User blog comment:Spawny0908/Character Disscusion: John and the Honor Meter/@comment-216.17.150.17-20120313192327

That conflict you're referring to is an essential aspect to John's character. He really was one of those bad bad guys in the past, and it's a constant struggle for him to not slide back into those ways. The game tends to make it easier to shoot first and ask questions later. Just like in real life, it usually takes a lot more effort to do the right thing.

But above all, John wants his family back. He will do anything to make that happen. He doesn't want to be a bad guy anymore, but he sure as hell will be if that's what takes to get his family back. The moral conflicts in this game are what makes it so awesome IMO.