The tragic life of Charles Smith

[@quaydx]

Charles is by far my favorite gang member. He's smart, strong mentally and physically, and he doesn't get into trouble unless he has to.

[@ryan_1099]

Think Charles is sort of the Paladin of the gang if that makes sense. A paladin that's really good at throwing knives for some reason.

[@Templar07]

In arthurs journal, he says charles always naturally knows whats right

[@mullaoslo]

My only issue with him is that in the context of the world and the game he's almost too nice and perfect.. He almost becomes a early victim of the "minority character can't have any negative character traits" trope. I wish he would have had at least one thing to dislike about him

[@youin24years]

@@mullaoslonah every game needs a character where you just don’t hate em. If anything him being too nice is exactly what I dislike about him. He can be a monster main character if we play as Charles in Canada.

[@ransomdekafenya2584]

A lot of people are on Sadie's dick, and don't get me wrong, she's a great character. Probably my personal #3. But I'm team Charles when it comes to RDR3. He's the best that RDR2 gives us, and it would be a true honor to see him again.

[@johnnymac42069]

There’s a rare Charles encounter at the shady Belle camp where Charles actually says he will be leaving the camp for a few days to assist the wapiti tribe after you complete the mission for Eagle Flies.

[@Damonnanashi]

Oh dang, that was rare? I got that one.

[@johnnymac42069]

@@Damonnanashi in my dozen play throughs, only encountered it once or twice

[@Damonnanashi]

@@johnnymac42069 That's weird. I never really spent time hanging out at the various camps, but I got that one.

[@wetsponge151]

Never got it and played multiple times

[@johnnymac42069]

@@wetsponge151 it’s super rare to trigger. You would have to visit the camp FREQUENTLY after completing that mission for Eagle Flies

[@stevenwoods5787]

Charles was the embodiment of ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’

[@gamingwolf6735]

this comment reminds me of the line "walk softly and carry a big gun" from Warhammer 40,000 soulstorm

[@drewvanzee6433]

@@gamingwolf6735 well... that line line you said is a reference to the OP's comment. I love Warhammer, but Teddy Roosavelt was in fact cooler

[@gamingwolf6735]

@@drewvanzee6433 "Death took him while he slept because if he was awake there would have been a fight"

[@theimperialist2686]

Charles Smith is definitely one of the best characters of all time in Red Dead Redemption 2. He does things by a code, is loyal and supportive and wasn't afraid to tell it like it is.

[@connormatthews522]

i agree man, i like how behind the calm loyal demeanour he might just be the most dangerous and capable person in the gang

[@danielallen6178]

Most underrated gang member. Such a shame he wasn't there in the end when Arthur confronted Micah and Dutch. He would have Arthur's back

[@GoodMan-st6vq]

he woulda man handled both dutch and micah

[@Zack_410]

Don't think he's underrated. Many people love him.

[@danielallen6178]

@@Zack_410 I mean underrated in the fact there isn't too much interaction with him apart from end-game and epilogue. The devs could have fleshed his story out more I think

[@SleepyjoeOG]

@@danielallen6178yeah but they needed a reason for him not to be mentioned or in rdr 1 so if he was too much of a character it’d be weird, since Arthur already isn’t mentioned in rdr1

[@johnsonartchive8826]

I'd love to see a video about the inner politics of the Van Der Linde Gang and why they might have factored into their downfall. You've got the discrepancy between waves of feminism, the clash of the old world, and new world politics, social class, and education, the place of the non white gang members.

[@bermby]

There’s just something so special about Charles. He can show acts of ruthlessness but he is such a loving person. He is imposing both in his strength and his intelligence and doesn’t ever back down from anything. He’s one of the most loyal people Arthur had and he goes out of his way to help others regardless of how it affects the gang.

[@TheMandaloreFett]

Arthur: “You should’ve taken the money.” Charles: “I know. I’m a fool.😉” I think that solidified my deep like of Charles. A real brother. ❤

[@Pestjong_]

Its sad you cant loot the dead guy after the offer and still get the money. It doesnt make sense

[@ABowersMAGA1994]

Another thing to notice, when you first go to the Wapiti Reservation. The Native Americans doesn't want you (Arthur Morgan) there. But when you start helping them more, they start being nice to you.

