Red Dead Redemption is one of the strongest narrative-focused franchises in gaming. Rockstar’s Western adventure series has explored one of the most fascinating periods of American history in a way that not only immerses players but also connects them to the various characters in these stories. So far, Red Dead Redemption has kept its narrative intertwined. From the Van der Linde gang to its central themes, there are storytelling features that are to be expected from future games in the series.
One of the biggest ways both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 are connected is through tragic endings. The deaths of protagonists John Marston and Arthur Morgan are heart-wrenching moments that bring strong characters to early graves. While these two leads meet an untimely end, they also receive the titular redemption that is so important throughout the franchise. However, if a third Red Dead Redemption chapter sees the light of day, flipping this expected finale on its head could be a strong change.
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Red Dead Redemption 3’s Protagonist Should End the Story on a High Note
The Causes of Arthur Morgan and John Marston’s Deaths
- If Arthur has good honor, he dies of tuberculosis. If he has bad honor, he’s shot by Micah Bell.
- John is killed by Edgar Ross and his firing squad.
The tragic fates both of Red Dead Redemption‘s protagonists face serve as deeply emotional finales for these games. When it comes to telling compelling, but gut-wrenching, stories, Red Dead Redemption excels. However, now that a tragic finale for its protagonist is to be expected, Rockstar has the chance to surprise players by finally giving the next main character a happier ending.
As of now, there is no telling who could serve as Red Dead Redemption 3‘s lead character. Considering the first game and prequel were connected, it makes sense for the series to continue following names who have ties to the Van der Linde gang, which leaves several characters who would be strong choices.
Possible Red Dead Redemption 3 Protagonists
- Sadie Adler
- Charles Smith
- Jack Marston
As the above list shows, there are several fascinating directions to go with Red Dead Redemption 3 and its story. At this point, any of these characters could star in the next chapter, as the fates of these three remain uncertain. In Red Dead Redemption 2, Sadie and Charles eventually go off on their own, the former south and the latter north, presumably to South America and Canada. This leaves the door open for fascinating new settings that potentially give Sadie and Charles happier closes to their stories. However, revisiting the Marston lineage with Jack is also a strong option, although he supposedly lives long past the days of the Wild West era.
In keeping with the franchise’s western focus, Sadie and Charles may be the more likely options, then. There is also the chance that the third game is another prequel, except this time even further in the past with Dutch and Hosea’s early days as outlaws. Technically, such a prequel could have a happy ending, even if the ultimate fates of the two aren’t so lucky in the overarching story. Seeing the two in a prequel story that ends on an optimistic note could serve as the bittersweet gut punch that would be right at home in a Red Dead Redemption story.
Red Dead Redemption 3 is Likely Years Away
As the launch of GTA 6 is imminent, Rockstar has its hands full at the moment, so there’s no telling when a fresh Red Dead Redemption chapter will arrive. That day will hopefully be sooner rather than later, but a third entry is still bound to be years down the road.
