Joel is violent, brutal, morally ambiguous, and determined to survive no matter what in a post-apocalyptic world. He is driven by doing whatever is necessary to survive. But is also compassionate, protective, caring, reliable, and trustworthy. After the death of his teen daughter Sarah, his personality became more broody, damaged, apathetic, ruthless. He rarely shows signs of happiness and is often cynical and selfish, still has fatherly instincts. He only cares for his brother and sister-in-law