Top 10 Best The Walking Dead Characters

Ever since the first walker shambled onto our screens back in 2010, we've been hooked. The Walking Dead has always been more than just gore and guts. It's about the people, the relationships, and the gut-wrenching choices they're forced to make.

Think back over the seasons: the brutal deaths, the unexpected betrayals, the heartwarming moments of connection. We've cheered them on, cried with them, and sometimes even yelled at our TVs. We've seen them transform from ordinary folks into hardened survivors, capable of both unspeakable acts and incredible compassion.

But who has truly left their mark on the zombie apocalypse? Which characters have we loved, hated, or loved to hate? Who would you want by your side if the world went to hell in a handbasket?

The Top Ten

Daryl Dixon

Daryl Dixon is a fictional character from the American television series The Walking Dead, portrayed by Norman Reedus. He is an original character created for the show and does not appear in the comic book series. Daryl has become one of the most popular and enduring characters in the franchise.

Daryl is a modern-day Superman. He knows how to kill zombies, villains, and other undesirables. He's constantly saving people! He's a super quick thinker and manages to escape from the scariest and most insane situations. He possesses the perfect skills (powers) to survive.
Daryl isn't egotistic and knows how to be a team player. While he's undoubtedly a badass, what's most endearing is how much he cares about people. From his efforts to find Sophie and Beth, to risking his life to return insulin for an unknown girl. We love Daryl because he's the type of man, friend, brother, husband, and son we'd all want in our lives. If Daryl dies, WE RIOT!

He's a character that really changes throughout the seasons. He starts off a lot like his brother, but over time he changes into a nicer person. He's a really complex character that I have laughed and cried with. He gets funny one-liners and some badass scenes, like pulling an arrow from his stomach to shoot a walker.
There is potential for a relationship with Carol, another great character. I just hope so much that he won't get killed in Season 4, like the writer is implying. I'm praying it's not goodbye, Daryl. If it is, no one watching will have a dry eye!
Rick Grimes

Richard "Rick" Grimes is a fictional character and the protagonist in the comic book series The Walking Dead, as well as its television adaptation. He is portrayed by Andrew Lincoln in the TV series. Rick is a former sheriff's deputy who becomes the leader of a group of survivors during a zombie apocalypse... read more

I fell in love with Rick the moment he woke up in the hospital. I'd never want to watch the show without him. It just wouldn't be the same. He's a good guy, someone you can't help but respect. After everything he's been through, he still has a decency about him, a human component that hasn't been touched.
He's a wonderful father and the best friend you could ever hope for. He's had to do things that no one else has had to do and that no one should have to do. He took on the responsibility of being a leader and is the best choice for the job. He always comes up with great solutions. The difference between him and all the other leaders they come across is that he is a good person. He's not mentally insane, his leadership hasn't gone to his head, and he's not trying to take over the world. He's fair and doesn't steal from people. He just wants a place for him and his people to live so they won't be attacked by walkers. I never want to see them leave Alexandria. They at least deserve that.
Glenn Rhee

Glenn Rhee is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Steven Yeun in the AMC television series of the same name.

I'm so frustrated that they killed him off just so AMC could save Daryl, whom many view as an overrated fan favorite. First off, I despise when people say that Glenn was too moral and weak to survive the apocalypse. The fact that he managed to maintain both his humanity and badassery simultaneously demonstrates immense strength. He wasn't a ruthless and cold survivor like Rick, Daryl, or Carol. However, he also wasn't one of those overly moralizing survivors, such as Dale and Andrea.
Furthermore, they killed him off purely for shock value. This show seems to have a narrow-minded belief that kindness is a weakness. They chose Glenn because they hesitated to do the same to Daryl. It's not enough to say, "it happened in the comics" or "Steven asked for it." The series has deviated from the comics in numerous ways, including the very existence of Daryl Dixon. TV versions of Maggie and Glenn are quite distinct from their comic counterparts. They could have easily kept Glenn alive on the show this season.
Michonne

Michonne is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead. She is portrayed by Danai Gurira in the television series of the same name. Michonne is known for her katana skills and strong leadership, becoming a key figure in the survivor community.