[@ziahamm1603]

Charles IMO is the most loyal friend Arthur had in that game. Even more so than John.

[@josephstalin2606]

That’s bc Arthur was the one who couldn’t let go of how John left all those years ago. He was still petty about it even Hosea says “isn’t it about time you let it go now?”. Part of Arthur’s redemption is forgiving John and sacrificing himself for him and his family. Charles may have been a good friend to Arthur but John was always by Arthur since day 1, it’s just that John leaving seriously strained their brotherhood but John was always loyal to Arthur even when they weren’t getting along, he even tells Arthur if it was him trapped on the mountain he’d go back for him and he knows that. That alone just shows how strong their brotherhood was even when they were barely speaking they still had each other back but Arthur was def more passive aggressive to John than vice versa

[@JuniorMajs]

@@josephstalin2606 It wasnt "all those years ago" since it was after jack was born, and jack is like 3? in rdr2's main story. But yeah, other than that i mostly agree. For me, i see John and Arthur's relationship more brotherly while Charles and Arthur's are more close friends.

[@josephstalin2606]

@@JuniorMajs Jack is 4 and it happened when Jack was 1 meaning he came back when Jack was 2, meaning it happened over 2 years ago, that’s plenty of time to get over it especially since everyone else moved on except Arthur

[@JuniorMajs]

@@josephstalin2606 oh!!! thank for the info SDJIFHJ but yeah, i guessed so

[@Arthur_John-Goated]

Nah John was more Loyal because Arthur and Johns relationship was like a Brotherly relationship they loved each other and had known each other for 15 years while Arthur and Charlse relationship was more like a close friend relationship so John was more Loyal

[@Testosterooster]

Will you ride with me? Always.

[@IreneZGoodman]

Charles and Micah joined the gang at about the same time, yet they are complete opposites.

[@Megatron209]

I just started replaying about a week back and realized Charles was one of the only real ones

[@adamhoward4775]

I think Charles is the most suited for DLC

[@Edgartlordandsavior]

Agreed. He is too morally good for an entire game tho.

[@le_toad]

besides john for relatability, charles is 100% my fav character. most level-headed, respectful, pained but powerful person in the whole series and maybe fiction in general

[@TenzoIndo]

A lot of Black peoole today are mixed like Charles both Native and African American. He is a very compelling character you don’t usually get in modern gaming

[@justame333]

Factsss 💯 glad someone said this

[@KodyJohnson-nv3mo]

Not all black people r from Africa most of us was here way before the Europeans started coming over here i think u needed to look deeper we r the indigenous people of this land but that's what the white Europeans don't want u to know they hid n erase our true identity those people that the European say were Indians were not they came to this land just like the rest of them do some research they lied have people of color think they are from Africa that's one of the world biggest lie

[@IreneZGoodman]

Agreed. My grandfather was half black and half Cherokee.

[@KodyJohnson-nv3mo]

@@IreneZGoodman so he was a full blooded Cherokee most color people here don't have any African ancestry they were here way before those eu Europeans came to this land they did alot of declassing n reclassified to separate us saying we came from Africa is one of the biggist lie they ever told we gotta stop letting these Foreigner Tell the world about r history it not their to tell what happens to our land

[@viktornei]

Charles is a definition of a noble warrior. Heart of gold, Mind is as cold as ice, Arms as strong and tough as steel.

[@Ghoulstille]

I think that if Hosea hadn't of been gunned down by the Pinkerton's the gang would have split up. Charles would have joined the Hosea Matthews Gang (for the time he had left anyway as he was ill as we all know) and I believe they would have headed back out west without the albatross of Dutch's Wanted poster hanging around their necks. I could see Charles being in the position of what Arthur was as Arthur would be the new second in command as John has a family to take care of. He would have helped the group become more of a family than a gang as he was only an outlaw because of it being the only thing afforded to him in this era.

[@allbriardup6451]

Honestly Rockstar can’t fix the scout jacket issues in campaign at 5 years of the game’s existence, has abandoned future Rdr2 work, and the rdr2 online glitchy stables is sure old. I enjoyed this video and I appreciate your content!

