang members, but has been involved in criminal activities long before he joined the group. Whether it’s his age, naivety or just genuinely good morals, Lenny is an honorable member of the gang who stands up for what he feels is right.
Of course, he often follows the more experienced members blindly. But, he is one of the first to beempathetic towards fallen gang members, or when he thinks someone is in trouble, will be ready to help straight away.
5Abigail
Ulitmately, Abigail longs for a traditional family life. She can definitely stand up for herself when needed, but wants to put a life of crime behind her and John, so that her son Jack can be raised in a safe and healthy environment.
Abigail is, of course, one of the gang members that stood with Arthur to the end. She is not easily persuaded and goes against Dutch when she sees that his initial morals have disappeared near the end of the story. She is empathetic towards situations, and tries her best to help people, despite being a mother to a young child.
She wants to do what’s right for Jack, but, she also wants to help save John, too, regardless of hispast mistakes. She knows that his behavior can’t possibly have a good end, but tries to keep him grounded and safe as much as possible.
4Pearson
Pearson is an underrated asset to the gang. He works long and hard to make meals for everyone, and is oftentreated quite poorly. When he is tricked by the O’Driscolls and persuades Dutch, Micah and Arthur to make peace with them, he is incredibly regretful and sorry when it is revealed it was a trap. He helps Arthur heal, and looks after him.
He is often just seen as the camp cook, but he is more than that. He helps to maintain that initial idea that the Van Der Linde gang want to help people, and seek a better and more free world. When he leaves camp without alerting anyone, Dutch refers to him as a coward. Of course, he can be seen as that. However, it was actually brave of him to leave when he did, and made a statement that he will stick to his values even in times of crisis.
3Mary-Beth
Mary-Beth is a key character in portraying the idea of redemption and honor in the game. She will be available to chat to Arthur, and will reprimand him if he tells her he has been killing people needlessly. She expresses a longing for a quiet future outside the gang, and indicates that she knows she is destined for more.
She stays true to herself throughout, and is uncomfortable at the conflict in the last chapter. She knows Dutch is wrong, but is loyal. However, due to her ties to her morals, she eventually leaves, which allowed her to flourish as a writer and have a great future, which players can discover more ofin Valentine, during the epilogue.
2Tilly
Much like Mary-Beth, Arthur can have conversations with Tilly where she will not be happy if he says he has been violent towards innocent people or animals. She has an extremely strong link to her morals, and, even with all the conflict in the final chapter, she will reprimand all of the men, including Arthur. She will often say, “You’re all acting like children”, and express disappointment in their actions. Even when Arthur saves her from the Foreman Brothers, she does not want them to be murdered, despite them kidnapping and abusing her.
Ultimately, it is Tilly who saves Jack from the Pinkertons, and is furious when she finds out thatDutch abandoned Abigail, leaving Jack with seemingly no parents as John was presumed dead. Even with no help at that time, she risked her life to save Jack, and stuck to her morals until the end.
1Charles
Charles has an extremely strong link to his moral code.Throughout the story, he will not want to kill anyone needlessly, including animals. When Arthur seems annoyed at the idea of helping a mother and children reunite with their kidnapped father in the mission ‘A Strange Kindness’, Charles expresses disappointment, and tells him, “that’s not how you are”.
Charles commitment to his honor also helps Arthur come to terms with his illness, and see some peace in his death. He says, “In a way, it is a gift to know” how one dies, and encourages him to change his ways and redeem himself for his bad actions in the past. He stands with Arthur against Dutch, and expresses genuine disappointment and anger that Dutch had changed so dramatically.