I love Michonne! She is independent and gentle. She can fight and handle herself. If I needed to partner up with anyone to outrun walkers, it would be Michonne!
Michonne, I feel, is kind of like the female version of Daryl. She is fast-thinking and can use her weapon of choice effectively. She knows how to survive when it comes to shelter, food, and being attacked by walkers.
One thing that Michonne has that many others don't (except for maybe Daryl) is her ability to distinguish between a good-hearted man and one that isn't. She wasn't fooled by the Governor. This insight is crucial for survival, and not many possess it.
I vote for Michonne!

There's nothing more exciting than watching Michonne slice through a herd of zombies. But beyond that, Michonne is one of the most complex and intriguing characters. She has great depth, from the loss of her child to allowing her ex and his best friend to turn into the dead, then using them as cattle and protection.
We witness the coldness, the silence, and the strength of Michonne. Yet, we also see her love for the people around her and how she becomes a friend and parental figure to Rick's son, Carl. Michonne is one of the main reasons I watch the show, and let's be honest, that katana is badass.
Hershel Greene

Hershel Greene is a fictional character in The Walking Dead franchise. He appears in the comic book series, the television series where he is portrayed by Scott Wilson, and the video game series. In the TV show, he is a veterinarian and a deeply principled man who becomes a key moral figure for the group... read more

I love a lot of the characters. I'm such a huge, huge, huge fan of this show. I love Daryl, Maggie, Michonne. I didn't like Merle at first, but he turned out good. Rick and Carl are impressively getting better, and Carl is growing up. Glenn, Dale, and the Governor were believable characters too.
But I love Hershel. He's so awesome. Not only was he the doctor, he cared about everyone and was kind, genuine, and wise. He was such a good person. He had such a good heart.
He connects with the audience very well. You get a very soft spot for him in your heart.

To this day, even after he's been dead for four seasons, Hershel is my absolute favorite character. He was the "grandpa" of the show and also its doctor. He transformed the series once he showed his affectionate side, and his death will always be remembered.
I guess the main reason I love Hershel is that he reminds me of my grandfather. It kind of hit close to home when he died, especially since my grandfather passed away a month after Hershel did on the show.
Carol Peletier

Carol Peletier is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Melissa McBride in the American television series of the same name. Her character undergoes significant development, evolving from a timid housewife to a skilled survivor. Carol is considered one of... read more

Carol Peletier is my absolute favorite character from The Walking Dead. I not only love her transformation from, as Merle states, "a woman who was afraid of her own shadow," to one of the toughest, long-lived characters, but I also appreciate how convincingly she navigates life's challenges.
She faked being an innocent Christian to get her and Maggie out of a tough bind and later became a fierce fighter. She can be hopeful at times, making her very uplifting. I love her occasional witty remarks, and her developing relationship with Daryl is both unexpected and delightful. She's one of the most compelling characters on the show, to be honest. I wouldn't watch if my "cookie monster" wasn't there.
Maggie Greene

Maggie Greene is a fictional character from The Walking Dead comic book series. She is portrayed by Lauren Cohan in the American television adaptation of the series. Maggie becomes an important leader within the group of survivors and is known for her resilience and strategic mind.

She is so underrated. She doesn't even appear in some promos, yet she has been part of the show for a long time. She has done amazing things and has helped the group more than Carol, Michonne, or even Glenn.
Some people overlook a straightforward woman being badass, preferring characters like the crossbow-wielding man or the katana-wielding girl. However, I believe Maggie will be one of the last humans standing. She's amazing and will always be my favorite. The last Greene!

