LogFAQs > #898324927

that clearly depicted Joel as psychologically flawed, selfish, and not a good person. During flavor dialogue, he admitted to killing (probably many) innocent people, and we see him carrying out executions without remorse multiple times. He bottles up his feelings about Sarah, his wife, and Tess, and only begins to open up to Ellie after months traveling together. Joel and Ellie's relationship was built up very well, but the only true moment of tenderness was after her near-rape, when his paternal instincts kick in and he consoles her.

He's also really hot-headed and loses his mind the moment he hears a word of disagreement (I thought he was a total douchebag when initially talking to his brother in Wyoming). To that end, the huge lie to Ellie is very fitting for his character, imo.