Ellie’s Targets: A Comprehensive Look at Who Ellie Shoots in The Last of Us

Ellie, a pivotal character in The Last of Us universe, is forced into violent situations where she must defend herself and her loved ones. Throughout the games and the HBO adaptation, Ellie shoots several individuals, primarily out of self-preservation and protection. These instances are emotionally charged and demonstrate her growth from an innocent young girl to a hardened survivor. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable individuals Ellie shoots:

• Brian: In a harrowing early encounter, Ellie shoots a young man named Brian in the back to save Joel from being choked. This act highlights the desperate measures she’s willing to take, even against someone her own age. This scenario occurs in the HBO adaptation and underscores the brutality of the world they inhabit.

• David’s Men: Later, when captured by David, a charismatic but sinister leader, Ellie faces terrifying circumstances. She kills multiple members of David’s cannibalistic group as she fights to escape and survive their clutches. These acts are particularly brutal and mark a significant turning point in her character development.

• David: In a climactic and intensely disturbing scene, Ellie confronts David in a burning restaurant. After a brutal struggle, she manages to kill David with a machete, a moment of sheer survival and a demonstration of the trauma she has endured. Although technically stabbing rather than shooting, this scene showcases violence for survival.

• Unnamed Enemies: Throughout both games and the show, Ellie engages in numerous firefights, leading to the deaths of many unnamed hunters, infected, and members of opposing factions. These encounters are essential to the narrative, demonstrating the constant threat and violent nature of the world of The Last of Us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ellie’s Actions in The Last of Us

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate Ellie’s actions and their context within The Last of Us universe:

Is Ellie the only immune person in The Last of Us?

Yes, as far as the narrative reveals, Ellie is the only known individual immune to the Cordyceps infection. This unique immunity makes her incredibly valuable, leading the Fireflies to believe a cure could be synthesized from her. Her immunity drives much of the plot and the conflicts within the story.

Why is Ellie immune to the Cordyceps infection?

Ellie’s immunity stems from the presence of Cordyceps already in her system from birth. The surgeon explains that it acts as a “chemical messenger,” preventing new fungal infections from taking hold. Her mother, Anna, was bitten by an infected during childbirth, potentially leading to this immunity.

Did Ellie’s mom make her immune?

The HBO series suggests that Ellie’s mother, Anna, being bitten during childbirth played a role in Ellie’s immunity. While not definitively stated, the narrative implies that the Cordyceps transferred to Ellie in utero, creating a unique symbiotic relationship.

Can Ellie infect others?

Based on information in The Last of Us Part II, it’s almost certain that Ellie cannot infect others. The mechanics of her immunity suggest that the Cordyceps in her system prevents the virus from spreading, even through direct contact, such as bites.

Does Ellie’s blood provide a cure?

Ellie’s blood is not a readily available cure. The Fireflies believed her immunity offered a potential pathway to developing a cure, requiring a complex surgical procedure that would have cost Ellie her life. In practice, when Sam was bitten, Ellie tried to use her blood on the wound, but this did not prevent Sam from turning.

Why did Joel prevent the Fireflies from using Ellie?

Joel prevented the surgery because it would have resulted in Ellie’s death. He prioritized Ellie’s life over the potential cure, making a selfish yet understandable decision driven by his paternal love for her. This decision is a central point of ethical conflict in the story.

Does Ellie ever find out Joel lied about the Fireflies?

Yes, Ellie eventually realizes that Joel lied about what happened at the Firefly hospital. While initially refusing to believe it to cope with the potential loss of purpose, she eventually confronts him about it, leading to a rift in their relationship.

Is Joel dead in The Last of Us?

Yes, Joel is killed in The Last of Us Part II. His death is brutal and serves as the catalyst for Ellie’s journey of revenge and self-discovery in the second game.

What happens to Ellie after Joel dies?

After Joel’s death, Ellie is consumed by a desire for revenge against Abby, the woman who killed him. She embarks on a perilous journey to Seattle with Dina to find Abby and exact her vengeance.

Who is the father of Ellie’s baby in The Last of Us Part II?

According to Dina, Jesse is the biological father of JJ, Ellie’s child. While Jesse tragically dies, Dina ensures that JJ knows about his father’s legacy and keeps his memory alive.

How did Ellie know David’s group was cannibalistic?

Ellie discovers that David’s group has been eating human flesh when she finds an ear and other human remains on the floor while trying to escape them. This horrifying discovery emphasizes the depravity of David and his followers.

Did Ellie kill Riley?

The article mentions a long-standing fan theory that Ellie killed Riley which has now been confirmed. In that case, Ellie killed Riley after they both were biten.

How did the Cordyceps outbreak start?

The Cordyceps outbreak began after crops became infected in South America. A newspaper clipping found in Joel and Sarah’s house reveals that the infection spread rapidly through contaminated food sources, leading to a global pandemic.

Why is Joel not infected in The Last of Us?

Joel may have avoided being infected due to his food choices at the beginning of the outbreak. The series hints that certain processed foods were less likely to be contaminated, possibly saving him from initial exposure.

Why did the Infected kiss Tess?

The Infected kissing Tess is specific to the HBO adaptation. It served to graphically illustrate the advanced stage of the Cordyceps fungus. A runner, instead of attacking Tess, gives her an open-mouthed kiss to allow tendrils of the evolved Cordyceps fungi to pass into her.

These FAQs offer a deeper insight into the complexities of Ellie’s character, the moral ambiguities of the world she inhabits, and the devastating consequences of the Cordyceps outbreak. The actions Ellie takes, including who she shoots, are shaped by the brutal reality she faces and the deep emotional bonds she forms. The violent realities of the games and the HBO show have interesting implications for learning, particularly for the development of problem-solving and decision-making skills. More research in this area can be found at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.