By far, Maggie is the best character. I still get a chuckle out of her throwing shampoo at Lori and yelling at her, mostly because I despised Lori. I love that Maggie sometimes shows a temper. She really grew on me.
I also had the opportunity to meet Lauren Cohan at Walker Stalker. She's very cool and a genuinely pleasant person. I hope she remains on the show until the bitter end.
Carl Grimes

Carl Grimes is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead. He is portrayed by Chandler Riggs in the American television adaptation of the same name, which airs on AMC in the United States. Carl is the son of the series' protagonist, Rick Grimes.

It was a hard choice for me because there are so many great characters. Hershel, Rick, and Daryl could all have had my vote, but I chose Carl because he has the most potential out of anyone.
He's a kid having to grow up in this world, and he has had some of the best moments in the show and a lot of development. I believe when the show finally ends, Carl will be the last man standing. P.S. to the guy who said Carl IS the last one to survive in the comics: you're a liar. The comics are still ongoing and plenty of characters are still around.

He started at 10. Now he is gone. He always protected the people around him, including Enid. He was a great person. He understood what the walkers were and never took any chances. Even without an eye, he was stronger than most characters. He got shot, lost an eye, and now he was bitten. It was a pointless death. He should have been bitten on the arm or leg, or not bitten at all.
R.I.P. My favorite character, Carl Grimes.
Merle Dixon

Merle Dixon is a fictional character from the horror drama television series The Walking Dead, which airs on AMC in the United States and is based on the comic book series of the same name. The character is portrayed by actor Michael Rooker. Merle is the older brother of Daryl Dixon and plays a recurring... read more

Merle was my favorite character because his whereabouts and whether he's dead or not is unknown. This mystery persists through the rest of season one and all of season two. Even though it took him so long to return, he wasn't forgotten. This was because his brother was in the group, and someone would mention him every now and then.
His return was a shock, and he also had a knife on his arm, which I think was the most badass weapon on the show. The way he went out was heroic and sad for many people because they had just started to like him. I've always liked him but was sad to see him go. I just hoped it wouldn't be this soon.
Beth Greene

Beth Greene is a fictional character from the American horror drama television series The Walking Dead. She was created by season two showrunner Glen Mazzara and portrayed by actress Emily Kinney. Beth is introduced as the younger half-sister of Maggie Greene and becomes a central character during the... read more

Beth is my favorite character by a mile! She's faced numerous challenges during the zombie apocalypse: she was attacked by her zombified mother, made a suicide attempt, and witnessed her father's brutal death. Unlike many characters who seem designed to survive a zombie apocalypse, what makes Beth unique and relatable is that she's just a typical 18-year-old girl trying to find happiness amidst chaos.

I was so upset when she died, especially after an entire season dedicated to developing her character. I loved her relationship with Daryl. Even if it wasn't leading to a romance, it felt like a brother/sister or father/daughter bond.
I thought that after Hershel died, she would be the person everyone turned to for hope and the occasional inspiring speech. It's so sad. She was definitely a great character.

The Newcomers

?
Henry

Henry is a very good character, and I love him so much. But he needs to be a little brighter.
I think he was only being dumb so he could protect Lydia. Henry is very good at protecting women and the people he cares about, but he needs to be smarter.
I was so mad when Henry (Matt Lintz) died on the show. It broke my heart, but I'm not really worried as much anymore.
-Olivia
?
Javier Garcia

He is from the video games but is still a really great character.

The Contenders

The Governor

The Governor is a fictional character and a primary antagonist in The Walking Dead comic book and television series. He is portrayed as the ruthless leader of the fortified community of Woodbury. His character is known for complex moral ambiguity and plays a significant role in the series' plot development... read more

He was the most compelling character on the show. I can't remember an episode he appeared in where every moment he had on screen didn't fascinate me. I'd kill him on sight in real life, but I find I really miss his presence on The Walking Dead. He was just so unpredictable.
It's a rare villain that can both garner my sympathy and make me thoroughly enjoy watching his heinous actions. In fact, he has to be one of my favorites of all time. I can't commend David Morrissey enough for his portrayal. I really hope he's worked in again somehow.

