The Character Analysis: Clementine vs Ellie in the POST-APCALYPTIC World of Video Games
When discussing post-apocalyptic video game survivors, two names often stand out: Clementine from Telltale's "The Walking Dead," and Ellie from Naughty Dog's "The Last of Us" series. Both have become iconic in their own right, captivating audiences with their resilience, determination, and unique character arcs. This article delves into the comparative strengths of Clementine and Ellie, examining their personalities, skills, and contributions to their respective narratives. Though our personal opinions may vary, this analysis aims to offer a balanced view based on the gameplay, writing, and character development.
Analyzing Clementine from "The Walking Dead"
Clementine, the young girl protagonist in "The Walking Dead," is a survivor who has endure more than her fair share of hardships. Unlike her apocalyptic counterpart, Ellie, Clementine was bitten and experienced the full brunt of the zombie apocalypse. This factor has significantly shaped her character and narrative arc. Clementine's storyline is one of immense difficulty and an unrelenting fight for survival. From helping Hershel's group during the prison siege to enduring the Boston Red vs Greenman conflict, Clementine's character development is profound.
Clementine's experiences often reflect the most challenging aspects of being a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. Her growth is evident in her ability to cope with loss and maintain a sense of hope. Clementine's character is not only about survival but also about the preservation of innocence and humanity in a world that seems to have lost both. Her resilience and resourcefulness are hallmarks of her character, and she develops empathy, loyalty, and a strong sense of justice as the series progresses.
Assessing Ellie from "The Last of Us" series
Ellie, introduced in "The Last of Us Part I" and continuing into "The Last of Us Part II," is a character whose journey is marked by a different set of experiences. Ellie is immune to the infection that turned people into zombies, which gives her a unique edge in the post-apocalyptic world. Despite this advantage, Ellie faces her fair share of challenges, including violence, betrayal, and tragedy. However, unlike Clementine, Ellie's initial character arc is more complex. She and Joel have an intense dynamic that evolves over time from mistrust to deep affection.
Ellie's character development is centered around her resilience and her coming of age. She is introduced as a naturally tough and resourceful young girl, and as the series progresses, she faces immense personal challenges, including the murder of her sister, Marlene. These experiences greatly affect her, leading to complex moral and emotional choices. Ellie's decision to have her head shaved as a goodbye to her “golden age” symbolizes the loss of innocence and the brutal realities of her existence.
Comparing Skills and Personalities
The skills and personalities of Clementine and Ellie are significantly different, reflecting the unique challenges they face. Clementine's character is often seen as more admirable due to her undergoing more difficult and diverse experiences. She is a survivor who has seen the worst of the world, yet she endures and finds ways to persevere. Clementine's character is designed to evoke an emotional response from the player by showcasing her vulnerabilities and adaptability.
In contrast, Ellie’s skills are not just physical but are also about understanding and navigating the emotional landscape of her world. Her abilities are tied to her survival and her ability to make hard decisions that often weigh heavily on her. Ellie's character is about resilience, forgiveness, and coming to terms with the past. Her journey is more of a moral and emotional one, and while she does have physical prowess, it is not the defining aspect of her character.
Personal Opinion: Clementine's Character Development
Based on personal experience and a deep dive into the "Walking Dead" and "The Last of Us" series, I find Clementine to be the better character. Her extensive character development, enduring trials, and emotional depth make her a standout. Clementine's narrative is characterized by a growth that is unparalleled, showing her character's transformation from a naive and innocent young girl to a hardened survivor. The player witnesses Clementine's journey through the eyes of a true survivor, one who has endured the most and emerged with the most resilience.
Ellie, though a strong and compelling character, has faced a more complex character arc that, in the case of "Part II," suffered from creative choices that did not fully serve her character’s development. Her initial appeal often overshadows the depth and nuance of her arcs, particularly in the second part of the series where her journey becomes more about retribution and less about personal growth.
Conclusion: Clementine vs Ellie
Ultimately, both Clementine and Ellie bring something unique to the table as post-apocalyptic survivors. Clementine's journey is one of perseverance, and her character's growth is a testament to her storytelling. Ellie's journey, while also compelling, is more about her physical and emotional resilience. Both characters offer immense depth and are beloved by audiences for different reasons. If I had to choose, I would say that Clementine’s character development and the way she endures her experiences make her the better of the two.
Despite personal preferences, both characters and the games they feature are masterful works of narrative and character development. They speak to the heart of what makes a good survivor in a world broken by the end of the world. Clementine's tale is one of hope in the midst of despair, while Ellie's journey is a story of resilience and the human spirit's ability to transform in the face of unimaginable challenges.
For now, my answer to my kids would be along the lines of: ‘Despite their commonalities, I see the future in Ellie, and the past in Clementine. Ellie shows us how to move forward, and Clementine urges us to preserve what we love of the past. Both represent the heart of dystopian literature, embodying the struggle between survival and the enduring spirit of humanity.’