Ellie and Abby: How Their Relationship Drives the Story
In the The Last of Us series, Ellie and Abby represent opposing moral frameworks for survival and revenge. Their arcs explore trauma, accountability, and the cost of violence. This explanation clarifies their connection across the games and how key moments lead to the climactic confrontations fans ask about.
The Last of Us (2013): Ellie's Journey Before Abby
In the first game, Ellie is a teenager immune to the Cordyceps fungus who forms a deep bond with Joel. She is not yet involved in the conflict with Abby's group, the Fireflies. Abby is introduced later as a soldier whose father, Jerry, dies during surgery complications. The main story focuses on Joel and Ellie, and Abby's group is not central to the conflict, meaning Ellie does not encounter Abby at a point where lethal action against her is possible in this entry.
Key Characters Introduced in The Last of Us
- Ellie: The protagonist who develops throughout the game.
- Joel: Ellie's protector and the player character for most of the story.
- Marlene: Leader of the Fireflies who tasks Joel with escorting Ellie.
- Jerry: Abby's father, a Firefly surgeon whose death affects Abby.
The Last of Us Part II (2020): Story Structure and the Cycle of Violence
The game opens after a time skip, with Abby having joined the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) to care for her dying father. Ellie, now part of the Jackson community, becomes targeted by Abby after Jerry's death. The narrative deliberately alternates perspectives to show how both characters are shaped by grief and a desire for justice. This structural choice ensures players understand the emotional stakes for both sides before major confrontations occur.
Narrative Design in Part II
- Dual perspective: Players experience both Abby's and Ellie's stories. pivotal moments are presented from both viewpoints to emphasize consequence.
- The cycle of violence: Actions in the first game set up the conflicts of the sequel.
Does Ellie Kill Abby? Context and Key Moments
Yes, Ellie ultimately kills Abby in The Last of Us Part II, but the decision and context are complex. The killing occurs after a prolonged conflict where both characters lose people they care about. Ellie's choice is driven by a desire to avenge Joel's death and the suffering her group has endured. Abby's choices, shaped by her own trauma and paternal duty, lead to direct clashes with Ellie. The game explores whether revenge can ever provide closure, and how it perpetuates harm.
| Event | Ellie's Perspective | Abby's Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Conflict | Sees Abby as responsible for Joel's death | Trying to survive and honor her father's legacy |
| Firefly Hospital | Injured and vulnerable during surgery scene | Performs surgery under pressure; father dies |
| Final Confrontation | Chooses to pursue and kill Abby | Defends herself and attempts reconciliation |
| Aftermath | Struggles with the emotional cost of killing | Abby's fate is left ambiguous but implies departure |
The Broader Themes: Trauma, Revenge, and Accountability
The series uses Ellie and Abby to interrogate whether cycles of violence can ever be broken. Ellie's choice to kill Abby is framed not as simple justice, but as another link in the chain of trauma that both characters must live with. The games suggest that while revenge may feel necessary in the moment, it often deepens wounds rather than healing them. Abby's humanity is consistently emphasized, even in moments where the player controls Ellie and is encouraged to see her as an antagonist.
Ellie and Abby in the Series' Legacy
The handling of Ellie and Abby remains one of the most debated aspects of contemporary gaming. The Last of Us Part II was designed to challenge players' expectations about heroism and villainy. By making Ellie the protagonist of the first half and then shifting to Abby's perspective, the game forces a reckoning with the consequences of vengeance. Their relationship defines the emotional core of the story and illustrates how trauma can distort morality without absolving individual choices.