Some of the best video game characters are the grumpy, cantankerous sort or villains that redeem themselves. During Christmas season, I often think of the Grinch, who similarly, is an unsufferable grump who ends up having a heart of gold. So, this begs this year’s fun-Christmas themed question: which video game character would make the best Grinch?
There are plenty of candidates, but for me, it’s Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2. As the protagonist in the game, he starts out as this gruff, indifferent, outlaw who can care less about being a good person. People are wary of Arthur and the Van der Linde gang as they tear their way through towns, robbing and causing chaos. He’s focused on himself (and the gang), and you can choose to continue being an absolute degenerate, or you can slowly improve your “morality” with kind acts. If you pursue the latter, it impacts several characters and even your ending.
One example that stuck with me is a smaller mission where Arthur Morgan interacts with the Londonderrys. Mr. Londonderry owed money to Leopold Strauss; however, the family’s struggle was so immense that he worked himself to death. The wife, of course, is livid with Arthur, who had come to collect the debt. You have the option to give her money in addition to absolving her debt, and her reaction during the mission will vary depending on how much honor you’ve accumulated (or lowered) throughout your gameplay.
“Why, you’re a good man. I just wish you’d done it before he worked hisself into the grave.” – Mrs. Londonderry
Your reaction to Strauss after the fact also depends on your honor/morality. If you’re honorable, you berate Strauss about his actions and how they reflect poorly on the game. Then, he drives him out.
Another similar mission involves collecting debt from the Downes. It starts in the beginning of the game, where Arthur coldheartedly beats Thomas Downes (the one who coughed into Arthur’s mouth and is believed to give him tuberculosis). He later dies, and although he was already sickly, his wife and child blame Arthur.
Mrs. Downes is forced into prostitution to support her and her son, and they move throughout various cities where you run into them. Mrs. Downes refuses your help for a long time, and between Arthur’s developing illness and personal reflection, he seems adamant that she accepts some money, even if she refuses to forgive him. Arthur had done something horrible, but thanks to wonderful storytelling, he tries everything to atone for his sins.
If this redemption arc doesn’t sound a lot like the Grinch, I don’t know what would. And even if you play the game with the highest honor, Arthur is still a cantankerous grump. Like the Grinch.
Who do you think would make a good Grinch? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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