Red Dead Redemption 2is famous for its deep story and complex characters, but a quieter romantic subplot might have been hiding in plain sight. While the tragic love story between Arthur Morgan and Mary Linton is well known, there is evidence that another woman, Abigail Roberts (who later became Abigail Marston), might have meant a lot to Arthur, too. This is more than a journal entry, as interviews have hinted at the developers' original intentions.
The evidence not only comes from the developers but also from Arthur Morgan’s own voice actor. Players can even see remnants of what was meant to be still in the game, as recording new lines and animation for characters may not have been worth the effort. However, this leaves a lot of evidence for players to see themselves. This possible relationship isn’t directly highlighted in the main story, but it suggests thatArthur’s feelings were more complicated than they first appear. All these smaller details make a lot of sense when you think about what was revealed about the cut content inRed Dead Redemption.
Abigail’s Comments At Camp Prove She Was The Cut Second Love Interest
A Lot of Dialogue Remains For This Storyline
Abigail’s time at camp gives us strong hints that she was meant to be more than just a friend to Arthur inRed Dead Redemption 2. Some of her comments suggest they have a deeper history together. It’s well known that Abigail stares at Arthur differently than other characters, but if you stare back,she’ll give away some of the original intent. Phrases like, “Aren’t you over that yet?” and the way she says, “Don’t look at me that way,” indicate there are feelings and unresolved issues between them.
Red Dead Redemption Fans Should Pay Attention To One Upcoming Game That Takes Place A Year Later
Red Dead Redemption fans may not need to wait for Rockstar to see the time period the game ends on, Project Century could be what they need.
Thanks to aVultureinterview with Rockstar’s main writer and co-founder, Dan Houser, it’s known Arthur was supposed to have a “secondary love interest.” While many may go straight to Sadie or others, that’s not the case. Roger Clark, Arthur’s voice actor,revealed that the cut lines and sections were between Arthur and Abigailat aMomoCon(via YouTube) panel, which he confirmed again at a different panel at SacAnime (viaConvention Coverageon YouTube). Clark said that he and the actress playing Abigail, Cali Elizabeth Moore, were given direction to portray a sense of “forlorn longing” during their scenes together, highlighting a connection beyond friendship.
There was more, but Clark also confirmed that scenes exploring this attraction ultimately ended up asRDR2cut content, implying that this was originally a key plot point, not just a subtle undertone. To confirm it, he told a player who mentioned the obvious connection between Abigail and Arthur, “You didn’t imagine it, let’s put it that way.”
Despite the cuts, Abigail still reacts differently when Arthur talks to her compared to how she interacts with others in the group. Her defensive and emotional responses, often brushed off as casual camp talk, together paint a picture that suggestsshe was meant to play a significant role in Arthur’s romantic life. The game ultimately only hints at this, leaving players to piece together the details of their story.
An Engagement Would Have Changed Everything
The romantic tension between Arthur and Abigail inRed Dead Redemption 2makes more sense when considering John’s year-long absence from the gang, whichsets the stage for their possible romance.Arthur’s journal entriesreveal his inner conflict, like when he wrote, “Perhaps I should have married her. I think part of me has always thought that,” after taking Jack fishing with Abigail. This shows that he considered a future with her and had some hope when John was gone.
Red Dead Redemption 3 Needs To Learn From RDR2’s Biggest Town Mistakes
Red Dead Redemption 3 will likely have amazing towns, but if it doesn’t learn from the mistakes of the past, there may be many dull ones.
It would also explain more of Arthur’s jealousy of John’s potential, as Roger Clark mentioned in the second panel when discussing Abigail. Arthur clearly wants the life that John has an opportunity to have, and it would seem that Arthur turns to the gang as a surrogate family, which he clearly struggles to let go of. Clark says that Abigail falls for John the moment he returns, which means that John was likely a major influence on Arthur not staying with Abigail. However, since this was all cut, it’s not canon.
Jack Needed His Real Father, And Arthur Was Willing To Let John Grow Up
Abigail And Arthur Made The Right Choices
Arthur had strong feelings for Abigail but also understood the importance of family and responsibility. The way he acts at the end ofRed Dead Redemption 2shows the player that he prioritizes Jack’s future and well-being. The story suggests thatAbigail realized Jack needed his biological father, John, to be stable in his life. Although he might have wanted a life with Abigail, Arthur likely knew Jack would benefit more from having John as a father figure, which created a conflict for Arthur, since he initially resented John for leaving his family.
IfRed Dead Redemption 3is a prequel, the developers could expand on this Abigail and Arthur idea.
Unfortunately, Rockstar cut out a lot of the secondary love interest content, but it would have been great to hear what notes Cali Elizabeth Moore got while playing Abigail when Roger Clark wasn’t around. While her side could have given more hints as to what the developers originally planned, it never came to be. Not getting more information on this storyline is just anotherharsh reality players have to accept. However, it does provide some great background information that players can pick up in camp while they playRed Dead Redemption 2.
