Riley's First Date: watch a clip from Pixar's new Inside Out short

Is Riley Ellie's Girlfriend? Unpacking Their Deep Connection In The Last Of Us

Riley's First Date: watch a clip from Pixar's new Inside Out short

By  Christy Sawayn

Many people who follow the compelling story of "The Last of Us" often wonder about the deep bonds formed in a world that is, frankly, quite harsh. One connection that truly stands out and, in a way, defines much of the central character's journey is the relationship between Ellie and Riley. It's a highlight of this storyline, shaping so much of what comes later for Ellie.

This particular bond, as many fans know, is more than just a simple friendship. It carries a lot of weight and, arguably, sets the stage for Ellie's entire emotional landscape. The question of "Is Riley Ellie's girlfriend?" comes up quite often, and it's a good one, given the powerful feelings involved.

We're going to explore this very important connection, looking at how it's shown in the story, what it meant for both characters, and why it left such a lasting mark on Ellie. We'll also touch on how the show brings this crucial part of the video game to life, especially in that one episode, you know, the one set just before the main events.

Table of Contents

Riley Abel: A Look at Ellie's First Love

Who is Riley Abel?

Riley Abel is, in a way, a very important character in Ellie's early life. She is introduced as Ellie's best friend and, indeed, her first love. This is established quite clearly in the storyline, particularly in the episode that goes back in time to show us their beginnings. Storm Reid brings Riley to life in the show, acting alongside Bella Ramsey's Ellie.

Their story is set just a few weeks before the main events of the show start, which gives us a look at Ellie's life before she meets Joel. Riley's unexpected return surprises Ellie, and it kicks off a series of events that are truly pivotal for both of them. It's a brief but, you know, incredibly impactful period.

Here is a quick look at some key details about Riley Abel from the story:

DetailInformation
Character NameRiley Abel
Role in StoryEllie's best friend, first love, pivotal influence
Portrayed By (Show)Storm Reid
Key RelationshipEllie Williams
FateDies due to fungal infection

The Name Riley: Meaning and Origins

It's interesting, too, to consider the name Riley itself. The name Riley has, you know, both Irish and English roots. It comes from the Old Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, which means something like "valiant" or "courageous." That's a rather fitting meaning for a character like Riley, wouldn't you say?

As an English surname, Riley is derived from a place name. This place name means "rye clearing." So, in some respects, the name has two distinct sources, both contributing to its history. It's also a variant of Reilly, which is a very common Irish surname, as a matter of fact.

Riley is, apparently, a fairly popular name. It's often used as a girl's name these days, and its popularity is quite high. Discovering the origin and meaning of names like Riley can be, you know, a little bit of fun, and it adds another small layer to our appreciation of characters in stories. You can learn more about the meaning of the name Riley, its origin, and popularity, perhaps with a guide like Mama Natural’s baby names guide.

The Heart of the Story: Ellie and Riley's Relationship

A Connection That Changed Everything

The bond between Ellie and Riley is, quite frankly, one of the most important parts of this entire storyline. It’s not just a side note; it's a central piece. Riley, in her own way, convinced Ellie to really stretch her natural line of thinking. This influence, you know, changed Ellie forever.

Their time together, though brief, had a profound effect on Ellie's outlook and her choices later on. It's almost as if Riley opened up a world of possibilities for Ellie, pushing her beyond her comfort zone. This was a very formative period for Ellie, and it’s easy to see why it stuck with her so much.

The experiences they shared, the laughter, the discoveries, and even the moments of friction, all contributed to Ellie's growth. It’s a pretty powerful example of how one person can truly alter the course of another's life, even in a world that is, arguably, trying to tear everyone apart.

Was It Love? The Clear Signs

So, were Ellie and Riley in love? The story makes it, you know, quite clear that they were. This was established without much doubt. Their relationship is depicted as a significant romantic one, not just a close friendship. They truly developed deep feelings for each other, which is, you know, very evident in their interactions.

Despite some initial friction, perhaps a little bit of awkwardness, their feelings grew. The way they looked at each other, the way they cared, and the moments they shared all point to a genuine romantic connection. It’s a rather tender and honest portrayal of first love in a very harsh setting.

In "The Last of Us" episode 7, we see them briefly reunite, and the emotional intensity is, you know, quite high. This reunion is a key moment that really emphasizes the depth of their bond. It shows us that their love was, for all intents and purposes, real and deeply felt by both of them.

