Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us season 2, episode 1 and The Last of Us Part II!

Dina is a new major character who has been introduced in The Last of Us season 2's cast introduces several new characters who appeared in The Last of Us Part II, and Dina is one of the most significant.

The Last of Us season 2, episode 1 is finally here, kicking off the long-awaited adaptation of The Last of Us Part II. Fans of the game know that Ellie and Dina are a pairing that will be frequently seen throughout season 2, and even beyond that if The Last of Us season 3 continues the story of The Last of Us Part II. Ellie and Dina are together for most of the season 2 premiere, with their romance even playing a big role in the episode's climax. So, here is an introduction to Dina for new The Last of Us fans and a refresher for those who haven't played the game in a while.

Dina's Age, Backstory & Life Before The Last Of Us Season 2

What Happened Before Episode 1

Very little has been revealed about Dina by the end of The Last of Us season 2, episode 1. However, since The Last of Us Part II already exists, a lot of the questions that fans may have about her backstory have already been answered. In the game, Dina is in her early 20s, making her a few years older than Ellie. Dina's parents were killed when she was very young, leaving her an orphan. Thus, Dina was raised by her older sister Talia, who was also killed before the events of The Last of Us Part II.

Dina arrived in Jackson sometime before Joel and Ellie, with her establishing a life there. Dina first began a relationship with Jesse, Young Mazino's character in The Last of Us season 2, episode 1. Dina became friends with Ellie during this relationship. However, things escalated shortly after Dina and Jesse broke up, with Dina then beginning a romance with Ellie. This is where The Last of Us season 2 picks up, with the rest of Dina's story sure to be revealed in future episodes.

Isabela Merced Plays Dina In The Last Of Us - What Else She's Been In

The Last Of Us Is Not Her First Major Franchise

In The Last of Us season 2, Dina is played by actress Isabela Merced. Isabela Merced was born on July 10, 2001, in Cleveland Ohio, and had her big break in the Nickelodeon series 100 Things to Do Before High School. After appearing in a few more Nickelodeon shows, Merced went on to have a major movie career. Isabela Merced has appeared in massive movies and franchises, such as Transformers: The Last Night, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Spirit Untamed, Madame Web, Alien: Romulus, and the 2025 Superman movie.

In The Last of Us season 1, there is a moment where a girl resembling Dina can be seen looking at Ellie. This character was played by Paolina van Kleef, with many fans of the series wondering if this actually was Dina. The showrunners of The Last of Us hinted that this was meant to be a reference to Dina, although they didn't confirm that it actually was her. Since Dina is played by a different actress in season 2, it is likely that there is nothing more than an Easter egg.

How The Last Of Us Season 2's Dina Compares To The Game

Is She Accurate To TLOU Part II?

Based on what The Last of Us season 2 has shown so far, Dina is accurate to her character in the game. Most of Dina's story beats have been the same as in The Last of Us Part II, and the moments that have been added remain faithful to the spirit of her character. Her romantic dynamics with Ellie and Jesse remain intact, with this being a recurring storyline throughout the game. Dina's biggest moments, such as the supermarket scene and the dance at the end of episode 1, also remain faithful, although there are some minor changes.

Why Dina Kisses Ellie & Do They Have A Romantic Relationship?

Dina's Ellie & Jesse Love Triangle Explained

At the end of The Last of Us season 2, episode 1, Dina and Ellie dance at a New Year's dance. Although Ellie is initially uncomfortable, Dina gets her to relax, saying that she has a better chance with her than any of the guys there do. The duo then kisses, signaling that their relationship is more than a friendship. This could be the start of a romantic relationship, something that is ed by the game.

In The Last of Us Part II, Dina and Ellie have a romantic relationship, one that is carried on throughout the game. Much of the game's story centers on Dina and Ellie going on their adventure together, with there being many scenes in which it is just the two of them. Because of this, it is good that season 2 is establishing their romantic connection this early on.

What Happens To Dina In The Last Of Us Part II Game

Where Her Story Will Go Next

After Joel's death, Dina and Jesse are the ones to find Ellie at the scene of the murder. Ellie decides that she is going to leave Jackson to hunt down Joel's killers, with this decision being made shortly after Tommy sets out on the same mission. Refusing to let her go alone, Dina s Ellie. Later, Dina reveals that she is pregnant with Jesse's child. Ellie then has to leave Dina in a safe place while she looks for Tommy, promising to return when she does.

Ellie, Tommy, and Jesse eventually arrive at the theater where Dina is being housed. So do Abby and some of her Washington Liberation Front friends, with them attacking the group and nearly killing Dina. However, Abby decides to spare her. This allows Dina and Ellie to return home, with them living together on a farm. Dina has her child and is happy living with Ellie. Eventually, Ellie decides to continue her quest for revenge by heading to California, continuing the story of The Last of Us.