Since its release, Red Dead Redemption 2 has been lauded for its detailed and expansive map that allows for unmatched levels of exploration and freedom. A map as big as Red Dead Redemption 2's is certain to be filled with all sorts of secrets and Easter eggs. One of the biggest mysteries in the game is that of Nigel and Gavin. Throughout the game's incredibly long length, players are sure to come across a rather eccentric character named Nigel, who is on the hunt for a friend named Gavin.
Considering the number of times Nigel appears without Gavin anywhere in sight, it would be natural to suspect whether Gavin is real at all. To solve this mystery, a little analysis of these enigmatic characters helps give a clue.
Nigel the Annoying Gentleman
It is not really necessary to go out looking for Nigel. Players are likely to cross paths with him multiple times by accident. He strolls throughout the open world of Red Dead Redemption 2 looking for his friend named Gavin. It is possible to have a chat with Nigel, but he does not give up much information. He is clearly a man on a mission, and he is not about to be distracted any time soon.
It is pretty easy to spot Nigel. One is likely to hear him before one sees him, since he is always strolling around yelling for his friend Gavin. Nigel is always seen wearing a smart navy coat and a dapper yellow vest. Nigel's accent makes it obvious that he is an Englishman, but outside of that, there is not much that can be learned about this strange fellow.
In the epilogue to Red Dead Redemption 2, Nigel is still around and he has yet to find Gavin. However, that has not broken his spirit: The search is still on, and Nigel still walks the streets looking for his long lost friend. The Nigel that John Marston encounters in the epilogue is somewhat different from the one that Arthur Morgan crosses paths with in the main portion of the game. By the time John finds Nigel, he is a disheveled man that looks borderline insane. As he wanders around mumbling about Gavin, it is not hard to conclude that he has lost his mind.
While some will find Nigel and his constant cries for Gavin annoying, there something quite endearing about a friend who is willing to search for his buddy for years.
Who is Gavin?
While Nigel appears to be insane, there is some evidence that Gavin is not simply a figment of his imagination. For those willing to incur a bit of negative honor, knocking Nigel's lights out and looting him will yeild a letter addressed to Nigel from Tom. In the letter, Gavin is mentioned, which confirms that at least one other person is aware of Gavin's existence.
The letter reveals that Gavin and Nigel are from Maidenhead, Berkshire, and they travelled to America to seek success. Unfortunately, it does not seem that Nigel has been entirely honest with Tom, because Tom is under the impression that Nigel is living a lavish life in a mansion with plenty of servants and cattle.
There is also a sad side to Nigel, as the letter reveals. His father is dead, leaving his mother a widow. Perhaps it is this trauma that makes Nigel afraid to admit that he is just a regular Joe in America. The lies about his lavish life may just be a way to cheer his mother up.
As for Gavin, it seems he does not support Nigel's lies much, as the letter notes that Gavin does not mention all the things that Nigel mentions in his letters. If Gavin is still alive, wherever he is, it is likely that he simply split from Nigel after a disagreement. It may be the case that Gavin does not want to be found.
Can Gavin Be Found?
Gavin does not appear anywhere in the game, which is probably disappointing news to many. Consequently, the mystery of Gavin and Nigel presents more questions than answers.
The biggest mystery, of course, is with regards to the whereabouts of Gavin. The letter that Nigel carries seems to confirm that Gavin is a real person. However, it does not give any clues as to where Gavin may be. The most obvious answer is that Gavin simply got sick of Nigel and left him. Nigel's letter mentions that a man named Brian Gold said some odd things about Nigel, so it might not be just Gavin who finds Nigel to be an intolerably weird person.
The mystery of Gavin could simply be a little Easter egg thrown in by Rockstar to tease Red Dead Redemption 2 players and have them go on a wild goose chase. Games made by Rockstar tend to have expansive maps and hidden details that lend themselves well to myths and mysteries. It is not hard to imagine the developers throwing in Nigel for a laugh, knowing that there will be fans who will read too deeply into it.
Is Nigel simply a delusional fool running away from a big lie? Or is he an unfailingly loyal person who will go to the ends of the Earth to save his dear friend Gavin? Is there a romantic component to Gavin and Nigel's relationship, or is it just a case of a friendship gone sour? Ultimately, it is left up to the player to decide how they feel about Nigel and his mysteriously absent friend Gavin.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.