[@freefallmatter]

If only rockstar loved RDR2 as they did to gta 5

[@enigma7310]

*He was the Black Noir of the Vanderlinde gang but he DID get a mind of his own eventually....*

[@lewisamey4140]

Charles' best bit is when Arthus asks him to join him in Murfree Territory. He drops his pistol and picks up his sawn-off shotgun. so badass

[@vxrtical]

I love charles so much because I’ve literally never seen another video game character I could relate to so much as him

[@charlessmith9753]

My life really was tragic…

[@hoshino353]

Fking poser

[@ArthurMorgan1643]

​@JohnMarston1911sThe hell you talkin bout boah his life was tragic

[@heavenland3504]

3 of the coolest characters in one place such an honor.

[@Playingwith3D]

he is the most relatable to me personally. I am half white and half native, have no tribe and the natives think I'm white and whites think I'm native.

[@quaydx]

A video on Charles????? This is finna be a banger!

[@lilyoliva8362]

One thing i picked up when playing through the game with charles is when he just has the gang and not the wapiti tribe his speech sounds more like the rest of the gang (like your bog standard yeehaw cowboy) but when he starts interacting with the wapiti tribe his speech become more proper and matching with the native americas (i could just be convincing myself that and it might not even be true though lol)

[@morishow]

Been looking for a Charles video recently, so thank you! One of my most favourite characters in the series. Discovered your channel recently and have been binging the RDR2 content, keep it up man 😃

[@Chromatome]

I hope we get some closure for Charles in RDR3, it would be nice to know he's living his best life in Canada with a family of his own.

[@xscignorethestuffinquotes7487]

I love him, man. He's my favorite. Loved every mission with him.

[@albeleow14]

Watching Charles burst through a window and hatchet an O’Driscoll that was up to some shit while me and Sadie were fighting off the rest of that dogshit gang. God I love this game.

[@connorrivers995]

Charles would be a great protagonist for RDR3. Coming down from Canada, he would be trying to save Jack's soul, as he would see himself as partially responsible for John's death. Maybe he'd have assistance from Captain Monroe, who wants to return the favor for Charles saving his life, and Archer Fordham, who would feel guilt over betraying John and pushing Jack into a life of crime. I think it'd be a great idea for a sequel, makes a lot more sense than making Jack the protagonist anyway.

[@petere.9138]

As much as I’d love a Charles game, remember Rockstar would probably kill his off at the end. I wouldn’t be able to deal.

[@1-Berserk-Fan]

Absolutetly blowing up! 100+ subscribers every time i check on this channel. This time 101, great content man!

[@angelserenade]

i think there was a funny dialogue in the camp, where someone is trying to disturb Charles into talking while eating. I can't remember whether was it Bill, Micah, or Uncle. Charles just grunts in his replies

[@kitus112233]

I would like a rdr game with him as the main character

[@DjunisBRE]

my boy charles is great and deserves his own game with prologe being before rdr2 and chapter 1 after arthur dies

[@brittanyschmalfeldt6761]

Not gonna lie, when i first saw Charles shirtless...😅 but he's such a bad ass character. Loyal to those he loves, honorable, brave, strong...

[@lewisjohnston7077]

We all like and love Charles Smith

[@ohio72213]

I am on another playthrough of this game and just did the mission where Arthur kicks Strauss out of the gang. Immediately after Javier and Bill talked down to Arthur. But Charles stuck by Arthur and didnt talk bad. And Reverend Swanson also said he agrees with what Arthur did. Ive played this game a lot, beat it a lot too. Multiple times. But Charles is my favorite. I often wonder how Lenny wouldve been after seeing Arthur kick out Strauss. I like to think he would stick by Arthur just as Charles did.

[@SftHrtBrsKnckls]

Before it was said that Charles was only with the gang for half a year, I thought he’d been there a few years because of how close Arthur and he already are, and how much respect he’d already earned. Insane that he did that in the same amount of time it took Micah to fully be recognized as an ass (and then later a rat)

[@kane93667]

Charles and Arthurs relationship and how it cultivates is one of the best pieces of writing in gaming

[@grumpyrse]

Brilliant analysis. Very entertaining. Subbed!

