Discover Abby Anderson’s Character and Role in The Last of Us Part 2

Abby Anderson stands out as one of the central playable characters in The Last of Us Part 2, sharing the spotlight with Ellie Williams. The course of her life is dramatically altered due to Joel’s violent actions at the Firefly Hospital in Salt Lake City during the events of the first game. This pivotal moment not only extinguishes her hope of discovering a cure for the Cordyceps infection but also destabilizes her and her team, compelling the narrative to occasionally shift to Abby’s perspective to explore her side of the story.

From a young age, Abby was exposed to violence and grief, shaping her into the resilient survivor she becomes. Director Neil Druckmann envisioned Abby as a counterpoint to Ellie’s journey. The overarching theme of vengeance is central to the plot, with Joel’s actions at the Firefly Hospital propelling Abby down a dark and tumultuous road.

While many players may perceive her as a rival to Ellie, it’s essential to recognize that Abby assumes the role of a protagonist within the game’s narrative.

Abby Anderson: A Victim of Circumstances in The Last of Us Part 2

Abby Anderson lost all of her innocence at a young age (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Abby Anderson lost all of her innocence at a young age (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

Set slightly beyond the age of Ellie, Abby is just a few years older at 19. She is the daughter of Jerry Anderson, the last surgeon capable of creating a vaccine for the infection, and the head of the Salt Lake City Firefly outpost, a guerilla faction dedicated to revolutionary goals. Abby’s upbringing involved training in the care of living beings and tracking wounded wildlife.

However, everything changed when Joel murdered her father, eliminating the only hope for a cure for Ellie and shattering Abby’s world. After leaving Salt Lake City, Abby and her team allied with the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) in Seattle, enlisting to fight against the Seraphites, also known as Scars. During her five years with the WLF, she honed her skills in mixed martial arts, gained physical strength, and ascended the ranks as a top combatant within Isaac’s forces. This training would eventually aid her in her quest for vengeance against Joel.

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In 2038, rumors lead Abby to Tommy’s location, prompting her to believe that Joel must be nearby. Accompanied by her crew, she travels to Wyoming, where she finds herself rescued from a horde of infected by Joel and Tommy. Ultimately, Abby confronts Joel, brutally attacking him with a golf club while sparing Tommy and Ellie, who also happens upon the scene.

The pang of losing her father fuels Abby’s relentless pursuit of revenge. It propels her into a new role with the WLF, where she focuses on transforming her grief into a mission to become a formidable force against the man who altered the course of her life.

Abby’s Action-Packed Journey

Abby and Ellie have gone through a lot in The Last of Us games (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Abby and Ellie have gone through a lot in The Last of Us games (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

The gameplay experiences a significant shift as players delve into Abby’s journey, which takes place over the course of three gripping days leading to a confrontation in a theater. Abby’s campaign is marked by intensity and showcases her distinctive, aggressive fighting style.

Abby’s military training positions her as a formidable opponent against both the Infected and the Scars. Her initiation involves overcoming a Scar ambush alongside her crew, followed by an exploratory mission into the depths of enemy territory.

Partnered with Lev, Abby confronts her fear of heights while navigating hostile environments, using their unique “sky bridges.” On the same day, she battles the Rat King, a terrifying entity representing the evolution of infected adversaries over two decades.

As the plot unfolds, Abby encounters Tommy during a tense sniping session reminiscent of earlier game mechanics. Later, she navigates Scar Island, battling Scar soldiers while ultimately betraying the WLF to protect Lev.

On Day 3, following the tragic death of Abby’s friends at the hands of Ellie, she and Lev face off against Ellie but choose mercy instead of vengeance. Their journey continues to Santa Barbara, where they seek intel on the Fireflies. However, their attempt to reach safety is thwarted by the Rattlers, leading to their capture.

After a desperate escape fails, Abby and Lev find themselves suspended above the beach as punishment, resulting in Abby losing her strength and combat prowess.

Conclusion: Abby’s Controversial Legacy

Abby Anderson and Ellie Williams are two young, unfortunate survivors (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Abby Anderson and Ellie Williams are two young, unfortunate survivors (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

Abby Anderson represents a bold character choice for Naughty Dog in The Last of Us Part 2. Introducing an entirely new character to confront beloved figures like Joel and Ellie posed challenges, particularly considering her violent actions towards Joel. However, over time, many in the gaming community began to empathize with Abby’s tragic story, recognizing the depths of her pain even if they do not condone her choices.

Some players have begun to understand and appreciate her motivations, highlighting that she is not merely the antagonist in this narrative. Rather, Abby exemplifies the complexity of morality – individuals may commit heinous acts despite having noble intentions at heart.

Ultimately, Druckmann’s decision to keep Abby alive lends hope for future explorations of her character arc. While she may not resonate with all players as a quintessential video game protagonist, Abby’s journey is undeniably compelling, showcasing her resilience and strength. Regardless of personal opinions, Abby Anderson is undoubtedly a powerful figure in the realm of The Last of Us Part 2.

The Last of Us Part 2 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

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