Does Ellie Date Riley? Unpacking A Pivotal Relationship In The Last Of Us
Many fans of The Last of Us, both the video game and the acclaimed HBO series, often wonder about the true nature of the connection between Ellie and Riley. It's a question that really gets to the heart of Ellie's early life. This relationship, you see, is one of the very highlights of her backstory, truly shaping who she becomes. So, it's pretty natural to ask: are Ellie and Riley in love? Did they actually date?
The story of Ellie and Riley, in a way, provides a deep look into Ellie's past. It helps us understand so much about her character. Their bond is something that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who experiences their tale, whether through playing the game or watching the show. It's a connection that is, you know, just incredibly significant for Ellie.
This particular part of Ellie's journey is, in some respects, quite emotional. It sets the stage for many of her later actions and feelings. Understanding what happened between Ellie and Riley helps us grasp the full scope of Ellie's character arc. It's a foundational piece, actually, for her entire story.
Table of Contents
- Ellie's Character and Her First Love: A Profile
- The Deep Bond Between Ellie and Riley
- The Last of Us: Left Behind - The Game's Story
- HBO Series Adaptation: Episode 7
- The Significance of the Kiss
- The Tragic Ending and Ellie's Scars
- Ellie's Sexuality and Later Relationships
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ellie and Riley
Ellie's Character and Her First Love: A Profile
Ellie Williams is a main character in both the video game series and the HBO show, The Last of Us. Her story is pretty central to the whole narrative. She is, you know, a very resilient young person living in a world changed by a terrible outbreak. Her experiences shape her in profound ways.
Riley Abel is introduced as Ellie's best friend. She's also, actually, Ellie's first love. This relationship is a critical part of Ellie's past. It takes place just weeks before Ellie sets off on her main journey with Joel. This period is, in a way, very formative for her.
Riley, played by Storm Reid in the show, has a fascinating origin story of her own. She's a friend who, you know, makes a big impact on Ellie. Their connection begins with a bit of friction. For instance, Riley does things like stealing Ellie's walkman. But, despite these initial bumps, they develop deep feelings for each other. It's a rather significant bond that grows between them.
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Personal Details: Ellie Williams
| Character Name | Ellie Williams |
| Role in Story | Main character in The Last of Us game and HBO series |
| Key Relationships | Riley Abel (first love), Joel Miller (father figure), Dina (girlfriend in Part II) |
| Age (during main game) | Turns 15 during the main game, which takes place over a year. |
| Sexuality | Confirmed to be a lesbian by creators, as seen in her relationship with Riley and later Dina. |
| Significant Past Event | Mall adventure with Riley, leading to tragic events and her immunity discovery. |
The Deep Bond Between Ellie and Riley
So, are Ellie and Riley in love? The evidence, you know, strongly suggests that Ellie did indeed fall in love with Riley. Their emotional connection is just so clear. The physical intimacy they share, and the depth of their bond, all point towards a romantic relationship. It's not just a casual friendship, that's for sure.
Their relationship, in The Last of Us, evolves into something truly romantic. It begins with a bit of friction, as mentioned. Riley's actions, like stealing Ellie's walkman, cause some initial tension. But, over time, they form a very deep bond. This bond, you know, really blossoms into something more.
The way I interpreted it, through their actions, is that Riley may have had feelings for Ellie. She wasn't entirely sure if those feelings were shared. This was perhaps before Riley ran away. Ellie, on the other hand, was acting out more than usual lately. This was because her best friend and roommate, Riley, had disappeared. So, when Riley returned, Ellie was very surprised to see her.
This surprise reunion is a really important moment. It sets the stage for their emotional journey together. The way they interact, their shared history, it all builds to a powerful connection. It's a relationship that, you know, feels incredibly real and impactful for both of them.
The Last of Us: Left Behind - The Game's Story
The story of Ellie and Riley was first told in the video game's downloadable content (DLC), called "Left Behind." This DLC was originally released on Valentine's Day in 2014. That was, in a way, a very fitting date. It really highlighted the story's focus on the budding romance between Ellie and Riley.
In the game, there's a moment where Ellie kisses Riley. This scene is, you know, pretty impactful. It helps establish the romantic nature of their relationship. The game's creators, actually, confirmed that Ellie and Riley had a romantic relationship. They also confirmed that Ellie is a lesbian. This was made very clear through the narrative.
The DLC delves into Ellie's past, showing her life before she met Joel. It explores her time at the military boarding school. This period, you know, is crucial for understanding her character. It gives players a chance to see Ellie in a different light, experiencing joy and heartbreak with Riley.
The narrative in "Left Behind" shows how Riley convinced Ellie to go far beyond her natural line of thinking. This interaction, in some respects, changed Ellie forever. It was a pivotal experience that shaped her outlook. The emotional connection they shared was, you know, truly profound.