[@kmdreacts]

Charles became one of my favourites during Chapter 1 on the mission to protect the Bisons. His anger gave me chills. Loyal to a fault. Returned from the north to bury Ms Grimshaw, track Arthur and John's tracks through the cave, around and up the mountain, to find Arthur, take Arthur to a whole other location to bury him somewhere beautiful and away from people and prying eyes. Then, helped our boy John build his family home and ranch.

[@dmytrodanilov9334]

I wish Charles will be a main character in RDR3. He has the most interest back story from a gang, his survival skills can add new interesting mechanics into the game And also it would be great opportunity to show Wild West from Native American perspective. It would be something new and fresh in Red Dead world.

[@oOTevtronOo]

and more stealth missions

[@khalee95]

Rdr3, if it does come out, will most likely not have anything to do with the original gang unless they go back to the early days of the gang. Which only consists of Dutch, Hosea and Arthur. I can see rdr3 as a different story.

[@GeographerWilson]

I’m pretty sure rockstar said rdr3 will release someday, and yeah I hope it focuses on the earlier days with Dutch, Hosea, Arthur, and maybe John

[@pokebub367]

If we do go back to the prime years of the game you would most likely play as Dutch and I think this would be really cool idea, when you play as Dutch there will be differnt endings based on what “plans” you make and they could make it where you choose what to do in the a missions like offensive or defensive or something if that matter and you’ll be able to pick up gang member on the way that we haven’t heard of that might been in the gang a month or even weeks before dying

[@GeographerWilson]

@@pokebub367 yes that would be a masterpiece and with even better graphics then rdr2 it’ll probably be the most sold game in the rdr series

[@woodardfrom3]

Charles had a good soul , like you said doing right was just who he was , he was to real tbh

[@theflyingdutchman1301]

I agree on Charles Smith would be interesting in having his own game, but not especially a follow-up.

[@BlingusPlingus]

if there was ever like a spinoff game from rdr2 or rdr1, I think the best choices for the game to be about would be either Sadie Adler after her working with john to kill Micah Bell, or Charles' story after leaving John at pronghorn ranch to go on his own. Either character, I would love to see more of.

[@Edgartlordandsavior]

I def think Sadie would be the better fit. She has what Arthur has, moral ambiguity. You could play her like a murderous lunatic or a saint. Charles on the other had is a morally righteous guy who only kills when he has too. You wouldn’t be able to play him as a psycho cuz it would go against his entire character and everything that makes him great…

[@manbearpig_3425]

Charles should be MC of rdr3

[@WRLDofCHOSO]

Charles and lenny are my 2 favourite characters and one of the main reasons for that is how they interact with Arthur, don’t get me wrong they’re both great individually but I love their relationship with Arthur and how it’s full of mutual respect and source of comfort knowing they have each other in a bleak situation. Red dead has some of the best characters in fiction and the way they mesh together is just beautiful and I shit you not I almost teared up when Charles and Arthur hugged at the end of the rains fall mission strand

[@mikeomoran9256]

If they're gonna do RDR3 it has to be Charles as the MC imho

[@captainhowlerwilson508]

Honestly, when Arthur was head locked by that bounty hunter, and I was in his position, I would have probably wanted Charles to take the money instead of saving me.

[@2woomany]

I just started playing this last year in September then had to take a break til January but it's funny to me how I've seen so many spoilers on YT and yet I still wanna play and beat this regardless of knowing what's to come. Guess that's just how awesome this game is huh

[@tikkidaddy]

Charles has always reminded me of the legend that a former gang member who rode with WH Bonny later carved the single word epitaph "PALS" into Bonnys grave stone Seems, like something he might do in memory of Arthur. Alot like Jose Chavez Y Chavez. Just level headed,straight up guy

[@wakz2618]

Big tough Charles. Tough as iron, heart of gold! Problem is brains made of lead

[@jamesgodfrey1322]

I also think he was smart at end once he recovers from his injuries, Charles gives his farewells to the Marston family, Uncle, and Sadie as he leaves the ranch. Charles's ultimate fate is uncertain, but it can be assumed that he left for Canada to pursue his intentions of living and raising a family there. I like to think he got the gangs dream land of own and good life now cash he had was worth a lot in land and if research land in Canada at time this worth look and rabbit hole and time very sad as learn who land was taken from.

