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Is Abby Evil in The Last of Us Part II? A Complex Character Study

The question of whether Abby Anderson is evil in The Last of Us Part II is not a simple yes or no answer. She’s a deeply complex character motivated by trauma, grief, and a relentless pursuit of justice (or, perhaps, revenge) as she perceives it. Abby’s actions, while brutal and arguably reprehensible from Joel’s perspective, stem from a deep-seated pain caused by his actions in the first game. Labeling her purely “evil” ignores the nuanced narrative that Naughty Dog meticulously crafted, challenging players to confront uncomfortable truths about morality and perspective.

Understanding Abby’s Motivation: Beyond Simple Revenge

Abby’s story is crucial to understanding why she does what she does. To dismiss her as purely evil is to miss the entire point of the game’s exploration of the cycle of violence.

The Death of Her Father

Abby’s father was the surgeon Joel killed in the first game’s climax to save Ellie. This event is the catalyst for everything that follows. He wasn’t just some faceless enemy; he was a loving father and a skilled doctor working to find a cure. This is the core of her trauma.

The WLF and Abby’s Found Family

After her father’s death, Abby finds a new family and purpose within the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a paramilitary group fighting for control of Seattle. The WLF provides her with structure, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging, which further shapes her actions and beliefs.

Experiencing the Apocalypse

Like Joel and Ellie, Abby has survived unspeakable horrors in the post-apocalyptic world. She’s witnessed countless deaths, fought relentless infected, and made difficult choices to survive. These experiences desensitize her and contribute to her hardened exterior.

The Morality of Perspective: Walking in Abby’s Shoes

The most controversial aspect of The Last of Us Part II is forcing players to play as Abby after witnessing her brutal act against Joel. This decision, however, is intentional.

Empathy Through Gameplay

By playing as Abby, players are forced to confront their own biases and see the world through her eyes. We witness her struggles, her relationships, and her own traumas. This doesn’t excuse her actions, but it allows for a more nuanced understanding of her character.

The Cycle of Violence

The game explicitly demonstrates the cycle of violence. One act of revenge leads to another, perpetuating a never-ending chain of suffering. Abby’s actions, while born from grief, ultimately contribute to this cycle.

Is Redemption Possible?

Throughout the game, we see glimpses of Abby’s humanity. She forms a bond with Lev and Yara, two siblings who defect from the Seraphites. This relationship suggests that redemption is possible, even for someone who has committed terrible acts.

Confronting Uncomfortable Truths

The Last of Us Part II is not a feel-good story. It’s a challenging and often uncomfortable experience that forces players to confront difficult questions about morality, perspective, and the consequences of violence.

The Ambiguity of Good and Evil

The game deliberately blurs the lines between good and evil. There are no clear heroes or villains, only flawed individuals struggling to survive in a brutal world. This is a key element in understanding why labeling Abby as simply “evil” is a vast oversimplification.

The Impact of Trauma

Both Abby and Ellie are deeply traumatized individuals. Their actions are often driven by their past experiences and their inability to cope with the horrors they have witnessed.

The Consequences of Revenge

Ultimately, The Last of Us Part II serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of revenge. It demonstrates how the pursuit of vengeance can consume individuals and lead to further suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Abby Anderson

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Abby Anderson, designed to provide further insight into this complex and controversial character.

Why did Abby kill Joel? Abby killed Joel as revenge for killing her father, the surgeon who was about to operate on Ellie to extract a cure for the Cordyceps infection in the first game. Joel’s actions denied humanity a potential cure, but also saved Ellie’s life.
Is Abby a sympathetic character? Whether Abby is sympathetic is subjective. The game encourages empathy by allowing players to experience her perspective, her losses, and her motivations. Some find her sympathetic, while others do not.
Did Abby deserve to be hated by fans? The backlash against Abby and the actress who portrayed her was excessive and unwarranted. While her actions are certainly controversial, the level of hate she received was disproportionate and often misogynistic.
Does Abby show any remorse for her actions? Abby does show glimpses of remorse, particularly when she forms a bond with Lev and Yara. This suggests that she is capable of empathy and that she may regret the violence she has perpetrated.
What is the significance of Abby’s relationship with Lev and Yara? Abby’s relationship with Lev and Yara represents a chance for redemption. By protecting them, she demonstrates that she is capable of compassion and that she can break the cycle of violence.
How does Abby’s story compare to Ellie’s story? Both Abby and Ellie are driven by revenge and experience significant trauma. Their stories mirror each other in many ways, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence and the devastating consequences of loss.
Was it necessary for players to play as Abby? Playing as Abby was a crucial narrative choice. It forces players to confront their own biases and see the world from a different perspective, ultimately deepening the game’s themes of empathy and moral ambiguity.
Does Abby ever find peace? The ending is open to interpretation. While Abby survives, she is left physically and emotionally scarred. Whether she ever truly finds peace is left for the player to decide.
What is the WLF? The Washington Liberation Front (WLF) is a paramilitary group that controls much of Seattle in The Last of Us Part II. They are engaged in a brutal conflict with the Seraphites.
How does Abby’s physical strength contribute to her character? Abby’s physical strength is a symbol of her resilience and her determination to survive. It also sets her apart from other characters in the game, challenging traditional gender roles.
What are Abby’s motivations for helping the Fireflies in Santa Barbara? After dedicating so much of her life to avenging her father, Abby is motivated to find the remaining Fireflies in hopes of contributing to a cure once again. She is looking to rekindle a sense of purpose.
Why is The Last of Us Part II so divisive? The Last of Us Part II is divisive due to its controversial narrative choices, including the death of Joel and the requirement to play as Abby. The game challenges players’ expectations and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about morality and perspective.
How does Abby’s story reflect real-world conflicts? Abby’s story reflects the complexities of real-world conflicts by highlighting the cyclical nature of violence, the devastating consequences of revenge, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
What makes Abby a complex video game character? Abby is a complex video game character because she challenges the traditional notion of heroes and villains. Her actions are driven by a complex mix of trauma, grief, and a desire for justice, making her both sympathetic and reprehensible.
What can we learn from Abby’s journey in The Last of Us Part II? We can learn about the dangers of the cycle of violence, the significance of perspective-taking, and the importance of empathy through Abby’s journey in The Last of Us Part II. The Games Learning Society explores these very ideas and more in their work: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity

Ultimately, labeling Abby as simply “evil” is a disservice to the nuanced and thought-provoking narrative of The Last of Us Part II. She is a product of her environment, driven by trauma and a relentless pursuit of what she believes is justice. By understanding her motivations and confronting our own biases, we can appreciate the complexity of her character and the game’s powerful message about the cycle of violence and the importance of empathy. It is also important to remember that we can learn and grow from experiences like this. The Games Learning Society offers various learning opportunities through gaming.

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