The Last of Us

Joel Miller

Birthday

09/26/1981

Place of Birth

Austin, Texas, US

AKA

The Last of Us Protagonist

Smuggler

The Protector

Survivor

Character Profile

In a world ravaged by a fungal infection that has decimated humanity, Joel Miller stands as a testament to survival. Born in Austin, Texas, he embodied the archetype of a devoted father until tragedy struck on the eve of the outbreak. Witnessing his daughter Sarah's brutal murder during the chaos transformed him from a caring individual into a hardened survivor.

As he navigates the grim reality of a post-apocalyptic United States, Joel evolves from a man haunted by loss into a gritty protector determined to save Ellie, a girl immune to the infection. Their relationship grows amidst peril, reflecting both love and the struggle against deep-seated trauma. His character is meticulously sculpted through his interactions and experiences, a narrative filled with heartbreak and reluctant hope, reminiscent of the grit of reality and the essence of humanity.

Credits

Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Person The Last of Us

Personality Traits

Morally complex with a pragmatic approach to survival.
Profoundly protective and loyal, especially towards Ellie.
Initially closed-off but becomes more emotionally available.
Haunted by past failures and loss, leading to a deep-seated guilt.
Strategic and resourceful in dangerous situations.
Stoic and resourceful, struggles with vulnerability yet shows deep affection for those he trusts.

Key Roles

Main protagonist in The Last of Us series.
Smuggler in the Boston quarantine zone.
Father figure to Ellie.
Antihero shaped by loss and survival instincts.

Relationships

Ellie

Joel serves as a father figure to Ellie, creating a bond that drives much of the narrative, as she evolves from being viewed as a mere cargo to becoming Joel’s motivation for change, shifting from selfish survival to love and sacrifice.

Sarah

His deceased daughter, whose loss deeply impacts his character and actions throughout the series.

Tess

Joel's partner in smuggling operations, who shares a complicated friendship with him, marked by mutual respect and shared hardships. Tess serves as a moral compass, pushing Joel to see the value in saving Ellie.

Tommy

Joel's younger brother, who offers a glimpse into Joel’s past life and ideals, providing contrast to Joel's hardened persona, especially regarding family and responsibility.

Abby

A complex antagonist whose quest for revenge leads to Joel's death, setting off a chain of events that define the narrative of the sequel.

tv Drama Sci-Fi & Fantasy Action & Adventure

The Last of Us

Twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed, Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse the United States and depend on each other for survival.

Details