[@Uknown76]

Loving these lore video good work good sir

[@potatojrjr.3277]

all the gang members that died of were absent would have taken Arthur´s side

[@demonyuske713]

I honestly wish we had more interaction with chales lenny and tilly. And i hope for the next game we see the gang from chales perspective. I think chales unique position of being both black and native with those characters specifically can make for really interesting dialog and understanding of him and them. Being the only black characters in the gang how they move witjin the game and the world and if charles feel a loss of tribe or identity from his african side just as much as his native. Maybe a lil dialog here and there with tilly before leaving the gang wanting to at least know where and what half of him is since he can never truly know the other stuff like that

[@AfaroX8]

you sound like someone who supports BLM

[@demonyuske713]

@AfaroX8 and that's a bad thing how? Explain in your own words without using npc arguments like riots and the unique misunderstanding on what racism is and why blm exist now go

[@JusttMiike]

@@demonyuske713ignore him

[@sophisticated_1614]

I have such a big crush on charles

[@Ace_of_Spades-oe2yv]

Rdr3 playing as a younger Charles smith, events leading up to him joining the Van Der Linde Gang and the events of black water would be a bad ass story

[@blackouthorus1519]

Honestly be nice if jack goes to canada and meets charles like i keep saying having jack having too interact with the mob in its infancy and rebel against them like his family did but cleverly like arthur would have with boldness of ditch and slyness of hosea to send it off with chef kiss !

[@Dawgger6978]

Charles should get his own spin off and it can be set in the time period 6 months to a year or further back if they want but show what he was doing and went through before joining the gang and have it lead into him meeting Dutch and joining the gang.

[@roshiiirohoe]

modelling a Charles Smith game after RDR2 and sprinkling in a lil Lincoln Clay from Mafia 3 would be fireeeeee

[@floweralligator]

Amazing breakdown! Thanks so much for the video

[@semilianooo]

I love that the end of chapter six would be so different if nobody from gang would die and stick by to the and, I'm talking Sean, Hosea, Sadie(if she didn't needed to help Abigail) keran, grimsha, uncle, Charles, Pierson, ( id remember the name of the guy with top hat) Strauss(I think), it would totally different ending

[@J.Jonah.Jameson.]

Honestly, a prequel to red dead 2 growing up as a young Charles would be fantastic. 😊

[@clover4925]

If charles had returned with arthur to confront dutch, i think where things would've changed the most is i can see charles going with Arthur up the mountain during his final stand and they would've killed micah together, and Dutch likely running off. Charles wouldve been the last friend by Arthur's side as he looked out west.

[@TheTrueEmrys]

Charles best character :D as far as the "Heroic" archetype he feels like he's the real MC in that regard lol. An yes Red Dead 3 starring Charles please.

[@ESFDragxnFistEntertainment]

Charles needs his own spin-off game

[@reaperxvi4010]

Charles reminds me of Connor Kenway

[@theaccursedj.e.2723]

I'd like to see what happened in the Yukon with Charles, John and Sadie.

[@nickbuckley4371]

I do wish he had little more character development seemed a little static in that aspect but he was badass and loyal to Arthur and the good folks in the gang

[@seangross5057]

What if he stayed with John. What would you think would happen in red dead redemption one if he had stayed

[@King_Jockey]

same fate as uncle protecting the farm

[@seangross5057]

Well, he may have been somewhere else when the farm was attacked. Then he came back to help then he was too late.

[@ticket2space]

Charles is one hell of a guy

[@woodardfrom3]

Damn I never read Arthur’s journal like ever .

[@coreygunz645]

Your channel is awesome!!!! I subscribed

[@lukethelegend9705]

I hope we never get a continuation of Charles’ story. I hope he never appears in another red dead game. He deserves peace and happiness in his new life, and I don’t want anything messing that up

[@WanderingWarrior4]

I am in somewhat of the same boat with Charles

[@RayAkuma]

Family life in Canada ain't all that tragic

[@TommyWinston-ps3vm]

Charles is a Good outlaw 👍🏾💯💯 period let’s make him a DLC on Rdr2 it would make rockstar a lot of money 💰

[@AltLmaoo]

Can we get a Javier story maybe? 👉👈

[@marquviousgreen4674]

