The Last of Us: 8 Iconic Characters You’ll Never Forget

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Summary

  • Lev acts as Abby’s voice of reason, providing emotional support and marksmanship skills.
  • Marlene, the Fireflies commander, stands firm on her beliefs, blurring the lines between ally and antagonist.
  • Dina, an endearing character, brings humor, loyalty, and humanity to the dark world of The Last of Us.

Naughty Dog has earned a prominent position within the gaming industry due to the numerous exceptional titles they’ve produced, however, it’s their groundbreaking franchise, The Last of Us, that truly captivated numerous players. The immersive gameplay and riveting narratives are major factors contributing to the widespread adoration for both games, but exceptional character development also played a significant role. This series introduced several characters who eventually became iconic figures in the gaming world.

In many of these games, the characters possess a richness and complexity that keeps audiences hooked as they journey through the dark experiences these characters face. It’s no secret that certain characters from The Last of Us series have captured the hearts of fans due to their captivating storylines, evolution, and growth. Among these remarkable individuals, a select few truly stand out.

This list contains spoilers!

8. Lev

Lev Acts As Abby’s Voice Of Reason When She Needs Him Most

In the second game, while Lev might not hold the primary spotlight, he undeniably assumes a crucial part in the narrative. His heartrending background and the way he’s handled by the cult elicits empathy from us. Interestingly, Lev’s innocent persona seems to influence Abbie significantly; her tough exterior gradually softens whenever they engage in profound discussions post their alliance later in the story.

In essence, Lev would function as a strong pillar of support for Abby, helping her stay focused and avoid being swayed by her feelings when she’s lost or overwhelmed. His exceptional shooting abilities also prove crucial in navigating through dangerous situations with hordes of survivors, allowing them to move stealthily and safely.

7. Marlene

The Commander Of The Fireflies Always Stood Firm In Her Beliefs

Discussions and debates about Marlene, both online and offline, are abundant due to her fascinating character traits. As the leader of Fireflies and a close friend of Ellie’s mother, Marlene was prepared to give up Ellie for the sake of creating a cure for the infection. However, this decision led to conflicts with Joel, who eventually rescued her despite their differences.

In essence, Marlene could be seen as the ‘opposing character’ in the initial game, yet her moral ambiguity sets her apart from the standard one-dimensional villain. Marlene is an intriguing figure within the series, making her a captivating topic for discussion due to her complex personality and connection to the broader narrative.

6. Tommy

Joel’s Selfless Brother Shares A Complicated Relationship With His Older Sibling

As the initial outbreak unfolded, Joel’s younger brother Tommy was consistently by his side when Joel prepared to drive his daughter Sarah to safety. In a selfless act, Tommy delayed a group of infected to enable Joel and Sarah to flee, even sacrificing himself for their survival. Sadly, Sarah didn’t live much longer, but Tommy remained significant in the narrative that followed.

In a somewhat reluctant manner, Tommy serves as a symbol of hope for Joel. While he may have the potential to guide Joel and Ellie towards the Fireflies, their past history suggests a tense relationship between them. Given that Joel was known to be quite stern with his younger brother while they were growing up, describing their bond as strained would be an understatement. In the second game, Tommy reappears significantly, offering Ellie guidance and insight before she embarks on any perilous journey.

5. Henry

A Concerned Father Who Highlights The Immense Pressure That Comes With Trying To Survive

When Joel and Ellie initially encounter Henry, he brandishes a weapon at them, but it soon becomes apparent that his aggressive behavior stems from his responsibility to protect his younger sibling. Throughout a portion of the first game, Henry proves himself a steadfast ally to Joel and Ellie, playing a crucial role in their escape from the city and their journey towards the Fireflies without meeting an untimely end due to gunfire.

Yet, it’s evident that Henry has a deep sense of responsibility towards his brother Sam, going as far as it appears that preserving Sam’s life is what keeps Henry alive. Tragically, Henry met his demise when Sam contracted an infection, but his character serves as a stark reminder of the intense burden and danger lurking in every corner of the country, should one take on the task of protecting another from such horrors.

4. Dina

An Endearing Character In A World Full Of Monsters

As a gamer, I’ve found that Dina isn’t just Ellie’s partner in crime or sidekick; she’s a complex character with a depth of her own. In this brutal world teeming with ruthless killers and Clickers, I’m learning the ropes alongside her. While many veterans have lost their humanity or find it hard to show, Dina still clings onto hers, making her one of the most human characters in the franchise. And let me tell you, she’s got a knack for keeping spirits high even in the grimmest situations, which earns her the title of the funniest character in this post-apocalyptic world.

As a devoted admirer, I can attest that Dina stands tall as an exceptionally loyal friend to Ellie throughout their journey. Even during pregnancy, she bravely steps up to protect Ellie when danger looms, truly shining amidst the fresh faces in part 2 of the series.

3. Abby

Abby Grows Into An Entirely Different Person Over The Course Of The Second Game

Initially appearing as a secondary character in the second installment, Abby takes center stage unexpectedly for much of the game, leaving fans surprised. As players progress through several hours, they witness Abby’s transformation from an unrelenting avenger to someone who grapples with the repercussions of perpetuating a never-ending cycle of revenge.

Lev significantly brought out Abby’s true nature, revealing a more empathetic aspect of her personality that offered an excellent contrast to Ellie. Their bond grew rapidly, transforming them into implacable foes. Apart from her captivating character development, Abby is delightful to control, particularly in close-quarters combat, where she can deal massive damage to both the infected and human survivors.

2. Joel

A Fascinating, Fun, Yet Complex Protagonist Who Has Become A Gaming Icon

At first glance, Joel might appear as just another tough and taciturn video game hero. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll find that this seasoned survivor harbors depth beyond what his initial appearance suggests. After the tragic loss of his daughter Sarah during the outbreak, Joel evolved into a hardened individual whose ethical compass seemed to be gradually fading amidst the chaos of a world gone awry.

The situation started evolving when he encountered Ellie. Watching Joel transform gradually into a more hopeful and expressive character throughout the narrative brings about an incredibly moving character development, and his contentious decision at the end of the first game remains a hot topic to this day. Joel has since become one of the most iconic figures in gaming, which is quite remarkable given that the series is only eleven years old.

1. Ellie

Going Through Hell And Back Has Forced Ellie To Mature And Grow As A Character

In the initial game, Ellie might have seemed brash and impulsive as a youngster, but she’s developed immensely since then, undergoing a deeply moving transformation that has completely changed her persona. While Joel was protecting her, Ellie could let loose and act playful or silly, which endeared her to many fans when they were first introduced to her early in the original game.

After Joel is removed from the narrative, Ellie grapples with discovering her role in the world and unexpectedly embarks on a violent and vengeful journey. The game “The Last of Us Part 2” delves into Ellie’s inner turmoil, focusing primarily on the torment she has endured due to constant conflict. This, combined with her distinctive appearance and exceptional portrayal by Ashley Johnson, have significantly elevated Ellie’s status as a beloved protagonist for many.

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2025-05-01 00:37