5 The Last of Us video game characters we’d bring back from the dead (and 3 we wouldn’t)

1. Wouldn’t bring back: Sarah

Okay, so this is a harsh entry on the list, but let us explain.

Sarah’s death was the first major shocking moment in The Last of Us Part l. You can watch many gameplays covering the introductory section of the game and find out most people cry when Joel realizes her little girl is dead. That moment alone perfectly set the tone for the rest of the game, and it let players know that they were in for a pretty traumatic (yet amazing) experience.

It was through Sarah’s point of view that we were introduced to the cordyceps outbreak, and just like her… we didn’t have any time to catch up on what was going on before tragedy struck. Sarah was shot by a soldier even when she wasn’t infected, and with that Naughty Dog established that the game’s real enemies were going to be sane humans instead of the zombie-like monsters.

Her death was hard to watch unfold, and it left a permanent scar on Joel and anyone who played The Last of Us back when it was released. However, it also allowed Joel to find a daughter-like figure in Ellie, creating one of the most iconic duos in any videogame to date. Under that perspective, her death had a much greater purpose and it was even necessary.

Is it selfish to not revive Sarah in order to ensure Joel and Ellie would eventually team up? Perhaps, but that’s the whole point of both The Last of Us games. They explore what insane actions would humans do for selfish reasons. Joel doomed the entire world in order to save Ellie. Abby killed Joel as vengeance for shooting his father. Henry put Joel at risk of dying in order to protect his little brother. It’s all the same.

Naughty Dog explored the lengths to which humans go in order to protect or avenge that which makes them happy. And one thing is for certain: Joel’s and Ellie’s relationship makes us happy. So it’s only fitting to end this list by saying we wouldn’t bring Sarah back to life (even if it is a little bit cruel) to ensure Joel and Ellie could end up meeting as they did.