Ignacio Sanchez

 is a minor, unseen character in Red Dead Redemption. He is the tyrannical President of Mexico throughout much of the game, and represents most of the driving force behind the civil war between the Federales and the Reyes' Rebels.

Background
Sanchez was a Mexican general who took control of Mexico sometime in 1910, one year prior to the game's setting in 1911. According to early reports, he used to be the head of a calvary division in Mexico, but thought that the national government lacked the potential to rule the people. So, in a bid to seize power, he gathered his forces to instigate a bloody coup, in which he killed his own brother (who was then the current President of Mexico). Afterwards, Sanchez made several speeches to the Mexican people, promising a new golden era for Mexico, and big changes aimed to benefit everyone. Of course, most of these promises were empty, and once the people began to complain, Sanchez sent the army to quell any uprisings throughout the country. One territory that received much of Sanchez's support was Nuevo Paraiso, where large amounts of supplies and troops were entrusted to the territory's provincial governor, Colonel Allende and his forces. Even with all this social unrest going on, the people of the United States were made to believe that Sanchez was committed to helping the Mexican people, not hindering them. This was further supported when Marston openly admitted that he thought Sanchez was a kind and gracious leader, and that the people were praising his actions. After overthrowing Colonel Allende, a group of rebels led by Abraham Reyes marched on to Mexico City where Sanchez resided, and according to news reports, they overthrew him after a bloody siege that lasted for several weeks. By the end of the game, nobody really knew what happened to Sanchez. Many claim that he either fled into exile to live out the rest of his days in disgrace, or was killed by Abraham Reyes himself.

Interactions
Sanchez is never encountered in the game, but is referenced on several occasions, either through articles in the Blackwater Ledger or by some snide remarks by Abraham Reyes.

Trivia

 * Ironically enough, Reyes, Sanchez's successor, proved to be no better a leader than Sanchez was, despite claims that he planned on transforming Mexico into a democracy run by the people.
 * Before returning to Blackwater on orders from Edgar Ross, Marston was presented an offer by Reyes to join him in marching on Mexico City. Although John declined the offer, speculation suggests that had he actually accepted it, Sanchez might have made a small appearance in the game, serving as the last obstacle between the rebels and total victory. There's even a chance that Marston would get the opportunity to face Sanchez directly in combat, but this is all just speculation.