The 10 Most Courageous Characters in The Last Of Us TV Show

The Last of Us dives into the core of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Courage, a central theme, is tested by the challenges each character encounters. Amid ruined landscapes and deadly threats, bravery is key to overcoming adversity and protecting loved ones.

On a path of endurance, courage appears not only in heroic feats but also in daily efforts to conquer fear, pain, and despair. In a place where the impossible is constant, continuing forward is an act of boldness. Quiet and sudden, courage arises at surprising moments, showing that being brave is not the absence of fear but the will to face it.

10

Riley Abel

Defying Authority For Friendship And Ideals

A close friend and love interest of Ellie, Riley is a resolute teenager who joins the Fireflies. For someone so young, that choice poses a big risk, since capture by the military could mean prison or death. She proves her ideals outweigh self-preservation by fighting for a larger cause.

In one of the most moving parts of The Last of Us, she leaves the Fireflies to reunite with Ellie, a bold choice that results in her death and Ellie’s infection. Attacked by an infected in an abandoned mall, she does not hesitate to shield Ellie, though she becomes infected and dies before turning.

9

Sam

Sam Faces Death With Bravery And Maturity To Protect His Brother

In one of the most painful moments of The Last of Us, Sam is a sensitive child trying to survive. Younger sibling to Henry, he adapts to threats in a world filled with infected and hostile humans. Although wary, he gathers courage to talk to Ellie, sharing worries and doubts.

In episode five, they face a large group of infected, and Sam stays composed, following every survival step. After becoming infected, he hides his fear from Henry, sparking one of the saddest turns in the series. Showing maturity and courage, he ends his journey by sparing Henry more suffering.

8

Frank

With Courage, Frank Chooses To See Humanity In A World Ravaged By Cordyceps

Frank is essential to Bill’s growth, revealing a different kind of bravery by seeking a full life, humanity amid chaos, and love despite fear of the future. His resolve includes finding other survivors and reaching out to the outside world, risking encounters with the infected and dangerous people.

In a post-apocalyptic setting ruled by violence, Frank recognizes life’s fragility and pursues meaningful moments, such as confronting a terminal illness. While Bill struggles with the finality, Frank plans a peaceful end for himself, resisting despair and preserving identity and love, as shown in a deeply emotional episode of the series.

7

Henry

Making Impossible Choices For Family

Driven by the need to protect his brother in a post-apocalyptic world, Henry stands out as one of The Last of Us‘s bravest characters. Without formal training, his courage goes beyond combat, showing in his emotional strength and unwavering dedication. His choices always put his brother’s well-being above his own safety and values

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To get Sam’s medication, Henry betrays Kathleen, leader of the Kansas City resistance, by revealing Michael’s location to FEDRA. He knows this paints him as a villain, especially when forced to shoot Sam, who becomes infected and attacks Ellie. In a tragic act, Henry takes his own life after securing others’ safety, unable to handle the loss, ending in one of the series’ saddest scenes.

6

Bill

His Courage Ensures His Survival In A World Overrun By Infected

A secluded survivor who trusts nobody, Bill lives in a fortified, abandoned town. The series quickly highlights his bravery through his layered personality and life choices. Alone, he builds a stronghold, determined to keep going.

Though he fends off threats from infected and hostile humans, his most courageous act is accepting Frank’s tragic future. Bill stays by Frank, giving up his own life rather than lose the person who gave him purpose, in a moment that transcends survival.

5

Marlene

She Is Willing To Sacrifice Everything To Save The World From Cordyceps

She leads the Fireflies, a rebel group opposing FEDRA in hopes of finding a cure. From the start, she is shown as strong and focused, willing to make tough choices for humanity. She kills Ellie’s mother, Anna, after infection, an agonizing act to safeguard the child.

Another major decision is sacrificing Ellie to create a cure. Though controversial and emotionally heavy, Marlene embraces it with resolve. In another of her bold moments in The Last of Us, she confronts Joel and is killed in the process.

4

Tommy Miller

His Courage Goes Beyond Fighting And It’s About Doing What Is Right

As Joel’s younger brother, Tommy endures the early chaos of The Last of Us. He shows bravery in the outbreak’s first moments, moving fast to protect Joel and Sarah. He takes charge while escaping by car, creating one of the series’ tensest sequences.

Later, he joins a militia, displaying resolve by fighting for a cause beyond survival. When meeting Joel again in Jackson, he questions Joel’s retreat from violence, aiming to build a calmer future. Still, he remains open to confronting the Fireflies with Ellie and Joel, revealing courage once again.

3

Theresa “Tess” Servopoulos

She Is One Of The Bravest Characters In The Last Of Us TV Show

Tess deals in a dangerous black market within The Last of Us. After a failed deal with Robert, she keeps composure and seeks revenge. Later, as Ellie becomes part of the mission, Tess and Joel face a wave of infected, and Tess holds them off to protect her allies.

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Determined, she makes her final stand by buying Joel and Ellie time to continue. She convinces Joel to press on, despite her own infection. As one of the most vital figures in The Last of Us, Tess greets death head-on, aware that her actions serve a greater purpose.

2

Ellie Williams

Fearless Even In The Face Of Despair

With courage shaped by survival, Ellie is a complex figure who still shows compassion. When confronting an infected for the first time, she does not hesitate to fight back with only a small knife. In doing so, she proves capable of handling lethal threats, though new to the post-apocalyptic world.

Later, in the final episodes, Joel is badly wounded. Instead of fleeing or seeking others, Ellie takes charge of his care. Alone, she hunts for medical supplies in a hostile territory, surrounded by menacing survivors. With loyalty and determination, she stands as one of the bravest characters in The Last of Us.

1

Joel Miller

The Bravest Character In The Last Of Us

A main character in the video games and The Last of Us from Max, he weathers events where courage is essential. Scarred by losing his daughter, Sarah, he grows hardened yet remains driven to protect the people he cares about, even in a broken world.

Though reluctant to guide Ellie, Joel never hesitates to defend her, even when outnumbered. At the end of the first season, he kills the Fireflies to prevent Ellie’s fatal surgery. This choice stands as one of the most striking in the series, sacrificing a possible cure for cordyceps yet offering him redemption for failing Sarah.