The success of the widely acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2 is owed to its dynamic characters who draw emotion so intense that it can seem palpable. It's been almost a year since its release, but the hype for the game remains strong.

A character such as Dutch van der Linde who dresses in a rugged, gaudy fashion is so corrupt that members of his outlaw gang defy his leadership. A protagonist like Arthur Morgan has the opposite effect, bringing reassurance and tranquility. We like Red Dead Redemption 2 for its immersive gameplay, but love it for its character depth. These are the 10 best Red Dead Redemption 2 characters, ranked.

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10 Simon Pearson

Pearson stuck by Arthur Morgan through prosperous times and impoverished times. Although one of the less influential characters in Red Dead Redemption 2's plot, he is one of the characters you see the most.

That is because Simon Pearson is the chef for the Dutch van der Linde gang, and he became their chef after he was rescued from loan sharks. As someone who you can speak to in-camp, and someone who is part of missions such as the one where the camp ran out of food, Simon Pearson is a good friend.

9 Leopold Strauss

Leopold Strauss is a major recurring character in the chapters of Dead Redemption 2. He was born in Austria but came to the United States due to health problems. Upon entering the United States, Leopold Strauss and his uncle found themselves smack in the middle of the New York City riots of 1863.

Strauss rarely shows emotion, which is why he was a suitable match for an operator of the Van der Linde gang. He was the person responsible for the gang's loan sharking venture. Leopold Strauss shows great loyalty to the Van der Linde gang.

8 Abigail Roberts

Abigail Roberts is the wife of John Marston. After the disappearance of John, Abigail begged Arthur to head out into the snowstorm to go find him. She was once an outlaw but decides to adopt a more peaceful lifestyle later in the story. She used to be a prostitute and had sex with numerous members of the Van der Linde gang.

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We can't forget Abigail Roberts for being the voice of reason and an integral character in Red Dead Redemption 2's story. John impregnated Abigail with their baby boy when she was eighteen. It was Uncle who introduced her to the Van der Linde gang.

7 Micah Bell

One of Red Dead Redemption 2's most repulsive antagonists is a member of the Van der Linde gang for most of Red Dead Redemption 2. Although a talented gunslinger, Micah Bell is despised by most members of the Van der Linde gang. Arthur Morgan and Hosea Matthews disliked Micah because of his hot-headed nature.

By playing Red Dead Redemption 2, many people will find out why people despise Micah and why he is an integral part of the story.

6 Lenny Summers

Lenny's parents were slaves, but Lenny is an educated individual with aspirations. Sadly, one night, Lenny's father was murdered by a group of drunk men. In the end, Lenny got his revenge by killing the culprits.

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We love Lenny because of his great personality and relationship with Arthur Morgan. Who could forget that mission where Arthur is in the saloon searching for Lenny in his drunken stupor? Every mission seems more enjoyable when Lenny is present. He is a good friend to Arthur Morgan.

5 Charles Smith

Part Native American and part African American, Charles Smith has a significant part in both the game's main story and epilogue. Although he is part Native American, Charles is unsure if he belongs to a tribe.

As explained in the Colter chapter, Charles Smith ran away from home when he was thirteen because his father was an abusive alcoholic. Charles Smith is a reserved person who is a skilled warrior and someone with a major impact on the events of Red Dead Redemption 2.

4 John Marston

Naturally, since Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption, it makes sense to include John Marston on this list. The epilogue was pure genius on Rockstar's part. In itself, the epilogue with Jon Marston is almost a game on its own. The alternate storyline is deep and connected to the main one. He rarely listens to his wife's concerns but understands the rough place he resides in.

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In many ways, John Marston is similar to Arthur Morgan. John Marston can be described as impatient and hard-working. They both are loyal to the Van der Linde gang, yet shared the same feelings when they were betrayed. John Marston is a secondary protagonist in Red Dead Redemption 2.

3 Sadie Adler

We meet Sadie Adler early in the story of Red Dead Redemption 2 when she is hiding in a cellar. Although she is a woman, Sadie displays gunslinging beyond that of other outlaws. She is a close friend to both Arthur Morgan and John Marston and is a major character in RDR2's story.

Later, she becomes a bounty hunter to meet ends meet. Sadie Adler is one tough lady, and her impact in the story and loveable personality makes her one of RDR2's greatest characters.

2 Dutch van der Linde

One of Arthur's closest friends doesn't see the relationship that way after Arthur is on the verge of dying from sickness. As the leader of the gang with his name, Dutch van der Linde is not someone motivated by friendships or goodness but merely cares for his affluence and aspirations.

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Calm and collected, Dutch is an intelligent individual with violent outbursts. He rationalizes his wrongdoings with nonsensical idealisms. As the antagonist of Red Dead Redemption and a central character of Red Dead Redemption 2, Dutch van der Linde is one of the series best characters.

1 Arthur Morgan

He is the primary protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, which is shaping up to be one of the greatest games of all time. He is an outlaw and someone who lives a life of crime by choice. Also a member of the Van der Linde gang, Arthur Morgan is a major influencer in the gang's decisions. Arthur is so much more than a typical square-jawed outlaw.

He shows his valiance when he fights a bear, saves Sadie Alder, and does what is necessary to make tough decisions.

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