RDR2's Nature Photographer Character Might Be Based On a Real Person
Red Dead Redemption 2's Albert Mason is likely based on real-life nature photographer George Shiras III. Red Dead Redemption 2, the massive open world Wild West game from Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar, received immense praise from critics and players alike for its meticulous attention to detail to create an incredibly deep, immersive world. The game is so packed with details that some will only be noticed on a second playthrough, while others are only just being discovered, nearly two years since the game originally released.
One way that Rockstar was able to expand the game was through the use of side missions that would subtly change the world and give protagonist Arthur Morgan new weapons or items. Often the resolutions of these missions would be sprinkled throughout the world, sometimes indicating happy endings to tragic stories. Some of these side characters are clearly based on figures of the late nineteenth century, such as the mad scientist Marko Dragic who shares similarities with Nikola Tesla and the Mary Shelley character Victor Frankenstein. One other character, Albert Mason, was just now connected to his likely real-life inspiration.
Per an insightful Reddit post from user GoHuskers30, Albert Mason is likely inspired by George Shiras III. According to the post, Shiras is known as the father of wildlife photography who was the first photographer to have wildlife photos displayed in the influential National Geographic magazine. In Red Dead Redemption 2, Mason is a wildlife photographer who is open about his naivety concerning animals, and asks Morgan for help and protection in dealing with dangerous creatures such as bears, wolves, and alligators. Shiras also was always accompanied by someone able to protect him.
Mason makes appearances across five side missions, and in a somewhat unusual turn of events for a Red Dead Redemption side character, no ill fate befalls him. Arthur can't helped but be charmed by the man, despite his clumsiness and admitted lack of wildlife knowledge. Mason's passion for animals is apparent, however, and will reprimand the character if an animal is skinned in front of him.
Many of Red Dead Redemption 2's "stranger missions" concern total odd balls with weird requests for Arthur, and although Albert Mason is one of the more grounded characters, fully aware and often joking about his own failures and limitations, his obsession with photography to the point of risking his life always seemed ridiculous. It's fitting that Rockstar would find a way to pay tribute to a pioneering photographer who helped make National Geographic what it is today. Who knows what other secrets and references wait to be discovered in Red Dead Redemption 2.
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