Red Dead Redemption Characters With The Best Stories, Ranked

Summary

• Major characters like Bonnie, Landon, and Hosea have compelling story arcs that deepen player attachment.
• Micah Bell, though hated, has a great narrative arc; players relish hunting him down due to his villainous actions.
• Dutch Van Der Linde transitions from charismatic leader to losing trust, causing the gang to fracture and his plan to fade.

Red Dead Redemption is one of the most popular video game franchises around, with fans loving the deep and riveting writing of these games. Both Arthur Morgan and John Marston are excellent protagonists that fans can’t get enough of.

But in addition to those two, there are also plenty of other major characters who captured the interest of fans courtesy of their character arcs and stories. Fans will develop a deep attachment to these characters long after they’re finished playing these amazing open-world games.

8

Bonnie MacFarlane

Formed A Bond With John After Treating His Wounds

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption

After failing to talk some reason into Bill Williamson, Marston is shot and left for dead. Thankfully, he ends up on Bonnie MacFarlane’s ranch, who takes care of him and helps the ex-outlaw hatch a plan to take out his former crewmate.

Many people feel that Bonnie developed romantic feelings for John, and was unable to voice her love since the latter was married. She’s a great character to interact with, and players will feel a pressing need to save her from a brutal hanging as they raid Bill Williamson’s fort and take out this outlaw once and for all.

7

​Landon Ricketts

A Legendary Gunslinger Whose Accomplishments Speak For Themselves

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption

Most of Landon Ricketts’ adventures took place in the past, leading to him boasting an epic aura from the moment fans find him in Mexico. He was enjoying retirement as a part-time defender before he met John and helped the protagonist achieve his goals.

Taking shooting lessons from Ricketts and teaming up with him to take out outlaws and other such enemies feels great. He’s a great character who may be perfectly suited as a protagonist for another Red Dead Redemption game if Rockstar goes down this route.

6

Micah Bell

As Much As Players Hate Him, There’s No Denying His Great Narrative Arc

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption 2

It’s easy to hate Micah Bell and label him as one of the worst characters in video game history, but that’s a testament to what a great antagonist he is. This vile character doesn’t shy away from getting on Arthur’s nerves time and time again, going so far as to call him Black Lung after he contracts tuberculosis.

He whispers poisonous words in Dutch’s ear, taking advantage of his vulnerability while selfishly informing the Pinkertons of the gang’s actions. Given how hatable this character was, it’s no wonder that fans relished playing as John Marston and hunting Micah down before killing him once and for all.

5

Hosea Matthews

Dutch’s Closest Friend

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption 2

Hosea is one of the most jovial characters in Red Dead Redemption 2, serving as the tether holding Dutch’s sanity down after the events of Blackwater. It’s clear that he shares a history with Dutch and has some words of advice for everyone in the group.

This is why his death is so shocking to witness, sparking Dutch’s descent as he loses the plot. With Hosea around, it’s possible that Dutch would have been able to hold the camp together and make them believe in his dream, no matter what came in their way.

4

John Marston

An Outlaw Who Wants To Secure A Good Life For His Wife And Kid

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2

The protagonist of Red Dead Redemption is a compelling, no-nonsense character who is dedicated and gets the job done no matter what. He is selfless and loyal to the people who treat him nicely, and has no problems hunting down people who did him wrong.

His love for his family can be seen in the way he moves heaven and earth to save them from the clutches of the Pinkertons, going so far as to kill the former members of his gang to ensure their safety. However, the Pinkertons also had him in their clutches, prompting John to bid a tearful farewell to Abigail and Jack before welcoming death with open arms.

3

Sadie Adler

Transforms From A Damsel In Distress Into A Fearsome Outlaw

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption 2

A woman widowed by the O’Driscolls, Sadie is given shelter by Dutch as she’s allowed to join his gang. Instead of wallowing in her misery, Sadie learns how to shoot and becomes a competent outlaw who can pull her weight.

She becomes a close ally to Arthur and John, showing her competency time and again. It’s hard not to like this self-sufficient character who gets revenge on the O’Driscolls and honors Arthur’s memory by hunting Micah down to make him pay for his crimes.

2

Dutch Van Der Linde

The Man With A Plan Who Slowly Loses His Way

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2

No one expected Red Dead Redemption 2 to turn a throwaway villain into one of the most compelling video game characters of all time. His charisma is so infectious that people can’t help but trust his grand plan, whatever it may be.

Unfortunately, a string of deaths leads to Dutch losing the people close to him as he fails to trust anyone after a point. With Micah poisoning the well, it was only a matter of time before the group would fracture for good as Dutch’s plan faded away for good.

1

Arthur Morgan

The Best Rockstar Protagonist By A Country Mile

• Appears In: Red Dead Redemption 2

Fans who wondered whether Arthur Morgan would fit into John Marston’s shoes were more than satisfied with his amazing writing after playing Red Dead Redemption 2. Not only is Arthur a loyal outlaw and a loyal friend (with high Honor), but players get a glimpse into the life he could have led had he chosen to settle down.

Instead, his poor decisions catch up to him after he gets tuberculosis following a particularly vicious beatdown. He spends the last moments of his life making amends for his violent past and reinforcing his bonds before breathing his last, either witnessing one final sunset or being brutally killed by Micah.

• 

  
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  Released

  
  May 18, 2010
  

  Developer(s)

  Rockstar San Diego

  ESRB

  M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs

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  Released

  
  October 26, 2018
  

  ESRB

  M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol