Ellie may not be the first lesbian character to ever grace any video game but she does stand out as one of the first major characters in a AAA title who, despite going through a lot of tragedy in her life, is not characterized as a tragic person solely due to her sexuality. Through both The Last Of Us’ DLC and The Last Of Us Part 2, she develops even more as she takes on the role of the playable protagonist.

She makes debatable choices and stumbles but ultimately comes out as a real, caring, badass individual that has made the most of the agency she has in a cruel and violent world. She is a complex person that actually gets to express both moments of joy and grief, which is refreshing to see in this day and age.