10 Most Complex NPCs In Video Games
6. Red Dead Redemption 2 - Dutch Van Der Linde
Starting out as a Robin Hood-esque outlaw with morals, Dutch van Der Linde slowly begins to descend into a remorseless, narcissistic criminal throughout the course of Rockstar’s Wild West epic. Corrupted by fellow antagonist Micah Bell, Dutch’s descent into full-blown bad guy takes place right in front of the player and lead protagonist Arthur Morgan’s eyes.
A one-time mentor to Arthur, as well as first game protagonist John Marston, the outlaw head honcho begins to unravel as his plans to leave the life behind are dashed at every turn. As plans go wrong and his merry band of outlaws begin to lose faith, Dutch continues to turn to more drastic and nefarious means to regain control of his group.
As Dutch's actions grow more erratic throughout the story, it culminates perfectly when some of the group find themselves stranded on the island of Guarma and we see his dark side reach new levels when he kills an old lady in cold blood.
It’s at this point that the player, as well as Arthur, realises that there is no going back now for Dutch and he must be stopped. Rockstar truly delivered in showing the downfall of the once-beloved Dutch van der Linde.