The Last Of Us Part 2: Ranking Every Character From Worst To Best

Lev's arc has already created controversy, some out of valid concern for how a trans character is being treated, some out of blatant bigotry, but it can't be denied how effective Lev is not just as an individual character, but as a turning point for Abby's own narrative redemption. Lev is the piece of the puzzle that separates Abby from Ellie by the end, the choice to put someone else before a desire for revenge.

The divisiveness in regards to Lev's depiction concerns how the character's identity is represented throughout the story, as some trans people have legitimate issues over the deadnaming used in an action sequence with the Seraphites. The deadname being used for narrative discomfort shouldn't have been present, and it's a sign that Naughty Dog hasn't quite mastered portraying LGBTQ+ people as of yet.

However, anyone who dislikes Lev simply because he is trans and exists in a game needs to confront their own bigotry immediately.

Like Yara, Lev starts out in the worst sequence of the game and comes off as distanced at first, before eventually developing as a complex emotional character across the second half. He truly comes into his own during the skyscraper sequence, and by the end, you feel like Abby as she desperately fights to keep him alive. Ian Alexander does a wonderful job as he makes you care so much about this kid, especially by the end.