John Marston Vs. Arthur Morgan - Who Is The Better Hero?

Motivations

Let's not spend too much time chewing the tobacco before spitting it out. John Marston has the better motivations as a character. A reformed criminal, forced to ride out once more to save the family he so desperately needs to save him from himself is just as effective now as it was back in 2010. It is this desperation to rescue his family that endears John to the player, for who among us can’t relate to at least the idea of family?

Arthur’s story is similar in this respect, but Arthur’s "family" are wide ranging and free thinking, perfectly capable of facing dangers themselves. The image of John Marston’s defenceless wife and child, tied up and legally snatched away, is much more harrowing. This image is the driving force behind the entire plot from start to finish, and every mission completed, every gangmate captured (or killed) and every deadeye shot executed is in service to getting John one step closer to Abigail and Jack.

Like Arthur, John doesn’t pretend to understand the world he inhabits, full of honest crooks and deceitful lawmen, but unlike Arthur he has not chosen to ignore these problems for the consideration of his betters. John has not the comforting bubble of the gang’s camaraderie in his story, he must engage with his world’s shortcomings himself if his family are to survive.

He cannot, as the early game Arthur can, say “pshaw,” to the world and choose to uproot himself.

Marston’s story may not be as sprawling as Arthur’s, but this is not always a negative. There’s a focus to John’s character and motives that is easily identifiable and understandable. And we’re behind him every hoof trot of the way.