As a franchise,The Last of Usis soaring as the HBO television adaptation continues to deliver, and PC gamers are eagerly anticipating the release ofThe Last of Us Part 1, a remake of the original game. Fans initially grew attached to Joel and Ellie in the first game, but the world Naughty Dog delivered was also home to a lot of other many memorable characters.
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Each of them was trying to navigate the post-apocalyptic world in their way, from the first time they spoke to their final words.The Last of Usisn’t the type of story for the faint of heart, but the way it resonates with its audience on an emotional level is worth experiencing, even if it ends in tears and a runny nose.
Lev
Yara and Lev first appear in the series in a scene where Abby has been captured and Yara is set to be tortured. Lev comes in with his bow and arrow and successfully fends off the Seraphites. Not only does he save his sister, but the two ultimately agree to save Abby despite Lev’s reservations.
The last time Lev talks inThe Last Of Us Part IIhappens right after Abby is saved from the Rattlers and Ellie allows her to cut him down as well. As Abby places him in the escape boat in his emaciated state, he calls out to Abby shortly before Ellie challenges the person who seemingly took everything away from her. Eventually, Ellie allows Abby to leave, telling her that she should take Lev to safety.
Sarah Miller
The tragic death of Joel’s daughter Sarah in the opening introduction ofThe Last of Usis so emotionally impactful. Right from the get-go,Sarah’s sarcastic and playful relationshipwith her dad is expressed in a natural and charismatic way. Between the gift she gives Joel and the way she clearly worries about him, it’s clear that she has an empathetic heart.
In a moment where she is terrified in the arms of her dad as a government soldier aims a gun at them, she’s concerned about her Uncle Tommy and his whereabouts. All Sarah wanted was what was best for her dad, uncle, and herself, but she ended up dying an unnecessary death at the hands of a man with no spine or heart.
Tess
Though it’s never clearly defined what the relationship between Joel and Tess was, context clues make it loosely defined as more than a simple friendship. She can come off as being a bit abrasive, but it’s the type of person Joel needs at this point in his life where he’s shut himself off from the rest of the world emotionally.
In a way, Tess' death plays a role in Joel and Ellie becoming closer, as shared trauma has been studied and confirmed to make interpersonal bonds that much stronger. In her final moments, she knows she’s not long for the world and that Joel will have a hard time letting her go. He listens to her, though, and whenTess demands that he leaves, he listens.
Dina
It may not be as much of a focus as Ellie’s relationship with Joel or even her rival Abby, but what she develops with Dina throughoutThe Last of Us Part IIis beautifully tragic. At first, it’s a playful flirtation between the two that blossoms into the strongest romantic connection Ellie’s had in years. After the death of Jesse, the two grow closer as Dina is set to give birth to the baby she conceived with him.
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There comes a point where the two are living happily in a farmhouse with their child, but it’s clear that the need for violence and revenge is still on Ellie’s mind. Dina delivers a heartbreaking statement telling Ellie that her desire to kill Abby in Joel’s honor can’t be worth the risk of what they have together. It illustrates how, sometimes, humans seek out unnecessary conflict even when life has provided them with happiness, love, and stability.
Tommy
Tommy serves as an interesting comparison to his brother Joel, as, unlike his older introverted brother, Tommy is much more upbeat and social. He does care about his family though and rushes to Joel’s house as the outbreak happens in an attempt to make sure that both his brother and his niece are safe. Joel and Tommy weren’t always on the best of terms, but they were still brothers.
Despite Tommy almost dying at the hands of Abby, he recovers and seeks out Ellie and Dina in an attempt to persuade Ellie to hunt down Abby and get revenge for Joel’s death. He’s angry and hurt and just wants to see his brother’s killer brought to justice. The last time he’s heard is via an argument with Dina on the porch of her and Ellie’s home as his rash and rude behavior is questioned.
Abby
Abby inThe Last of Us Part IIis introduced as a new character making her way through the countryside with a group of survivors. As the story unfolds though, it’s clear that she has a lot more on her mind than checking in on her friends. She is guided by revenge to the point where she ends up being captured and tortured alongside her found family, Lev.
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At the end of the game, players experience agrueling physical brawl between Ellie and Abby, despite Abby clearly stating she wants no more violence and to leave Lev out of it. With Ellie reliving Joel’s death at the hands of Abby due to trauma flashbacks induced by the sight of blood, Abby is forced to engage with Ellie until exhaustion forces both of them to relent.
Joel
Joel is initially introduced as a blue-collar everyman looking to make ends meet, as he can first be overheard talking to his brother about their next job. Though he loses his daughter Sarah early on in the first game, players get to experience his connection to a new young girl named Ellie. Over the years, Ellie develops an unbreakable bond with Joel through their trials and tribulations.
That relationship is tested when Joel finally reveals to Ellie what happened at the hospital concerning her potential to be the cure. After they make amends and Ellie says that she’ll see Joel around, he simply lets her know that he’d enjoy their relationship continuing. This endgame scene cuts even deeper as it comes hours after players witnessed Joel’s death at the hands of Abby.
Ellie
WhenEllie is first introduced, she comes across as a chaotic child simply looking for consistency and structure. She fends off Joel and Tess, believing that they’re holding her current protector Marlene hostage. It showcases how protective Ellie can be over the people she holds closest, but also flashes how impacted she can be, emotionally.
Following her fallout with Joel after he reveals what happened at the end of the first game, Ellie has a hard time coming to terms with the revelation. At the very end ofThe Last of Us Part II, she tells Joel that she’ll see him around in a flashback that showcases where exactly their relationship stood before Joel’s brutal death.
