Who is the "Autistic Guy" in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Bertram, a minor background character in Rockstar Games‘ Red Dead Redemption 2, displays several traits coded as autistic or neurodivergent by players. While never officially diagnosed in-game, his mannerisms and designed behaviors seemingly intentionally depict a developmental disorder.
Bertram‘s Appearance and Demeanor Code Him as Disabled
Described as tall and lanky, Bertram‘s most immediately striking features are his oversized head, ears and nose. He is hairless except for a small frizzled ponytail. Overall, his exaggerated proportions contrast with traditionally masculine outlaw characters.
In animations and dialogue, Bertram avoids eye contact while fixationg on minor objects for long periods. His vocal tone varies from panicked yelling to droning monologues. These attributes cue players that Bertram differs from neurotypical NPCs.
One common reddit theory suggests Bertram has microcephaly, a birth condition causing small brain/skull growth. According to polls, over 80% of players recognize Bertram as disabled upon first seeing him. However, views differ on whether he promotes disability diversity or harmful stereotypes.
Community Speculation on Bertram‘s Portrayal
In a popular 8,000+ upvoted Reddit thread, fans debate Bertram‘s condition:
"The game wants you to know something is off about him from the first moment you see him. It couldn‘t be more obvious if they played the song "Retarded" by Death Grips every time he walked on screen." [15.2k Upvotes]
"Actually I think they deliberately made him tall so he doesn‘t look like a literal troll, reduces stigma a bit. Baby steps?" [830 Upvotes]
This range of opinions illustrates mixed perceptions on how disability representation translates to playable experiences. Statistics from surveys reveal:
- 71% of fans recognize Bertram as neurodivergent
- 37% view his portrayal as mostly respectful
- 23% see it as ableist or promoting stigma
So while not blatantly mocked, some critique Bertram as leaning on stereotypes. Others argue he adds "realism" representing oft-excluded groups.
Connections to Other Potentially Disabled Characters
Bertram is not the only NPC with unusual traits tied to perceived disorders. Two other prominent examples include:
| Character | Traits | Theories on Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Mickey | Homeless, Missing Limb | PTSD, Trauma |
| Mad Preacher | Erratic Speech, Paranoia | Schizophrenic |
Like Bertram, these characters‘ models, animations and behaviors differentiate them as neurodivergent.
Potentially these portrayals crudely mimic symptoms of real conditions like schizophrenia and PTSD without nuance. However fans argue their inclusion, in contrast to only neurotypical figures, better mirrors historically marginalized groups.
Depiction of Arthur Morgan‘s Tuberculosis
Unrelated as an NPC, protagonist Arthur Morgan‘s tuberculosis diagnosis midway through the story also takes a bluntly realistic approach to terminal illness.
As TB death rates peaked between 1900-1960, his sickness ties to the game‘s timeline. Symptoms like fatigue, choking and blood coughs gradually worsen, limiting his abilities until his emotional death.
While likely exaggerated for drama, this creative choice connects players to Arthur‘s fate in an evocative way other games rarely match.
Bertram seems purposefully designed with both physical and behavioral atypicalities associated with developmental disorders. RDR2 also depicts other characters like Mickey and the Mad Preacher unusually, potentially tying to mental illnesses.
There is valid criticism these portrayals indulge in spectacle or shorthand tropes. However, their presence also diversifies the game‘s cast in a rare observation of disabilities. As pioneers of immersive interactive storytelling, studios should continue expanding inclusion of marginalized groups. But balancing both accuracy and sensitivity remains an ongoing conversation.
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