Some of dynamics of the Van der Linde gang, since these relationships are what drives the story. Dutch van der Linde and John Marston are two of the franchise's most important characters, and their complex relationship is one of the most interesting to follow throughout the game. Despite beginning Red Dead Redemption 2 with a close bond, the pair quickly finds themselves at odds, and their friendship deteriorates beyond the possibility of repair.
John had a difficult childhood and was orphaned from a young age. He resorted to crime in order to keep himself alive, and it was at this stage that he met Dutch. Alongside Arthur, Dutch essentially raised John, showing him the ways of outlaw life and instilling his own values in the young boy. Dutch and John clearly had a father-son type of relationship, and John likely looked up to Dutch, even in adulthood.
By the beginning of RDR2, John and Dutch's relationship has already begun to fracture. There are a number of references made early in the game to John abandoning the gang, as well as his family, for an entire year. Although Arthur is shown to have taken John's departure more personally, it likely also made Dutch suspect of John's loyalty to the group above all else. Dutch is very sensitive when it comes to people's commitment to his cause, and John's prior exit likely fueled his later suspicions.
What John Marston Thinks Of Dutch In RDR2
John's Red Dead Redemption 2 story takes place during a time where he is beginning to learn what it means to be a husband and a father. This allows him to reflect on his own father figure, Dutch, and John begins to see the flaws in his leadership. Dutch is egotistical and is willing to put the gang in danger to reach his goals. Dutch's once-stable moral com also begins to deteriorate during RDR2, and his willingness to kill anyone and steal anything begins to alarm John.
Dutch's worst plan in RDR2 results in John's capture, and this is when it becomes clear that Dutch no longer values his once-beloved protégé. After John is captured and sent to prison, Dutch does not prioritize his rescue, even scolding Arthur for doing so. Later, during the final heist, Dutch leaves John behind, likely due to his belief John has become disloyal. This not only sets up the events of the original Red Dead Redemption but also closes the door on the possibility of healing their friendship.
Dutch's ego and insatiable paranoia lead him to believe John isn't loyal to his gang, so he begins treating John as an outcast as RDR2's story progresses. John watches as Dutch becomes less and less coherent as a leader, and so he justifiably begins planning for a life beyond the gang itself. The gang's difficult circumstances are likely the true cause of friction between the two characters, and their shift from allies to enemies is what gives them one of the most complex relationships in all of Red Dead Redemption 2.
