I never said it was elevated above those other stories, I said that it is equal to them. Joel is violent because that violence is what was necessary to survive all those years in a world turned dark and wild. But there is more to Joel than his violence. He forges trust and partnership with Tess, he forges a loving, caring bond with Ellie, in which he teaches her about life before the outbreak, shelters her, protects her, and comes to respect her as a partner and an equal. He connects with Henry, has empathy for his role of protector of his little brother, relates to his insistence upon his brother's safety over anything else. Joel can be vicious and cruel, but he can be compassionate, gentle, and understanding. There are moments in the game which showcase all of these aspects of his character.
