Summary
Dutch van der Linde is a man of many words, and his powerful speeches inRed Dead Redemption 2certainly cement him as a memorable character. When audiences first met Dutch inRed Dead Redemption, many were captivated by his wavering cusp of sanity, andRed Dead Redemption 2does a great job of explaining just what happened to the leader of the Van der Linde gang.
With a bounty of importance inRed Dead Redemption 2, Dutch van der Linde has many memorable lines, with only some remaining entirely captivating, and some of his most powerful work. Whether it’s a quote on philosophy, rage, or just something in passing, Dutch van der Linde is as quick with his tongue as he is with a revolver.
Updated on June 18, 2025, by Jake Fillery:Dutch Van der Linde is one of the more complex, cunning, and tragic villains of Red Dead Redemption. Whilst his origins may be as shepherd, mentor, and father to Arthur Morgan and John Marston, he soon reveals his true colors when things no longer go his way. Whether it’s in boastful confidence or as a petty rival, Dutch Van der Linde has spoken some of the most iconic quotes in the Red Dead Redemption series that remain hauntingly memorable.
18"He Insists Upon It. Insists…"
Dutch’s Final Straw Is Broken When Arthur Asserts A Reasonable Request
Dutch certainly doesn’t like his authority being questioned, and with no anchor to tether his ego, he sees Arthur’s attempt at aid as a very assault on his leadership, and thus the loyalty of his son is no more. Dutch uses the line “insists” multiple times after Arthur, showing his disdain for the word.
It’s hard not to fear Dutch as he repeats the word to himself out of petty and undeserved hate, when all Arthur wanted was to save the gang. it shows a stark moment when Dutch fully turned his back on Arthur and saw him as a pawn and not a crucial player.
17"Don’t You Never Leave Love Aside, Arthur… That’s All We Got."
Love And Loyalty Come Above Power And Greed
Dutch likes to view himself as a man of literature, and an astute poet that doesn’t just indulge in murder and robbery. As such, it’s no surprise that he views love above all else, and tells Arthur that it’s important to keep love front and center, for it’s all there is in this harsh world.
Dutch used to have some truly sound advice and a few moments of genuine affection. Sadly, it seems the more Dutch fails, the more he scorches the world and those around him, and it would benefit him to follow his own tragic advice.
16"When I’m Gone, They’ll Just Find Another Monster. They Have Too."
Dutch Imparts His Final Words Of Wisdom On John Marston
Whilst this quote may be taken from the originalRed Dead Redemption, it’s certainly too hard to ignore. Dutch tells John once he’s at the end of his road that even with Dutch gone and the leader of the Van der Linde gang dead and buried, Agent Ross and other law enforcement officials will just find someone else to hunt down, and that the job is never done.
Dutch has an astute understanding of the way of the new world and sees that the law officials will need to justify their wages by ensuring no man with a checkered past goes free. Dutch’s final words are a warning to John Marston that he’s next, and he was right.
15"They’re Chasing Us Hard Because We Represent Everything That They Fear."
Dutch Justifies The Lifestyle Of An Outlaw By Saying The Law Fears Freedom
The Pinkertons continue to track and hunt the Van der Linde gang, and as such, Dutch is left to be their guiding shepherd and quell their fears. To do so, he justifies the lifestyle that they all live by saying that the Pinkertons are only chasing them so hard because they are fearful of their potential, trying to arouse morale in the camp.
Dutch truly believes that the outlaw lifestyle of killing and robbing is permitted because it’s the wild west, and he refuses to enter into a new world with law and order. It shows his warped sense of changing times, and how he will drag anyone down with him thanks to a silver tongue.
14"I Was Trying To Do My Best. You… You Just Cared For Yourself."
The Years Make Dutch Bitter To John, Who Got Out Of This Life
There is much power in the toxicity and resentment that Dutch has been harboring for his youngest son, John Marston. This quote showcases how bitter Dutch has become, and how he despises what John has become, independent of him, free of his words, and able to move on to a life that nurtures a tamed West.