HBO Series Adaptation: Episode 7
Episode 7 of the HBO TV series The Last of Us, which aired in February 2023, did an excellent job. It represented one of the most important moments of Ellie's life. The show adapts Riley's story from the video game very faithfully. It captures the essence of their bond beautifully.
In this episode, set three weeks before the main events of the show, Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, is surprised. Her best friend and first love, Riley Abel, shows up unexpectedly. This reunion, you know, is a really emotional one. It highlights the deep connection they share.
Ellie and Riley come under attack after briefly reuniting in this episode. This event, in a way, mirrors the tragic events of the game's DLC. The show does a fantastic job of portraying their chemistry. The actresses, it seems, were very much working to bring this relationship to life on screen. It really shines through.
The episode, actually, explains Ellie's survivor's guilt. It does this by taking an emotional look at her past. It focuses on her relationship with her friend Riley. This past experience, you know, weighs heavily on Ellie. It helps us understand her motivations later on.
The Significance of the Kiss
The kiss between Ellie and Riley is a very significant moment. It happens in both the game's DLC and episode 7 of the HBO show. This kiss, you know, clearly establishes their romantic feelings for each other. It's a powerful declaration of their bond.
Neil Druckmann, one of The Last of Us creators, discussed the significance of Ellie and Riley's kiss in episode 7. He talked about what it means for the show going forward. This confirmation from the creator, you know, leaves no room for doubt about their romantic relationship. It's pretty clear.
Ellie's sexuality, as a matter of fact, is never explicitly stated in the first Last of Us game. However, she exclusively has romantic relationships with women. This is seen with Riley. It's also seen with Dina, her girlfriend in the 2020 sequel, The Last of Us Part II. So, people don't need to look far to see that in the video game. It's just there.
The kiss is, in some respects, a moment of pure connection. It's a brief escape from their harsh reality. It shows the genuine affection they have for each other. This moment, you know, truly solidifies the romantic nature of their bond. It's a very tender scene.
The Tragic Ending and Ellie's Scars
Ellie and Riley's mall adventure, sadly, ends tragically. After the two are bitten, Ellie is furious. She's also, you know, ready to give up. They are faced with an impossible decision. They're doomed to die. So, should they expedite the process and kill themselves? This is a truly awful choice they face.
The last that is seen of Ellie and Riley in The Last of Us episode 7 is the two of them resolving. They decide to spend their last few hours together. They are, you know, losing their lives. While we don't actually see Riley die on screen, it's presumed she was killed by the infection. This outcome leaves a deep mark on Ellie.
Ellie is so scarred from losing Riley. This loss is, in a way, a defining moment for her. It contributes significantly to her survivor's guilt. The emotional impact of this event is, you know, immense. It explains so much about her later actions and her personality. Learn more about Ellie's journey on our site.
The impossible decision they faced, and the eventual loss of Riley, changes Ellie forever. It's a very painful memory for her. This event, you know, shapes her resolve and her outlook on life. It's a testament to the depth of their connection that its end causes such profound pain.
Ellie's Sexuality and Later Relationships
Ellie's sexuality is, you know, a clear part of her character. As confirmed by the game's director in a past discussion, Ellie is a lesbian. Her romantic relationship with Riley is the first clear indication of this. It's a foundational aspect of her identity.
In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie finds a girlfriend named Dina. This relationship further solidifies Ellie's sexuality. It shows her continuing to form deep romantic bonds with women. It's a natural progression, actually, from her first love with Riley. Her experiences with Riley, you know, paved the way for future connections.
The game and show both portray Ellie's romantic life very authentically. It's not just a side note. It's integral to her character development. Her experiences with love and loss, starting with Riley, shape her emotional landscape. This is, you know, a very important part of her story. Link to this page The Last of Us characters.
So, to summarize, the evidence strongly points to Ellie and Riley having a romantic relationship. Their emotional connection, the physical intimacy, and the depth of their bond all confirm this. The creators themselves have, you know, affirmed their love story. It's a pivotal, heartbreaking, and beautiful part of The Last of Us narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellie and Riley
Did Ellie and Riley kiss in The Last of Us game?
Yes, Ellie does kiss Riley in The Last of Us game. This happens in the "Left Behind" DLC. It's a very significant moment. It clearly shows the romantic feelings they share for each other. It's a pivotal scene, actually, in their storyline.
Who was Ellie's first love?
Ellie's first love was Riley Abel. This is established very clearly in both the game's "Left Behind" DLC and episode 7 of the HBO series. Their relationship is, you know, portrayed as Ellie's first experience with deep romantic feelings. It's a foundational part of her emotional history.
What happens to Riley in The Last of Us show?
In The Last of Us show, after Ellie and Riley are bitten, they resolve to spend their last few hours together. While we don't actually see Riley die on screen, it's presumed she succumbs to the infection. Her death, you know, leaves Ellie with profound survivor's guilt. It's a truly tragic end to their story.
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