When it comes to storytelling in video games, The Last of Us Remastered remains a masterclass in emotional depth, character development, and narrative pacing. Released as an enhanced version of the original 2013 game, the remaster not only brings graphical upgrades but also revives the unforgettable journey of Joel and Ellie with renewed clarity. But while the story and gameplay mechanics are important, what truly cements The Last of Us Remastered as a classic are its characters.
From conflicted heroes to morally complex antagonists, each character in this game adds to its layered, post-apocalyptic world. In this blog post, we'll explore the best characters in The Last of Us Remastered, unpacking what makes them so compelling and essential to the game's enduring impact.
Ellie – The Heart of the Story
Ellie is not just a sidekick—she’s the emotional core of The Last of Us Remastered. Introduced as a witty, foul-mouthed teenager with a surprising sense of resilience, Ellie quickly proves to be more than capable of surviving in the infected-overrun world. But it's her emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression.
Her relationship with Joel begins with tension and sarcasm, but it evolves into something deeply meaningful. As players witness her transformation from a guarded teen into a battle-hardened survivor, Ellie becomes a symbol of lost innocence and hope. Her quick wit, vulnerability, and moral evolution offer players a deeply human connection, grounding the game’s often brutal world in empathy.
Voice actress Ashley Johnson’s performance brings Ellie to life with emotional complexity, seamlessly blending strength and fragility. Whether she's cracking jokes, reading comics, or holding a rifle, Ellie is a standout character who continues to influence storytelling in modern video games.
Joel – The Flawed Father Figure
Joel is one of the most compelling protagonists in gaming—not because he's a hero, but because he isn't. A grieving father turned hardened smuggler, Joel begins the game emotionally closed off and morally ambiguous. However, his journey with Ellie slowly reopens the part of him that once knew love, compassion, and purpose.
What makes Joel such a powerful character is the internal conflict that simmers beneath his stoic exterior. His decisions often walk a thin line between selfishness and survival, especially in the game’s climactic moments. His controversial choice at the end of the game forces players to question the morality of his actions, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
Troy Baker’s performance as Joel is a masterclass in voice acting, adding subtlety and gravitas to every line. From gruff commands to tender moments, Joel’s character arc is one of the richest in video game history.
Marlene – The Morally Gray Leader
Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, plays a critical role in shaping the game’s philosophical dilemmas. While she isn’t featured as prominently as Ellie or Joel, her presence is felt throughout the narrative, culminating in a pivotal moral conflict that defines the game’s ending.
Marlene believes in a cause larger than herself—the creation of a cure to save humanity. But her willingness to sacrifice Ellie for that cause introduces one of the game’s most profound ethical debates. Is it right to sacrifice one for the many? Or does that mindset only continue the cycle of loss and violence?
Her moral ambiguity adds complexity to the story and forces players to reflect on themes of sacrifice, responsibility, and parental love. Marlene's inclusion elevates The Last of Us Remastered from a survival story to a philosophical drama.
Tommy – The Brother Who Took Another Path
Tommy, Joel’s younger brother, serves as a foil to Joel's hardened survivalist mentality. Unlike Joel, Tommy eventually separates from the cutthroat world of smuggling and violence to pursue a more hopeful existence. When the two reunite, it’s clear that their paths have diverged significantly.
Tommy represents what Joel could have been—someone who, despite the horrors of the world, still believes in rebuilding and helping others. His community in Jackson is a rare glimpse of stability and cooperation in a chaotic world. This contrast with Joel offers a poignant reflection on the choices both characters have made.
Despite being a secondary character, Tommy leaves a significant impact, especially in how he influences Joel and Ellie’s journey. His presence serves as a reminder that even in a world gone mad, some still strive for redemption.
Bill – The Paranoid Survivor
Bill is one of the more eccentric characters in The Last of Us Remastered, but his brief chapter is rich with character development and subtle storytelling. Living alone in a booby-trapped town, Bill is a survivalist who trusts no one—until Joel and Ellie arrive.
Through his interactions with Joel, we learn about the cost of isolation and the pain of losing someone. His partner Frank, though never seen alive, has an emotional impact that lingers through environmental storytelling and subtle dialogue. Bill’s tough exterior hides a deeply wounded individual who, despite everything, still shows a glimmer of care for others.
His chapter is also one of the game’s most unique in tone, blending dark humor with emotional depth. Bill’s story serves as a smaller, yet essential, exploration of love, fear, and loneliness.
The Importance of Strong Supporting Characters
While the main focus often falls on Joel and Ellie, The Last of Us Remastered shines because of its strong supporting cast. These characters aren’t just there to fill space—they each contribute something meaningful to the world and to the player's understanding of its rules and emotional stakes.
Here are a few standout supporting characters worth mentioning:
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Henry and Sam: Their tragic arc highlights the fragility of hope in a cruel world.
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Tess: A hardened smuggler who reveals a softer side in her sacrifice.
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David: A terrifying antagonist whose calm demeanor hides a sadistic nature.
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Sarah: Joel’s daughter, whose fate shapes the emotional core of the entire narrative.
These characters each reflect different facets of the world—fear, hope, desperation, cruelty—and help paint a fuller picture of humanity in crisis.
Final Thoughts
What elevates The Last of Us Remastered above most story-driven games is not just its plot, but its unforgettable characters. Each one, from Ellie and Joel to lesser-known figures like Bill or Marlene, plays a vital role in crafting a world that feels raw, real, and emotionally resonant.
The game doesn't rely on caricatures or one-dimensional tropes. Instead, it presents layered individuals grappling with loss, love, morality, and survival. Their decisions matter—not just to the story, but to the player’s own moral compass.
As a result, The Last of Us Remastered remains a benchmark in narrative-driven gaming, thanks largely to the strength and depth of its character roster.