Instead of being proud of John for escaping the harshness of that life, and escaping with his family, he is instead resentful of him and describes him as selfish. Dutch’s powerful words divulge gaslighting words and bitterness to try and place those who are supposed to love him, beneath him.
13"There Simply Isn’t A Reality In Which We Do Nothing And Get Everything."
Another Failed Speech From A Failing Leader
As things continue to go South for Dutch, he attempts to rouse another powerful speech, but one where the only memorable power comes from the closing lines, where he claims that he and his gang can’t just do nothing if they are to have everything. Yet, why is there a need for everything? It begs the question that most fear asking their leader, when is enough, enough?
The West is not what it once was, and lawlessness does not go unpunished in this new world, yet Dutch continues to defy it, and continues to put those who cherish him in harm’s way in an attempted claim at something better. The fact that Dutch has no singular desire, nothing tangible, just the request for everything, proves that his time as a leader is coming to an end.
12"You Kill. I Kill. You Rob. I Rob. The Only Difference I Can See Is I Choose Whom I Kill And Rob, And You Destroy Everything In Your Path."
Dutch Justifies His Lack Of Morals By Blaming Leviticus Cornwall
Dutch seems to be addicted to his own powerful words, and he cannot help but risk life yet again just to have the final say to an enemy that doesn’t even know him. Dutch has painted every problem, every desire, every murder, on Leviticus Cornwall, and it’s within his words here that he doesn’t even see how he is blaming another man for his own sins.
For Dutch, his actions as a murderer and a thief are justified, because more powerful and wealthy men than him are able to pave a way forward through other hands. Dutch clearly does not see the hypocrisy, and simply his own powerful words that cause more damage than good.
11"‘Real.’ Oh, How I Detest That Word. So Devoid Of Imagination."
Dutch Has Yet Another Disagreement With John
Dutch proves yet again that he wishes to live in a fantasy, to be ignorant of a real, ever-changing world. To exist in the real world is supposedly having no imagination, according to Dutch that is. It once again proves just how deep his words go, and how rooted in manipulation his speeches can become.
It’s extremely concerning to see Dutch’s words turn so sour, especially on those whom he deems his children, all over a mere request to just face the facts, and look at reality for what it is, and not the fiction that Dutch clearly wants it to be.
10"You’ll Betray Me In The End, Arthur, You Seem The Type."
Seeds Of Doubt Plague Dutch’s Mind About His Most Loyal Son
Dutch and Arthur start the events ofRed Dead Redemption 2with a strong history. It’s clear that the two look out for each other, and they’re as close as father and son. Yet, thanks to Micah and the constant failings of his plans, Dutch becomes bitter, and seeds of doubt grow within his mind about his most loyal son. Dutch doesn’t waste his breath nor skip around his feelings when he tells Arthur his true feelings.
Dutch believes that Arthur will betray him. What spurred this is anyone’s guess. Could it be the venomous words of Micah Bell, the concussion in Saint Denis, or simply the breaking point of a man full of anxiety about the fact that the world he knew is being brushed away as a forgotten memory? Dutch’s fall is a tragic tale, but an interesting one, especially when his words exhibit such power and strength to those who speak to, and with him.
9“Stay Strong. Stay With Me.”
Dutch Speaks To The Gang After The Failed Blackwater Heist
The introduction to the cast of characters inRed Dead Redemption 2takes place amid a harsh blizzard, where the Van der Linde gang has just had to flee Blackwater after a heist gone wrong. Although players are unfamiliar with the characters and their personalities, Dutch makes a strong first impression with his speech.
This speech, in which Dutch confidently shouts “Stay Strong. Stay with me.”, shows to the audience who the leader of this gang is, and just why they would follow him through thick and thin. It’s a powerful speech that aspires to the gang, even after their most recent tragedies.
