HBO's post-apocalyptic drama, The Last of Us boasts well-rounded and memorable characters. Led by Joel Miller and Ellie, the show is the tale of endurance and survival in the Cordyceps-ravaged United States.
The Last of Us deals with the events post the Cordyceps outbreak that has wiped out most of humanity. Whatever's left of United States' human population post-pandemic is divided into strong human groups, common folks, and some such. While The Last of Us season 1 adapted fascinating game characters for the medium of TV, season 2 should likely retain some and add a few more from the source material.
8 Dina
The Last of Us season 1, episode 6 "Kin" introduced a nameless young woman staring at Ellie from behind a pole in the dining hall at Jackson. There is widespread speculation that she is Ellie's friend and a future partner named Dina.
In this particular scene from the HBO show, Dina breaks eye contact and runs away soon as she sees Ellie snap at her. This prompts Tommy's wife, Maria to jump in and remind Ellie that children in the Jackson settlement aren't as razor-tongued as she is. Though Joel asks Ellie to mind her manners, she goes ahead and does the opposite. Dina is important to the storyline in Part II, therefore chances are high that she will appear in the upcoming season.
7 Tommy Miller
Joel saved Ellie from the Fireflies' clutches at the end of HBO's The Last of Us season 1, episode 9 "Look for the Light." In a violent hospital massacre that ensued, he took out every Firefly that stood in the way of Ellie's life, including the person (Marlene) who entrusted her to him in the first place. He drove her back to Tommy and Maria's fortified Jackson settlement, and as they overlooked it atop a hill, he swore that the Fireflies gave up on searching for a cure.
Tommy Miller is one of the important characters of the video game sequel. He lives at the Jackson settlement and is expected to return to season 2. Played by Gabriel Luna, Tommy is Joel's younger brother who has some of the most fascinating The Last of Us quotes to his credit. His presence will surely enrich the upcoming season.
6 Maria Miller
Tommy's wife and the former assistant district attorney, Maria is one of the important members of the Jackson settlement. She and Tommy have bigger roles in The Last of Us Part II, and she too is expected to return to the HBO show.
Maria was first seen in The Last of Us season 1, episode 6 leading a patrol near the dam powering Jackson. She escorted Joel and Ellie back to her settlement. While she warns Ellie to remain wary of Joel, she has forgiven Tommy for his questionable past, proving she's a morally grey character.
5 Abby Anderson
HBO's The Last of Us has largely remained loyal to the source material, except for a few deviations here and there. While The Last of Us season 2 won't be exactly like the game, a few characters from Part II will be incorporated into the show.
As such, the controversial character of Abby Anderson is likely to appear in season 2. She is the daughter of the surgeon who was killed by Joel in The Last of Us finale episode. She avenges her father's death by murdering Joel with a golf club right in front of Ellie. With the second season announced, it remains to be seen if the creative duo, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin will bring Abby Anderson to life.
4 Lev
Abby's character is tied with the former member of the Seraphites, Lev who is a teen trans character, trying to survive in a Cordyceps-ravaged world. He and his older sister, Yara see Abby when she is about to be executed by the violent cultists. Lev kills the Seraphites with arrows, saves Yara, and cuts down Abby's noose on his sister's insistence.
Abby eventually bonds strongly with Lev, and he becomes her found family. Lev's inclusion will be a positive step as far as The Last of Us' transgender representation is concerned.
3 Yara
Lev's older sister, Yara is a runway cultist who is captured by the Seraphites right before Abby's execution. She spits at the Seraphites' member, Emily who demands to know where "the other apostate" i.e. Lev is. Emily then commands her henchmen to break Yara's arms.
Lev saves the day a little later after one of Yara's arms has been broken. He fatally wounds the Seraphites by shooting arrows from out of the woods. Abby meanwhile strangles Emily with her legs and Yara delivers the final blow. While neither Lev nor Yara's presence is confirmed as of now, their potential inclusion in the HBO series could prove to be interesting.
2 Jesse
Jesse should likely be another character addition to The Last of Us season 2. He lives in the Jackson community and eventually becomes the leader of the patrol groups. He dated Dina on and off, but later they break off permanently.
Joel often lectured Jesse about his patrols, advising him on where not to go and what not to do. Jesse is good friends with Ellie, and he joins in her quest to get revenge on Abby and her friends for Joel's death. Besides, Dina, he too plays an important role in The Last of Us Part II, therefore there's a high probability of him making season 2.
1 Isaac Dixon
Isaac Dixon was the leader of the Seattle-based Washington Liberation Front (WLF), nicknamed "Wolves" warring with the cultists, Seraphites for territory control.
Isaac was one of WLF's first members and was voted as the new commander after Emma and Jason Patterson and other high-rank Wolves were eliminated by the military. Isaac was known for ruthlessness, efficiency, and unrestricted control. Abby and Lev later learn through a radio broadcast that Isaac died from a gunshot wound. If cast as The Last of Us season 2 character, Isaac can certainly prove to be an interesting addition.