Did Abigail and Arthur Actually…? Let’s Talk Red Dead Redemption Relationships (and Clear Up Some Confusion)
Alright, partner, let’s ponder a lingering question from the dusty corners of the internet: Did Abigail Marston ever have… a romantic encounter with Arthur Morgan? It’s a fair question in the emotional saga of the Van der Linde gang. And before we get sidetracked, we’re not discussing Abigail Williams from The Crucible, who caused enough chaos across game franchises.
We mean Abigail Roberts, later Abigail Marston, the resilient glue of her family amidst outlaws and lawmen, ranch life and more outlaws. And Arthur Morgan, the honorable outlaw with a heart buried under dust, grit, and bad choices. So, did they ever get romantically involved? Let’s explore their relationships and the facts surrounding these Red Dead Redemption characters.
Abigail’s Heart Belongs to John (Mostly, Sort Of)
First, let’s set the stage: Abigail and John Marston are a couple. They are married, parents to Jack, and their relationship serves as a cornerstone in Red Dead Redemption. Abigail isn’t a damsel; she’s tough and unafraid to confront John when he’s off galloping with the gang instead of being a responsible father or fixing fences. As noted, she “attacks John for his time away from the ranch.” This isn’t mere nagging; it stems from the weight of their domestic life while he lives on borrowed time.
But behind the arguments, love flourishes. Abigail shows genuine affection for John, worrying when he’s gone and caring for him when he’s injured. Her reaction to his death is crushing. It’s described as “predictable heartbreak.” It feels earned and sincere; anyone who played the game knows this pain. Their marriage is more than a typical video game romance; it’s a history of struggle and depth.
Now, regarding their timeline. We know Abigail married John. The mentioned age differences in relationships could be misleading; still, in the Red Dead universe, details remain vague about Abigail’s age when she got with John. What’s clear is her commitment to him as his wife and in raising Jack.
Tragedy strikes in the Red Dead universe. After John’s noble death at the hands of Edgar Ross, Abigail faces immense grief. Tragically, the text notes that “Abigail commits suicide a year later,” leaving Jack to bury her on Beecher’s Hope hill. Her life mirrors hardship and loss; this contrasts any lighthearted thoughts of romantic liaisons with gang .
Let’s discuss John’s death further. He doesn’t die easily; he’s killed by a firing squad of lawmen and soldiers. He sacrifices himself for Abigail and Jack’s future, which Abigail feels unable to confront without him. Born in 1873, John dies in 1911 at 38. Abigail dies at 37 “in 1890/110 BH,” likely around 1910 or 1911. Their story is thick with love and the brutality of their world.
Arthur and Abigail: A Different Kind of Connection
Now we come to the heart of it: Arthur and Abigail. Did they share romance? No, but it’s a deeper no. Their relationship is layered and compelling beyond mere absence of ion. The brief states plainly: “Arthur has a good relationship with Abigail.” At one point, Arthur considered marrying her if she hadn’t chosen John and he hadn’t pursued Mary. This hints he had feelings for her.
Arthur and Abigail share a bond as of the Van der Linde gang. They have endured hardships together, robberies gone wrong, and chaotic escapades with Dutch van der Linde. Arthur respects Abigail’s strength and love for John and Jack. Crucially, as mentioned, there was a time when Arthur thought of her as a romantic partner, suggesting moments before their story takes off.
However, life intervened. Abigail chose John. Meanwhile, Arthur was entangled in his own relationships, mainly with Mary Linton. “Had she not fallen for John and he not fallen for Mary,” sums this up neatly. Paths diverged naturally; Abigail found John while Arthur chased his own complicated romantic goals.
The takeaway? Arthur’s feelings were real but never materialized into romance during Red Dead Redemption 2 or beyond. Their bond remained one of camaraderie, mutual respect, and perhaps wistfulness for what could have been. But it stayed platonic amidst gang chaos.
Arthur’s Romantic Misadventures: Mary and Eliza
Further highlighting Arthur’s romantic focus elsewhere are his relationships with Mary Linton and Eliza. These women filled his thoughts—especially Mary, who caused emotional strife in his life.
Mary Linton represents “the one that got away” for Arthur. Their relationship brims with drama leading to heartbreak. The brief mentions “Arthur and Mary’s past,” significant to Arthur’s story and missions in Red Dead Redemption 2. They share history, connection, and a son, Jamie. “Yes, Arthur Morgan had a son named Jamie with Mary.” However, Jamie was raised by the Lintons; Arthur played no active role—adding regret over life’s paths missed.
If you refuse to help Mary in-game: “You will miss out on ‘We Loved Once and True.'” The title reflects irony and bittersweet history. You might lose “rekindling a relationship” but the main story remains unchanged. This shows Mary matters to Arthur’s personal plot but isn’t essential to the overall narrative.
with Abigail. His outlaw life takes precedence.
Eliza is a minor character. Her story impacts Arthur’s arc. “Eliza, a waitress, became pregnant with Arthur Morgan’s child, Isaac.” Isaac was Arthur’s son. Unlike Jamie with Mary, Arthur was discreetly present in Isaac’s life. “Arthur had a son, Isaac, with Eliza; he demonstrated for them.” He offered financial help. Arthur likely visited them too, showing a caring side. He desired to be a father, even from afar. Tragically, “they were killed in a robbery.” This loss changed Arthur, deepening his cynicism and sense of the world’s cruelty. It fueled his desire to protect the innocent and atone for his past.
Arthur had two sons: Jamie with Mary and Isaac with Eliza. Neither relationship lasted. Both are marked by regret. These connections shaped Arthur, not an affair with Abigail. His heart was complicated, but not directed towards Mrs. Marston.
Age and Context: Arthur, John, and Abigail’s Timeline
Let’s clarify some perspectives on age and dates. Arthur’s age is mentioned: “Around the time Arthur died (1899), a famous gunslinger… Doc Holliday… died at 36, the same age as Arthur Morgan.” Thus, Arthur is 36 when he dies in 1899 due to tuberculosis. John Marston is younger in Red Dead Redemption 2. “Arthur is 35… John is 26 during Red Dead Redemption 2.” John is about nine years younger than Arthur. Abigail’s age isn’t exact, but she is likely closer to John, possibly a few years younger.
This age difference matters. Arthur, older and more senior in the gang, likely viewed Abigail as someone younger. He probably thought of marrying her before John and Abigail got serious. This may have occurred when Abigail was younger and Arthur figured out his life. By Red Dead Redemption 2, the dynamics shifted: John and Abigail are a couple. Arthur’s role is that of a loyal gang member, not a romantic rival.
Drawing a Line in the Dust: No Abigail-Arthur Romance
To answer: No, Abigail and Arthur did not “sleep together” or have an affair. Their relationship centers on respect and camaraderie in the Van der Linde gang. Arthur may have thought briefly about romance before John and Abigail became a couple. However, those feelings did not progress. In Red Dead Redemption 2, Abigail is John’s wife. Arthur is a loyal friend and protector of their family.
Any speculation about romance lacks in the narrative. It shows the rich characters in Red Dead Redemption 2 that players consider such possibilities. The story speaks to love, loyalty, and bonds of found family instead of a hidden romance.
If you think of Abigail Williams and John Proctor from The Crucible… that’s a very different story. For Abigail Marston and Arthur Morgan in Red Dead, their relationship is platonic. In their chaotic world, this bond is valuable, possibly more than any fleeting romance.
