Who Was Abby Who Killed Joel?
Abby is the daughter of Jerry Anderson, the head surgeon who worked for the Fireflies in the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us. She is a key character in the game and plays a significant role in the story. Abby’s story begins with her being raised by her father in Salt Lake City, where he works on making a vaccine for the Cordyceps brain infection that has devastated humanity.
Abby’s Childhood and Training
As the daughter of a Fireflies scientist, Abby grew up surrounded by the group’s efforts to find a cure for the infection. From a young age, Abby was trained in combat and self-defense, which would become essential skills for her future survival. Her father’s work on the vaccine consumed him, and Abby felt abandoned and neglected. She turned to her friends in the Fireflies for comfort and support, which only deepened her emotional bond with them.
Abby’s Relationship with Ellie
Abby’s storyline in The Last of Us Part II revolves around her relationship with Ellie, who is the main protagonist of the game. The two women have a complicated past, with Abby feeling resentment towards Ellie for her connection to Joel, the man who killed Abby’s friends. Ellie, on the other hand, sees Abby as a symbol of her own guilt and failure. Their complex emotions towards each other drive the narrative forward, leading to a thrilling and emotional confrontation.
Abby’s Crime: Killing Joel
The catalyst for Abby’s story is her decision to kill Joel, the man who betrayed the Fireflies and their mission to save humanity. Joel’s actions led to the death of countless Fireflies, including Abby’s friends, and Abby believes that killing him is her way of avenging their loss. Joel’s death serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of his actions and sets the stage for the emotional conflicts that follow.
Why Ellie Spared Abby’s Life
Ellie’s decision to spare Abby’s life is a crucial plot point in the game. It highlights Ellie’s struggle to come to terms with Joel’s death and her own guilt over failing to protect him. By choosing to spare Abby’s life, Ellie is able to begin the process of forgiving Joel and moving on from his death. This act also underscores the theme of compassion and empathy, even in the face of extreme trauma and loss.
What Happened to Abby After Joel’s Death?
After killing Joel, Abby’s life takes a dark turn. She is hunted by Ellie, who sees her as a symbol of her own guilt and responsibility for Joel’s death. Abby is forced to fight for her survival, eventually joining a group of soldiers who are fighting against a new threat. Her past continues to haunt her, and she is unable to escape the emotional trauma that has consumed her.
Abby’s Disease
Abby’s physical body is also affected by her experiences. She becomes paralysed from the neck down due to her injuries, leaving her a quadriplegic. This added trauma compounds her emotional pain, making her a complex and relatable character.
Conclusion
Abby’s story is a powerful exploration of the human condition, highlighting the devastating consequences of violence, trauma, and loss. Her character serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of human emotion, even in the face of extreme adversity. Her complex relationships with Ellie and her father, as well as her own struggles with her past, make her a compelling and relatable character.