The Pain of Loss: Ellie's Scarred Heart

The tragic end to their story leaves Ellie, well, very scarred. After the two of them are bitten, Ellie's reaction is, quite understandably, one of fury and deep pain. Losing Riley in such a way, due to a fungal infection, is a devastating blow that leaves an indelible mark on Ellie's spirit.

This loss is not just a plot point; it's a core part of Ellie's character development. Her anger, her grief, and her determination later on are all, in some respects, rooted in this profound loss. It’s a very raw and honest portrayal of how losing someone you love can shape you, perhaps for a lifetime.

Ellie carries this wound with her, and it influences many of her decisions and her interactions with others. The memory of Riley, and the pain of her absence, is a constant presence in Ellie's life, reminding us of the immense impact Riley had on her, even after she was gone.

Ellie's Journey: Sexuality and Future Relationships

Beyond Riley: Ellie's Sexuality in the Games

For those wondering about Ellie’s sexuality, you don’t, you know, need to look far within the video game series to see it. It's pretty clear. In the 2020 sequel, "The Last of Us Part II," Ellie finds a girlfriend named Dina. This relationship is, basically, a continuation of the exploration of Ellie's romantic life.

The game establishes this connection with Dina quite firmly, showing that Ellie's romantic interests are, indeed, with women. This further solidifies the understanding that her relationship with Riley was, in fact, a romantic one. It’s an important part of her character, and it’s depicted with a lot of care.

The relationship with Dina is, you know, expected to be a significant part of Ellie's story moving forward, showing her continued journey in love and companionship amidst the harsh world she inhabits. It’s a very natural progression for her character, building on what we learned from her past with Riley.

The Show's Adaptation: Staying True to the Source

The television show has done a pretty good job of adapting Riley's story from the video game. In 'The Last of Us' episode 7, we see how the show brings their time together to the screen, including the attack that follows their brief reunion. This adaptation is, apparently, very faithful to the source material.

The show captures the essence of their relationship, portraying the deep feelings and the significant impact Riley had on Ellie. It’s a testament to the show's commitment to telling the story truthfully. Fans of the game will find the adaptation of Riley's story, you know, quite familiar and impactful.

The way the show handles their connection and its tragic end really reinforces the idea that Riley was, indeed, Ellie's first love. It’s a very important piece of the puzzle that helps us understand Ellie as a character, her motivations, and her resilience in a world that is, quite honestly, brutal.

Answering Your Questions About Ellie and Riley

Is Ellie gay in The Last of Us?

Yes, Ellie is, in fact, gay in "The Last of Us." This is shown quite clearly through her romantic relationship with Riley in the first game's story expansion and, later, with Dina in "The Last of Us Part II." The narrative, you know, establishes her sexuality without any real ambiguity.

What happened to Riley in The Last of Us?

In "The Last of Us," Riley and Ellie come under attack after their reunion, and both are bitten. Riley, unfortunately, succumbs to the fungal infection. This loss is, arguably, one of the most painful moments for Ellie and shapes much of her character moving forward.

How does the show adapt Riley's story?

The show adapts Riley's story from the video game quite faithfully. In episode 7, it depicts Ellie and Riley's reunion, their shared experiences, and the tragic attack that leads to Riley's death from a fungal infection. It’s a very close rendition of the original game's narrative.

As you can see, the relationship between Ellie and Riley is a cornerstone of "The Last of Us" narrative. It’s a story of first love, profound connection, and the lasting impact of loss in a world that demands resilience. Their bond, you know, truly shaped Ellie into the person we see navigating such a challenging existence.

To truly grasp the depth of their connection and its significance, we really encourage you to experience it for yourself. Whether you choose to watch the acclaimed television series, particularly the seventh episode, or play the original video game, you will see how this relationship, basically, sets the stage for so much of Ellie's journey. Learn more about Ellie's story on our site, and link to this page for more character insights.

Riley's First Date: watch a clip from Pixar's new Inside Out short
Riley's First Date: watch a clip from Pixar's new Inside Out short

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File:Riley Reid, 2016 (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
File:Riley Reid, 2016 (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Riley Jones | Haunted Beast Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia
Riley Jones | Haunted Beast Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia

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