The Angel:

Joel is first introduced to the Angel in the form of a small animal. This animal shares the physical attributes of a skunk that he and his friend had hunted after it sprayed Earl in the woods. The strange compassion and hesitation that arose in Joel toward this 3 legged animal presented an opportunity for the Angel to appear in this form upon first contact, catching Joel in a vulnerable moment.

Later, the face in Kevin’s drawing, a portrait he’d been compelled to draw year after year is recognized but not placed by the majority of the surviving teens, and then confirmed by Connor to be his “Guardian Angel”.

Connor had seen the Angel most of his life, often catching a glimpse here and there of the Angel retreating into the shadows, or blinking out of existence when he’d realized Connor had spotted him. But only with Joel had Connor seen the Angel working with an individual, guiding their hands, physically manipulating the present.

Joel would further speak to the Angel in his true form, accepting guidance while occasionally becoming frustrated with the Angel’s talk of destiny. The Angel would fight Joel on this point, begging him to see the path before him, to accept his destiny and carry out what purpose he was meant for. 

The Angel is employed by a higher intelligence to guide key characters in realizing their destiny as it is known only to them.