Introduction
Naughty Dog redefined story-driven action games with the release of The Last of Us. Beyond its terrifying Infected and atmospheric post-apocalyptic world, the franchise's real strength lies in its deeply human character writing. From hardened survivors driven by grief to young companions clinging to hope, every figure in this saga leaves a lasting mark on players.
Whether exploring the original journey in The Last of Us, the tragic expansion in The Last of Us: Left Behind, or the complex, polarizing revenge narrative of The Last of Us Part II, the series delivers some of the best narrative writing in gaming history. Below is our ranking of the top 10 best characters across the franchise.
10. Bill
Bill is the quintessential lone survivalist in The Last of Us. Paranoia, trap-building skills, and extreme cynicism have kept him alive in an abandoned town filled with infected. However, underneath his gruff exterior lies a tragic figure who chose absolute isolation over the pain of loss after losing his partner, Frank.
Bill serves as a cautionary tale for Joel early in the first game, illustrating what a human becomes when they lock away all empathy to survive. His sharp dialogue and dark humor make his brief segment one of the most memorable portions of the campaign.
9. Tess Servopoulos
As Joel's smuggling partner in the Boston quarantine zone, Tess sets the entire story in motion. Ruthless, pragmatic, and respected throughout the underground network, she is every bit as dangerous as Joel in combat and negotiation.
What elevates Tess is her eventual willingness to believe in a better future. When she discovers Ellie's immunity, Tess transitions from a cold-hearted mercenary to a fierce believer in humanity's salvation. Her sacrifice early in The Last of Us gives Joel a renewed purpose and establishes the harsh reality of their world.
8. Lev
Introduced in The Last of Us Part II, Lev is a former member of the religious cult known as the Seraphites. Exiled alongside his sister Yara for defying the cult's rigid traditions, Lev brings a sense of quiet resilience, honor, and innocent curiosity to a world consumed by brutality.
Lev plays a critical role in humanizing Abby, acting as her moral compass in much the same way young Ellie impacted Joel. His archer skills in combat and his stoic yet tender personality make him one of the standout additions to the sequel.
7. Dina
Dina is the emotional anchor for Ellie throughout The Last of Us Part II. Bright, loyal, and quick-witted, Dina offers a sense of warmth and normalcy amid the bleak ruins of Seattle.
Despite the immense dangers of Ellie's quest for revenge, Dina stands by her side, balancing personal bravery with a grounded reality. Her relationship with Ellie adds profound emotional weight to the story, highlighting the devastating consequences when grief consumes love.
6. Tommy Miller
Joel's younger brother, Tommy, represents a different path through the apocalypse. Unlike Joel, who hardened himself through smuggling and detachment, Tommy sought purpose by joining the Fireflies before eventually building a thriving community in Jackson, Wyoming.
Across The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II, Tommy undergoes a tragic arc. He evolves from a compassionate leader attempting to rebuild civilization into a man consumed by anger and trauma, illustrating how grief can alter even the most stable individuals.
5. Marlene
Known as the "Queen Firefly," Marlene is the leader of the Firefly revolutionary movement. She carries the immense responsibility of trying to restore democracy and synthesize a cure for the Cordyceps brain infection.
Marlene is a complex character forced into agonizing moral dilemmas. She loved Ellie's mother and swore to protect Ellie, yet she ultimately decides that sacrificing one child is justified to save humanity. Her presence in The Last of Us creates the narrative climax that defines the entire franchise.
4. Sarah Miller
Despite appearing only during the opening prologue of The Last of Us, Sarah Miller leaves an indelible footprint on the entire story. Her playful dynamic with her father, Joel, establishes the emotional core of his character before outbreak day takes everything away.
Sarah's tragic death remains one of the most heartbreaking sequences in video game history. Her loss fuels Joel's emotional shutdown for twenty years and explains every choice he makes once Ellie enters his life.
3. Abby Anderson
Abby is one of the most complex and daring characters ever written in modern gaming. Introduced in The Last of Us Part II, she begins as the antagonist driving the game's central tragedy. However, as players spend half the campaign in her shoes, her perspective unfolds.
Driven by the murder of her father, Abby's path mirrors Ellie's in devastating detail. Her physical strength, tactical combat style, and journey toward redemption through protecting Lev transform her from a figure of hatred into a deeply empathetic protagonist.
2. Ellie Williams
Ellie is the heart and soul of the franchise. Introduced as a foul-mouthed, curious fourteen-year-old orphan in The Last of Us, her immunity to the Cordyceps infection makes her humanity's last hope. Her relationship with Joel forms the foundation of the series.
Across The Last of Us: Left Behind and The Last of Us Part II, players witness her growth from an optimistic teenager into a trauma-haunted adult. Ashley Johnson's performance gives Ellie an unmatched level of vulnerability, fierce determination, and emotional depth.
1. Joel Miller
Taking the top spot is Joel Miller, the survivor whose grief, stoicism, and fierce love define the franchise. Following the loss of his daughter at the start of the outbreak, Joel spent two decades closing his heart off to survive in a ruined world.
His reluctant journey to escort Ellie across the country in The Last of Us rekindles his humanity, leading to one of the most morally complex decisions in gaming narrative history. Troy Baker's iconic performance ensures Joel remains one of the greatest video game protagonists of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main protagonist of The Last of Us?
Joel Miller is the primary playable protagonist in The Last of Us, while Ellie becomes the primary protagonist in The Last of Us: Left Behind and The Last of Us Part II.
Are all these characters in the HBO television adaptation?
Yes, major characters such as Joel, Ellie, Tess, Bill, Tommy, Marlene, and Sarah appear in the first season of HBO's adaptation, with Abby and Lev featured in subsequent seasons mirroring the story of The Last of Us Part II.
Why is character development so important in The Last of Us games?
Naughty Dog prioritizes character-driven storytelling, meaning the plot choices are directly motivated by personal trauma, relationships, and human psychology rather than standard post-apocalyptic tropes.
Final Thoughts
The strength of The Last of Us lies in its refusal to paint the world in absolute shades of good and evil. Every character operates within a gray area driven by survival, love, and loss. Whether inspiring hope or provoking controversy, these ten figures represent the pinnacle of storytelling in modern video games.
