What Is Abby’s Weakness? Exploring the Vulnerabilities of a Complex Character
Abby Anderson, a central figure in The Last of Us Part II, is often portrayed as a physically imposing and ruthlessly determined character. However, beneath the hardened exterior lies a complex individual with several significant weaknesses, both physical and psychological. Abby’s core weakness is her deep-seated fear of being alone and a pervasive fear of vulnerability. This vulnerability manifests in various ways, stemming from her traumatic past and impacting her actions and decisions throughout the game. Her intense desire to avenge her father, while seemingly a strength, is also a product of this fear and ultimately becomes a significant chink in her armor. This fear of loneliness is inextricably linked to her PTSD and manifests through vivid nightmares about autopsy.
The Fear of Aloneness and Vulnerability
Abby’s fear of being alone is not simply a preference for companionship; it is a deeply rooted anxiety that drives many of her choices. This fear is vividly illustrated by her recurring nightmares of being dead during an autopsy. These nightmares are not solely about death itself but about the utter helplessness and isolation associated with it. She admits to her psychologist that these dreams stem from her fear of being alone. This fear influences her need to be part of a group, first with the WLF (Washington Liberation Front) and later with Lev. Her connection with Lev and his sister, Yara, becomes a crucial source of comfort, showcasing her fear of isolation and need for companionship.
Psychological Scars: PTSD and Trauma
Abby’s vulnerability is further amplified by the PTSD and trauma she carries from the death of her father. The graphic murder of her father at the hands of Joel triggers a cycle of violence and vengeance that consumes her. She invests five grueling years into physically training and dedicating her life solely to retribution. This obsession, though outwardly demonstrating resilience, shows a deep psychological fragility. This obsession also highlights a lack of flexibility in her mental approach, making it difficult for her to adapt when the situation changes and when she is challenged. When the opportunity presents itself to torture Joel, she has no hesitation, and is even visibly upset when others express remorse for that.
The Illusion of Strength
Abby’s physical strength, meticulously built for her mission of revenge, can be seen as a shield she uses to mask her internal vulnerabilities. Her musculature and combat prowess are a clear indication of her devotion to this goal. However, this physical strength does not equate to emotional strength. Abby’s emotional instability is apparent when faced with the unexpected and emotionally complex situations that arise during the game. She becomes easily frustrated and, as one commenter notes, only talks about letting go when she is injured and helpless. She displays an inability to cope without violence and vengeance.
Moral and Emotional Conflicts
Abby’s moral compass is severely tested throughout the game. The pursuit of vengeance blinds her to the long-term implications of her actions, leading to a cycle of violence. Even though she ruthlessly hunts down Joel, she does not understand Ellie’s similar quest for revenge for Joel. This hypocrisy underscores her internal conflict. She is visibly bothered by the brutality of some actions she witnesses, and even admits to being jealous that Owen went to her for comfort, demonstrating her moral shortcomings. Her willingness to break from her loyalty to the WLF to save Lev and Yara shows that she has the capacity to prioritize empathy, but that this empathy must be driven by a direct connection with individuals she cares about.
The Breaking Point and Redemption
Abby’s breaking point is ultimately tied to her vulnerability. Despite her physical strength, when confronted with the near-death of Lev, Abby experiences an emotional collapse. This moment of vulnerability is also a turning point in her arc. Witnessing Ellie’s determination to drown her in the water triggers a crucial flashback for Ellie, and she spares Abby. This act of mercy allows Abby to finally let go of her need for revenge and seek a different future. Escaping the Rattlers with Lev and setting sail on a boat with him symbolizes her first step towards genuine emotional healing, emphasizing the importance of compassion to her development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Abby’s Weaknesses
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Abby’s weaknesses:
1. Is Abby Scared of Heights?
Yes, Abby has acrophobia, or a fear of heights. This is demonstrated several times throughout the game, including her visibly distressed reaction when she is near high ledges. When she looks down, the camera also pans out, which signifies her triggered acrophobia and vertigo.
2. Why Is Abby So Obsessed With Revenge?
Abby’s obsession with revenge is rooted in the violent death of her father at the hands of Joel. This traumatic experience drives her to dedicate years to training and ultimately seeking retribution, highlighting her inability to process her grief constructively.
3. Does Abby Have PTSD?
Yes, it is highly suggested that Abby suffers from PTSD, stemming from the traumatic death of her father. Her recurring nightmares of autopsy and her emotional instability are common indicators of this condition.
4. Why Does Abby Have Nightmares About Autopsy?
Abby’s nightmares of autopsy are directly linked to her fear of being alone and vulnerable. These nightmares highlight her deep-seated anxiety about helplessness and isolation.
5. Is Abby Bad in The Last of Us Part II?
Whether Abby is a “bad” character is subjective. She is undeniably ruthless but also deeply human. The game gives her layers and nuances that make her actions, while not necessarily excusable, understandable.
6. Why Is Abby So Muscular?
Abby is portrayed as very muscular as a result of her 5 years of intense physical training to specifically prepare for her mission of vengeance against Joel. Her physical build emphasizes her single-minded dedication to achieving her goal.
7. Why Do Some People Dislike Abby?
Many dislike Abby due to her role in killing Joel, a beloved character from the first game. Her strong physical presence and ruthless actions, particularly at the beginning of The Last of Us Part II, can make it hard for some players to empathize with her character.
8. Is Abby Adopted?
Yes, Abby is adopted, which is revealed in the season nine episode “Enemy on the Hill,” which reveals that she has a biological brother named Kyle.
9. Why Did Ellie Let Abby Live?
Ellie spares Abby when she realizes that killing her will not bring Joel back. She comes to understand that her quest for revenge was more about her internal struggle than actually getting even with Abby, and that the person she needs to reconcile with is Joel. She understands that the cycle of violence has to stop.
10. Why Does Abby Hate Joel?
Abby hates Joel because he killed her father, Jerry Anderson, the surgeon who was going to perform the surgery on Ellie that would have saved humanity at the expense of her life.
11. Did Mel Regret Killing Joel?
Yes, Mel was the only member of the group to express regret over her participation in Joel’s murder, demonstrating her unease with the excessive brutality of their actions.
12. Does Ellie Regret Killing Mel?
Yes, Ellie shows grief and regret after killing Mel, indicating that she isn’t a heartless killer and that violence has a heavy emotional toll on her.
13. Did Owen Cheat on Mel With Abby?
Yes, Owen cheated on Mel with Abby while Mel was pregnant. This infidelity creates a source of tension between the women in the game, and it creates additional moral conflict in the game.
14. Why Is Abby Considered a Villain?
Abby is often considered a villain because she is responsible for the death of Joel, a character that had become beloved by the fanbase. Additionally, she participates in torturing him and shows a lack of compassion towards him.
15. Does Abby Get a Happy Ending?
While not traditionally “happy,” Abby does find some form of closure and a chance for a new beginning. She escapes the Rattlers with Lev and sets sail on a boat, implying the possibility of a more peaceful future for her and Lev.
In conclusion, Abby’s weaknesses lie not in her physical capabilities but in her deeply rooted emotional vulnerabilities and fear of being alone. This, combined with her traumatic experiences, drives her actions throughout the game and ultimately leads to a complex and morally ambiguous character. Understanding these weaknesses provides a deeper understanding of Abby’s behavior and her narrative within The Last of Us Part II.