People gonna say he's so relatable but people can not relate to how charles is really feeling. He is in a time period where everyone hates him for being half black and native America, he doesn't fit in anywhere in society, and the gang the only people he feels like gives him some sort of purpose but is constantly threatening his life, Bill,Javier, and micah have all threatened him. He tried to fit in with the Native Americans but that didn't work out. He tries to enjoy nature and animals but poachers are constantly killing animals and it pisses him off and when the gang broke up it sent him on a downward spiral competiting in street fights he doesn't want to do until he runs into john. Charles does not feel like he belongs anywhere and when he tries to fit in someone where it always backfires or goes wrong

[@commanderbell1965]

Charles Smith reassemble my grandfather. Haft Afro American and Haft Native American.

[@Notorreous]

A lot of people are probably going to disagree with me on this but i feel like if they made a DLC for Charles and Sadie kind of like episodes from liberty city was like after RDR 2s epilogue

[@dudemankewl6291]

I love Charles. He's my father figure. I'm native and black from the waist down. Him and Darth Vader.

[@user-fh5zb6bu4b]

Can you make a video on if jack got shipped to italy instead of brontes

[@kareliis3-yd1fg]

0:35 , 0:41 , 0:57 , 1:12 , 1:38 , 1:42 , 2:40 , 1:45 , 5:12 , 5:27 , 1:16 , 7:10 , 8:17 , 9:11, 9:35 , 9: 50 , 10:30 , 23:09 ,

[@tasingapastel4819]

Isn't he also the one who laid Arthur to rest as well?

[@theconnected7234]

Charles needs his own game but Red Dead 3 needs to be about Dutch and the the beginning of the downward spiral

[@jacqueleneclark2325]

And ending with everyone starting the Blackwater heist. But cutting out before everything goes wrong. I’d like it to remain a mystery.

[@iwasneverhere5735]

am i the only one who can’t stand charles he acts so high and mighty and feels like he’s just the “good character”

[@malachihall4457]

i wish rdr3 is about him and he can find his tribe

[@justiningram6640]

Total miss, from the beginning charles was moral, straight forward and hoping for the best...in the end he definetly sided with Arthur even in wapiti.

[@zok4e]

Charles deserves to be the main character in RDR3

[@commanderbell1965]

Make a game Charles Smith search for his mother

[@madsgadekr1900]

Rare moments of someone showing how good womens football sometimes can be

[@itsfree2payattention465]

I know y'all may take this wrong but Charles is the depiction of us so called African Americans. We never came from Africa at all we were in America the whole time. Just like Charles some of us still don't know our tribe but most actually do. 💯💯💯💪👍🪶🪶

[@tayfirewater2162]

Being from the tribal nation i always wanted a game where you play a full blood tribal but don't get me wrong i love character like Charles, red Harlow, homie from assholes greed Connor can't stand when people call him full blood or the native American his daddy is the white Templar from over the pond. Always hear well that game features natives no it featured a half white half native American i am 100 percent sure this is when dei started.

[@KFC_Manager]

Prey is a game where you play as a full blooded native

[@bigrigjoe5130]

My only problem with Charles is that he's a little TOO perfect. Every single character in RDR2 is deeply flawed like human beings are Except Charles who is: Strong, Skilled Fighter, Brave, Heroic, Polite, Smart, Hard-Working, Respectful, Loyal Character flaws: ..... ? Meanwhile all of society is after him. He just seems less fleshed out than everyone else. Imagine if Micah wasn't a rat, Karen wasn't a drunk, Reverend wasn't an addict, Bill wasn't stupid, Uncle wasn't lazy. They'd all suddenly be less interesting.

[@IMNTV]

He was Gold in a time where most were Silver

[@ETERNALXGAMEPLAY]

Funny thing is his story is the same as most “black” Americans these days if not all

[@justame333]

Bullshit. it’s actually similar

[@ETERNALXGAMEPLAY]

@@justame333 look up first “outlaws”

[@mookeybay26]

a charles game would not work because it wouldnt fit the theme of red dead redemption, sure he is brutal when he needs to be, but unlike arthur, he would never go into the streets of valetine and shoot up the locals, we know that he wouldnt. it just wouldnt be the fun outlaw game because it simply wouldnt work for someone who kills when they must