He was the best character on the show, but he was too far gone. I'm pretty sure he's dead. Although he was predominantly a charismatic sociopath, there were moments when I felt he had once been a good man before the apocalypse.
Morrissey portrayed a sexy, charming, yet despicable Governor. I could never fully hate his character, even though I often wanted to.
Dale Horvath

Dale Horvath is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Jeffrey DeMunn in the American television series of the same name. He is depicted as a wise and moral member of the survivor group. In the TV series, Dale serves as the group's voice of reason before... read more

I identify myself with this guy so much. I still think of Daryl as my favorite TWD character, but Dale is almost as good in my opinion as him. He's a pacifist, a man who saw a lot and was always there to help his group. He wasn't afraid of other people.
He's against violence unless it's absolutely necessary, but he hates killing humans. That's where we start to be very similar to each other. I am violent, sometimes even sadistic, but killing is my least favorite thing. I always thought that Rick should consider his opinion more. Everyone, except Shane, respected and trusted him, and so did I. Rest in pieces, Grandpa Dale.

Dale was one character who I felt was consistently good throughout his time in the show. He became a huge favorite of mine. I think he's a great character, and the actor plays him very well.
However, his death made zero sense. How could a zombie, whose arms are probably as weak as a blanket, rip open a stomach? I was very disappointed that his death lacked any logic. I love this show, but I can't lie, they aren't very consistent with the power of the zombies.
I watched YMS' review on season two and he made good points on how they could rip open a horse's stomach but can't bite through a boot.
Negan Smith

Negan is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan in the American television series of the same name. He is introduced as the ruthless leader of a group called the Saviors. Negan becomes a major antagonist in both the comic and television... read more

This is a hands-down vote for me. He literally curb stomps #2 on this list a dozen times over, broke his spirit, and turned his back on him while Rick was holding a hatchet without concern for anything Rick could do to him. He also currently has #1 in his basement, handing out beatings on the daily, and will soon break him too.
For anyone who hasn't read the comics and just watches the show, just wait and see what the writers had in mind when they created Negan. He is meant to be unstoppable and unbeatable. The best you can hope for is to get him locked away in a dungeon and pray he never escapes.
He gets his throat slashed by Rick in the grand finale and still lays him out afterwards. This should be a debate about who #2 is, folks.
Abraham Ford

Sergeant Abraham Ford is a fictional character from The Walking Dead comic book series. He is portrayed by Michael Cudlitz in the television adaptation of the same name. Abraham is a former U.S. Army sergeant who joins the group led by Rick Grimes to help escort Eugene Porter to Washington, D.C. His... read more

Abraham Ford is the fourth best character for me. He's an apocalyptic character I can really relate to. He's an excellent soldier who takes orders and gets the job done. He eliminates people who threaten him with his machine gun. His character development is exceptional.
I hope Negan didn't kill him. If it had to be anyone, I'd prefer it to be Michonne, as she's not particularly dear to me but her death would still impact the series. Abraham is a nearly perfect character, although a bit too reckless and hasty.

Abraham has such a great sense of humor mixed with a cognizant appreciation of how messed up certain situations are. Yet, he continues to work hard and lead others.
I'd like to believe that his character is much like what I would be like during the zombie apocalypse.
Shane Walsh

Shane Walsh is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Jon Bernthal in the American television series of the same name. In the story, Shane is a former police officer and Rick Grimes' best friend, who becomes a central antagonist in the early seasons. His... read more

A good guy is pushed into a truly ungrateful role, slowly succumbing to his jealousy and resentment. He's done a lot for the group, but in the end, it's always Rick who takes the glory and the woman he loves. When his best friend comes back from the dead, in a way, he takes everything from him. He is a central member of the group, yet he feels more alone than most others.
I believe he's a great character because he's an antagonist you can truly relate to. He gets under Rick's skin like no other. This was the character death I was most upset about, and I feel they didn't address its impact as much as they should have.
Daryl can't really fill the position Shane had with Rick.
Rosita Espinosa

Rosita Espinosa is a fictional character from The Walking Dead comic book series. She is portrayed by Christian Serratos in the television adaptation of the same name. Rosita is introduced as a survivalist and eventually becomes a key member of the group.

