Does Dina Die in ‘The Last of Us’? Here’s What Happens to Her

If you’re wondering about Dina’s fate in ‘The Last of Us,’ you’re not alone. Ellie’s close companion won hearts with her strength and loyalty in a brutal world. Her story weaves through intense moments, leaving players curious about what happens to her—and now, with Isabela Merced cast as Dina in HBO’s Season 2, I’m excited to see how her journey translates to the screen. Let’s dive into her arc, focusing on why she matters so much to the narrative.

Dina’s role in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ isn’t just about survival—it’s about love, choices, and standing by those you care about. Voiced by Shannon Woodward in the game, she brings warmth to a grim setting, balancing Ellie’s drive with her own grounded perspective. Whether you played the game or caught glimpses through HBO’s series, her journey raises questions that keep you hooked. Stick with me as we explore her path step by step.

Getting to Know Dina

Dina steps into ‘The Last of Us Part II’ as a resident of Jackson, Wyoming, where Ellie and Joel have settled. She’s tough, having survived a harsh world since childhood, losing her family early on. Her bond with Ellie grows from friendship to romance, sparking some of the game’s most heartfelt scenes.

Before the main events, Dina dated Jesse, another Jackson local, but their split leaves her free to connect with Ellie. She’s not just a sidekick—she’s skilled with a pistol and quick on her feet, helping Ellie face infected and enemies alike. Her Jewish-American roots add depth, with small touches like her Hamsa bracelet showing her heritage.

This mix of grit and care makes Dina stand out. When she joins Ellie on a dangerous mission, her loyalty shines, but it’s her choices later that really shape her story. Those moments hit hard, and I’ll get to them soon.

Dina’s Role in the Revenge Quest

The heart of ‘The Last of Us Part II’ is Ellie’s quest for vengeance after a devastating loss. Dina doesn’t hesitate to join her, leaving the safety of Jackson for Seattle’s dangers. Early on, they share quiet moments—like bonding over old music—that contrast the violence around them.

In Seattle, Dina fights alongside Ellie, taking down foes with precision. But the toll of their journey weighs on her, especially as the stakes climb. She’s not just there for backup—her presence forces Ellie to think beyond revenge, grounding her in ways that feel real and raw.

Dina’s arc in this part of the game sets up bigger questions about what she’s willing to risk. Her decisions ripple through the story, and they’re a big reason why players keep talking about her.

What Becomes of Dina

Here’s where things get intense. Dina does not die in ‘The Last of Us Part II.’ She faces close calls—like a brutal fight where her life hangs in the balance—but she pulls through, thanks to Ellie’s pleas and a moment of mercy from another character. This clash leaves scars, though, and shapes what comes next.

After Seattle, Dina and Ellie try for a quieter life, raising Dina’s son, JJ, on a Wyoming farm. It’s a peaceful setup, with Dina embracing motherhood while Ellie wrestles with her past. But when Ellie feels pulled back to her mission, Dina draws a line—she’s done with the cycle of violence.

In the end, Dina leaves the farm with JJ, likely heading back to Jackson. When Ellie returns, the empty house speaks volumes. Their story stays open-ended, leaving hope for a reunion in a future game, but for now, Dina’s alive, choosing her son and a safer path over more pain.