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

Story Arc & Character Progression

Every good protagonist needs a good arc: a beginning and an ending, with a few lessons learnt in the middle. In a video game, where character and story progression is the goal, this is doubly important. And while progression and evolution is present in both characters, it is John who ultimately has the best arc.

First, though, a word on Arthur. For the first few hours playing Red Dead 2, Rockstar works incredibly hard to make Arthur unlikeable. Arthur is too stupid, too complacent when listening to Dutch, and Van der Linde himself mostly steamrolls over the protagonist with his eloquent, quotable, railroading and his thick, smoggy charisma.

Yet slowly, like pulling back the thick hide of a butchered elk, the real Arthur is revealed and developed. Unlike John, whom we’re onboard with from the get-go of his game (quite literally, as the game opens on a train) it takes time to get to know Arthur.

The first few missions show him as something of an ignorant bully, uncaring for any who are not in his immediate circle, and even then, scornful of those who he considers to be shirkers (Marston included). He is unsympathetic to the plight of Thomas Downes, who, despite being crippled both economically and in regards to his health, is something of a wild west activist.

We first meet him fundraising to build a home in Valentine for those who need it. The player, can, if they wish, interact with Thomas here, but even Arthur’s “positive” response is a derogatory snort at the thought of helping others for no material reward. John was a reluctant criminal with good values. Arthur just seemed criminal.

This small showcase arc of Arthur culminates in him violently beating Downes for a pittance, something that is likely to sit as uncomfortably with the player as much as Arthur confesses it does with him. He vows to change, and it is the course of this change that makes many consider Arthur to be Rockstar’s greatest protagonist, topping John Marston and even Niko Bellic of GTA IV.

We begin to see a more vulnerable, contemplative nature from the veteran outlaw. He takes Jack fishing, like a kindly uncle, and more and more missions begin appearing on the mini map from gang members, who either need Arthur’s help or are just looking to pass the time. This, along with the story’s twists and turns, transform Morgan. He’s shown to be that friend on the night out who shepherds the drunk people home to safety, without ever losing his patience or killing the vibe.

We see how much he cares for the gang he calls his family, and despite actions to the contrary, how much he detests a life of violence and debauchery. He feels he is trapped by the very people he wants to save, and it is this sense of duty and responsibility to his friends’ wellbeing that causes him to lose his health, his lover, and ultimately, his life.