How to Embrace the Unfamiliar: A Guide to Rooting for Abby in The Last of Us Season 3

Introduction

When HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us returns for a third season, viewers will face one of the most divisive character arcs in modern storytelling: Abby Anderson, played by Kaitlyn Dever. In the original game, Abby is initially portrayed as an antagonist, but the narrative later forces players to see the world through her eyes. Showrunner Craig Mazin has teased that the upcoming season will explore this crucial perspective shift, reminding us that “the people that you care about and root for are not good all the time.” This realization is challenging—but essential—to fully appreciating the story. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the game or a newcomer to the series, learning how to root for complex characters like Abby can deepen your engagement with the show. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate that journey, offering practical strategies to embrace moral ambiguity, find common ground, and ultimately care for a character you may have previously disliked.

What You Need

• An open mind and willingness to challenge your initial judgments
• Access to HBO Max or HBO to watch The Last of Us Season 3
• Optional: Familiarity with The Last of Us Part II game (but not required)
• Patience—character development takes time
• A notepad or digital journal for reflection (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Preconceptions

Before you can root for Abby, you must first recognize any biases you hold. If you played the game, you likely felt a strong attachment to Joel and Ellie—and Abby’s role may have triggered anger or resentment. Even if you only watched the series, media discourse has framed Abby as a controversial figure. Take a moment to write down or mentally list what you know about Abby from trailers or fan discussions. Be honest about the negative feelings. Awareness is the first step toward transformation. Mazin’s comment about characters not being “good all the time” is a direct challenge to our black-and-white thinking. Accept that discomfort is part of the process.

Step 2: Separate Actions from Identity

Abby does something terrible early in the story—something that many fans cannot forgive. However, to root for her, you must learn to separate a character’s actions from their core humanity. In real life, we know that people are more than their worst moments. The same applies to fictional characters. Mazin emphasizes that even those we care about have flaws and make mistakes. In Season 3, expect the show to delve into Abby’s backstory, motivations, and relationships (like her bond with Lev, played by Kyriana Kratter). Pay attention to these layers. When you watch Abby’s scenes, ask yourself: Why is she doing this? What led her here? This doesn’t excuse her actions, but it opens the door to empathy.

Step 3: Look for Shared Humanity

One of the most powerful tools for rooting for a complex character is finding common ground. Abby loves her friends, fears loss, and seeks purpose—just like Ellie, just like Joel. As filming for Season 3 progresses, leaked footage shows tender moments between Abby and Lev, a young boy who becomes her surrogate sibling. Their dynamic mirrors the relationship between Joel and Ellie in many ways. To root for Abby, focus on these universal themes: loyalty, grief, redemption. Each time you see her show vulnerability or care for someone else, note it. Over time, these small moments build a bridge between your emotions and hers.

Step 4: Trust the Storytellers

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have carefully crafted a narrative that requires patience. They know that shifting perspectives can be jarring—that’s the point. The discomfort you feel is intentional, designed to make you question your allegiances. Trust that the showrunners have a deeper plan. Mazin stated that “the people that you care about and root for are not good all the time,” which suggests that no character is purely heroic or villainous. By surrendering to the story’s rhythm, you allow yourself to experience a more nuanced truth. If you feel tempted to skip Abby’s scenes or fast-forward, remind yourself that the full emotional payoff comes only when you engage with every perspective.

Step 5: Reflect on Your Own Moral Flexibility

After watching an episode featuring Abby, take a few minutes to reflect. How did you feel during her scenes? Did you find yourself empathizing despite yourself? What specific moments shifted your perspective? Journaling can help solidify the emotional journey. Consider discussing the episodes with friends or online communities—but be selective. Find discussion groups that encourage thoughtful analysis rather than pure outrage. The goal is not to abandon your love for Ellie or Joel, but to expand your capacity to care for multiple characters with conflicting goals. As Mazin puts it, the most meaningful stories are those where everyone has a reason for what they do.

Tips for a Deeper Experience

• Watch with a friend who also wants to understand Abby. Talking through your reactions in real time can help you see angles you missed.
• Replay The Last of Us Part II after the season ends. The game provides even more context for Abby’s perspective, especially the flashback sequences.
• Don’t force yourself to like Abby instantly. It’s okay to remain conflicted. The power of the story lies in that tension.
• Pay attention to small details. Body language, tone of voice, and environmental storytelling (like Abby’s room or her interactions with the WLF) reveal her internal state.
• Remember that rooting for a character doesn’t mean endorsing their actions. You can care about Abby while still condemning what she does.
• Check behind-the-scenes content. Mazin and the cast have shared interviews about their approach to Abby. Listening to their intent can enrich your viewing.
• Practice empathy outside of fiction. Learning to root for imperfect characters is practice for understanding real people with different life experiences.

Ultimately, The Last of Us Season 3 is not just a story about survival—it’s a story about perspective. By following these steps, you can transform initial resistance into genuine emotional investment. Mazin’s reminder that no one is good all the time is a gift: it invites us to hold space for the full spectrum of human behavior, even in a post-apocalyptic world. Happy watching—and may your heart be open to the unexpected.