Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with dark secrets, but one of the most harrowing and uncomfortable could have to deal with Jack Marston. According to the theory of one Red Dead 2 player, Jack may have been put through some extreme mental and physical trauma at the hands of another character in the sequel. WARNING: Sensitive topics regarding molestation and sexual assault discussed below.
While there are plenty of things players may not know about Jack Marston, one Red Dead fan named TheArtWithinAllOfUs on Reddit recently shared their theory regarding the possible molestation of the character. While nothing is confirmed within the post, as Rockstar would have to outright say such a thing happened for it to be canon, TheArtWithinAllOfUs makes a strong case for this having happened at some point.
The Redditor points out that “Jack is a sweet, naive, outgoing little boy” at the start of the game, with moments like Jack’s playful interaction with Uncle being an example of the character’s starting point. TheArtWithinAllOfUs goes on to point out Jack’s descent into a “depressed” and “withdrawn” child, and while the death going on around Jack is “certainly part of” the character’s change, TheArtWithinAllOfUs believes there is more to the story. The Reddit user points out one key interaction with Jack where he says “Micah is going to take me fishing,” something that set off alarm bells for the considering how out of character it is.
Calling Micah “rude, shady, and a creeper” is an understatement. On top of the dark secret found in Micah’s hideout, the Reddit user points out how Micah had previously “tried to rape Sadie in her home.” TheArtWithinAllOfUs also mentions how he told John he would “visit Abigail and the boy” upon Marston’s death, the former being sexually harassed by Micah throughout Red Dead 2. With Jack continuing to be “super withdrawn” as a teenager, the Reddit user believes that something more happened on Micah and Jack’s fishing trip.
They make a follow-up comment to mention that “many rape victims and trauma victims [especially] kids become withdrawn.” Not only does this fit the younger Jack Marston, but male trauma victims “turning to hate and anger” like Jack did at the end of the original game is another point in favor of the theory. The post TheArtWithinAllOfUs makes great points, but while the theory is possible, some fans do not think it happened. Outlaw_se7en, for example, believes there is a small chance it would have happened due to Abigail, Arthur, and the honorable John Marston never letting Jack out of their sight.
Whether Jack was or was not molested by Micah, the theory is interesting and has sparked a discussion around the possibility. Regardless of what camp players fall into, though, the chance that such a thing could have happened gives players another reason to kick a small version of Micah modded into Red Dead 2.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One.