Rosita is one of my favorite characters, besides Rick, Glenn, and Negan at this point. She knows how to survive, and she is very beautiful and strong. Despite being angry or aggressive at people like Tara and Sasha, which some did not like, I appreciate her aggressiveness because it shows how strong she is. If you kill Rosita off, we riot!

She's getting a lot of character development, and she's becoming a great survivor. She has proved she can fight and be brave just like the other members of the group.

Beautiful character who really deserves to survive. I wouldn't watch the show without her, Beth, or Daryl.
T-Dog

Theodore "T-Dog" Douglas is a fictional character from the horror drama television series The Walking Dead, which airs on AMC in the United States. The series is based on the comic book of the same name. T-Dog was portrayed by actor IronE Singleton.

He's by far one of my favorites. At the beginning on the rooftop, you could tell he was going to be a clumsy character as he dropped the handcuff key down the drain, leading to Merle having to chop his hand off. And then when he sacrificed himself for Carol in the prison, that's when I realized he was one of my favorites.

It's terrible that he lost the keys on the roof of the building.
That changes everything.
But also, he's a great character. I like it when he is 'high' when the group goes to Hershel's farm.
Morgan Jones

Morgan Jones is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Lennie James in the American television series of the same name. He first appears in the pilot episode of the TV series and plays a key role throughout the franchise. Morgan is known for his moral struggles... read more

He feels more human than the other characters. I'm not sure if I would be able to pull that trigger in the very first episode. In Season 3, he was emotionally broken due to the brutal loss of his son. Now, he has nobody in his life. For me, he is the most intriguing character on the show.

Though he is not my favorite, I think he should be ranked higher because of all he went through: losing his son, going crazy, writing stuff on walls, and setting up traps. I would like to see him in season 5 or something.

I'm voting for Morgan Jones because Andrea is one rank ahead, and that is insulting. Andrea is the most annoying character of the show and should be the second-to-last character on this list, right behind Lori.
Tyreese Williams

Tyreese Williams is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead. He is portrayed by Chad Coleman in the American television adaptation of the same name. Tyreese is known for his strong moral compass and protective nature within the group of survivors.

Why in God's name is he not first? He, Rick, Carol, and Daryl are the ONLY characters developing at all and learning the benefits of forgiveness and apology. Carol just admitted to Tyreese in "The Grove" that she killed Karen and David. She did so right after she shot her adopted daughter.
That's tough right there. But Tyreese forgave her, and that's the toughest thing anybody has ever done on the show.

Tyreese is clearly the all-time greatest TWD character! He is first and foremost a human being and never loses sight of that. I also really love Glenn for this reason. However, Tyreese comes out on top for me because he's such a loving and sensitive soul on the inside, and a huge, tough, sexy, zombie-killing badass on the outside. I miss that dude.
Eugene Porter

Dr. Eugene Porter is a fictional character in The Walking Dead comic book series. He is portrayed by actor Josh McDermitt in the television adaptation, beginning with the fourth season. In the story, Eugene is known for his intelligence and technical skills, which help the group survive in the post-apocalyptic... read more

Of all the TWD characters, Eugene was originally the least prepared for an apocalypse. He started out with less than novice fighting and survival abilities. Additionally, he had the inability to relate to others as though he were a Martian dropped off onto Earth amid the apocalypse for a sick joke.
However, he's since evolved, arguably even beyond Carol Peletier. His survival, fighting, and social skills have each improved. Yet, he's still maintained his awkward persona even in Season 7 and hopefully long after.

