Intro. It is not a classic hero. He is a broken man, but still fighting because he doesn't know how to do anything else.
Joel Miller is a survivor hardened by the loss in a devastated America by the pandemic of cordyceps, a fungus that turned a large part of humanity into violent creatures and without conscience. Originally from Texas and with an unmistakable southern accent, Joel exceeded the first stages of the outbreak in the worst possible way: seeing his only daughter, Sarah, in her arms. That tragedy marked a before and after in his life, breaking it inside.
Over time, the need to survive transformed him into a cold, cynical and dangerous man. He became a smuggler and began operating in the quarantine areas, along with Tess Servopoulos, his partner both in business and the daily struggle to stay alive.
Despite his hard facade and his tendency to isolation, Joel is a man deeply affected by the past.