Rockstar's band of eclectic outlaws in Red Dead Redemption 2 provides as much character variety as pretty much any cast could. From fan-favorites like the powerful Sadie Adler to the lovable drunk Uncle and everyone in between, RDR2 is rife with interesting characters, each with their own charm. One of the most intricate and influential characters, though, is the namesake and leader of the Van Der Linde Gang.
Almost no one is more important to the overall narrative than Dutch, who is arguably RDR2's main character. Dutch has all the makings of the ideal leader and thus all the setup to be the ultimate villain. His charisma and visionary bravado make him an easy character to like and trust, even at times when he's somewhat of a jerk. While the camp is at Horseshoe Overlook, though, players can find some of Dutch's notes, which completely change the nature of his character.
The thing Red Dead Redemption's Dutch is known for most of all is being an effective communicator. At times he's a smooth talker or intentionally mysterious, and at others he's rousing and inspirational. It's what allowed him to form and lead RDR2's gang in the first place. One of the most impressive displays of his characteristics is in the various speeches he gives to the gang throughout the story of RDR2, encouraging them along their journey. However, if players find Dutch's notes, they will learn that all his speeches are planned, even going as far as to mark when to pause for effect.
On its own, preparing speeches isn't a negative trait. Many, if not all, leaders throughout history practiced their speeches in advance because giving effective speeches is a daunting task. For Dutch, though, it means a lot more because he has built his image around being the father figure of the gang, one who is naturally caring and loyal while leading his family on their quest for freedom. After each of Dutch's failed plans unravel in RDR2, though, he gives another speech to the gang, trying to maintain their loyalty.
If his words were in the moment, it would be one thing, but once players learn that he prepares lines about "trading placing with fallen comrades," then those words no longer carry the same weight. Planned speeches can be just as sincere and genuine as impromptu ones, but when it's coming from a leader whose action contradicts his words - like Dutch does when he continually abandons RDR2's gang members and kills innocent civilians - the context of those prepared speeches changes.
Once players learn of this, Dutch's eloquent words are no longer ones of a compassionate and caring leader but of a Machiavellian one. RDR2 is filled with morally complex characters, but Dutch is easily the most intricate one. A genuine part of him wants the gang to have freedom as he defines it, and players see the goodness at the center of Dutch on a handful of occasions. He would never have taken in Arthur and John or allowed Sadie to join the gang if there wasn't some honor at the heart of Dutch.
However, the fact that he rehearsed all his speeches gives yet another indication of the true nature of Dutch's character. As the game unfolds, players see that Dutch's true motives are strictly self-centered. While he earnestly wants the other gang members to have the freedom he desperately desires, he only wants them to have it on his terms. This subtle fact is one of many that make Dutch the most tragic character in Red Dead Redemption 2.
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