Eugene makes me laugh more than any other character. He struggles with social skills, but he's also highly intelligent.
Andrea

Andrea is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Laurie Holden in the American television series of the same name. In the comics, she is a skilled sharpshooter and a key member of the survivor group. Her television counterpart had a different storyline and... read more

Andrea is easily my favorite character. First, I want everyone to understand that the TV series is not the comic series. Characters differ in both formats. It's unfair to dislike Andrea in the TV show just because you prefer her in the comics. Regardless, she is an amazing and sensible character. I also think she's the most relatable.
Consider everything she does. Initially, she tries to take her own life. Then, after being compelled to stay alive, she becomes an incredibly skilled sharpshooter. From her perspective, Shane was arguably the most useful member of the group. In Season 2, Episode 9, she says that Shane "makes all the right calls, but his approach leaves something to be desired." I think that, up to that point, raiding the barn, ending the search for Sophia after four to five days, and forcing Lori to return to camp after she went looking for Rick were all the right calls to make.
Andrea knows what's best, and fans don't give her enough credit for that. Even in Season 3, after spending eight months in the woods and coming close to death, any sensible person would have stayed in Woodbury. "A bad feeling" from Michonne doesn't seem like a valid reason for any of us to leave a safe haven and venture back into the unknown. If people who criticize Andrea took the time to see things from her perspective, they'd realize she truly is an amazing character.
In addition to her sensibility, she is the first person on the show to prove that women can be just as strong as men and equally skilled with a gun. She is a central figure in the show's exploration of feminism, and I think that's a point we all need to appreciate more.
Aaron

He is a great character. He is much more developed now in the comic book series, though.

I love his character. He's always there for his boyfriend, no matter what.

Nice, reliable, and brave man! Good to watch him!
Tara Chambler

Tara Chambler is a fictional character from the horror drama television series The Walking Dead, which airs on AMC in the United States and is based on the comic book series of the same name. She first appeared in the fourth season of the show and was portrayed by actress Alanna Masterson. Tara became... read more

You all need to understand that Tara is a kind-hearted person. Everyone hated her because she was the first to agree with the governor about attacking the prison. She has stayed emotionally strong through the loss of all three family members.
While she is nowhere close to the top women in the group (Michonne, Carol, Maggie, Sasha), she emotionally has a lot of potential. And that is why, to me, she deserves number 8.

By far one of the best fighters on the show. She fought through three devastating deaths in her family. She is smart and logical, and the group needs that. Tara can fight through head injuries to sorrow. She sticks up for herself and is underrated. The apocalypse needs someone like her.
Sasha Williams

Sasha Williams is a fictional character from the AMC television horror drama series The Walking Dead.
She was portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green and appeared from season 3 through season 7. Sasha developed into a brave and selfless figure before sacrificing herself in the season 7 finale.

What makes this character my favorite is that Sonequa Martin Green is such a wonderful theatre actress. Without her, this character would be nothing. Sasha is fierce and dominant, but also really intense and engaging.
In season 5, some of the other survivors are falling into categories of predictability, but this character keeps surprising me and keeps me on the watch. I love her and want more of her.

In my opinion, Sasha is the greatest female character because she has amazing traits in all areas. She's a badass, a fighter, a leader, but most importantly, she's a realist. She disregards the nonsense and strives on, getting it all done. The actress is so great, and she's turned this character into a total team player from where she started. Now she's the sharpshooter! Go SASHA!
Paul 'Jesus' Monroe

Paul "Jesus" Monroe is a fictional character from The Walking Dead comic book series. He is portrayed by Tom Payne in the AMC television adaptation of the same name. The character is known for his martial arts skills and role as a key ally to Rick Grimes.

I love Jesus. I'm really surprised he's not higher on the list. He's a kick-ass character, and getting Tom Payne to play him was genius. I guess the more screen time he gets, the more fans he'll get. Honestly, he's the best.

He's one of the best. He's amazing, he's played by a great actor, he's very handsome, he's a good leader, and he's a ninja. He's better than the real Jesus!

I look forward to seeing more of him in the show. If season 6 is anything to go by, he's going to be a fan favorite.