Top 10 Best The Walking Dead Characters

The Top Ten
1 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 and has no comic counterpart.

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!

2 Rick Grimes Richard "Rick" Grimes is a fictional character and the protagonist in the comic book series The Walking Dead and in the television series of the same name, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln.

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.

3 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.

4 Michonne Michonne is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Danai Gurira in the television series of the same name.

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.

5 Hershel Greene Hershel Greene is a fictional character in The Walking Dead whose role is depicted in the comic book, television series as portrayed by Scott Wilson and the game series.

To this day, even after he's been dead for 4 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.

Hershel was all around a great guy. He took over and even did a better job as a moral compass for the group when Dale died. Even after his leg was cut off, he remained optimistic, and it was evident he cared deeply about the group. He risked his life to save others right up until the end. It felt like a part of me died with him.

Such a vital member of the group, Hershel was looked upon for wisdom and guidance during the apocalypse. He was a loving father to his two girls and a savior to the sick at the Woodbury prison. It was heartbreaking to see him fall at the cruel hands of the Governor. R.I.P Hershel Greene!

6 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.

I love Carol because we've had the privilege of watching her evolve into the strong, badass woman she has become. Introduced in season 1, she's initially a subdued, mouse-like character suffering from domestic violence. However, due to events and circumstances around her, she gradually emerges as, in my opinion, the most formidable character on the show. She doesn't hesitate to make the incredibly challenging decisions necessary to protect those she loves. What I especially admire is how we've witnessed her transformation over the series. Her character arc is believable, something that can't be said for all characters on the show.

She's the best character on the show, hands down. I literally stood up and cheered out loud when she saved everyone from Terminus. She possesses compassion, yet she can make the tough decisions that a leader must in a zombie apocalypse. And I'll say it: I ship her with Daryl. Hard. The storytelling surrounding these two is so masterfully done. It's rare on TV to see writing that so effectively showcases emotional growth. Carol's journey is truly inspiring, and I'm glad she made it to the end!

7 Maggie Greene Maggie Greene is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Lauren Cohan in the American television series of the same name.

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.

She is by far the strongest character on the show. Maggie has lost her entire family: Hershel (her father), Beth (her sister), and Glenn (her husband). I love how she looks after Enid and Judith as if they are her own. She is also such a badass character. That's why she is my favorite!

8 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.

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.

Merle was a great character, my favourite actually. I really enjoyed the mean-spirited chemistry between him and the others. He worked great as both a villain and an antihero (as seen towards the end of season 3). I felt genuinely gutted to see him go, as he added humour and tension to the show. I really wanted him to be part of the gang for good and go down as one of the greatest antiheroes of all time.

Come on, bring him back! Break the boundaries of T.V. fiction for just one moment and make his death some kind of dream sequence Daryl experienced (when he was unhinged) or something. It might look a little silly, but it would be worth it just to have Merle back. Oh well... I can hope.

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

Carl was a very nice character we had in this show. It was nice watching him grow up into a character most of us love now. I was pretty shocked that he actually got shot twice and survived both of these injuries before his death. It must have been hard for him since a lot has been going on, but he was very strong. :) I will always miss the Carl we know.

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.

10 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.

This is a hands-down vote for me. He literally curb stomps #2 on this list a dozen times to come, 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.

Negan was actually a schoolteacher and a Ping-Pong coach before the apocalypse. Interesting, isn't it? How does such a man become "our Negan"? Is he truly the evil incarnate we all make him out to be?

To understand the appeal of Negan, you must remove yourself from the viewpoint imposed by the show. In a world where most people kill and plunder, he constructed a structure. Faulty? Yes. However, this structure allowed a lot of people to survive and find a place to belong. In a twisted way, he believed in the power of people, but he didn't believe in their hearts. Therefore, he ruled by fear.

He killed Glenn, Abraham, and many others. However, if you look at it through his eyes, Rick and his gang are the real problem-makers. They killed all the members of an entire outpost, Carl shot his men, and the walker siege killed many of his team. He almost died due to the walker horde entrapping him and his men. Even then, he still didn't want the Hilltop, Alexandria, or the Kingdom exterminated. Most of his decisions were based on necessity, not love, not belonging, and sometimes not even self-preservation, contrasting with our main characters.

Now, if you further contrast him with Daryl, Rick, or Maggie, they killed, plundered, and plotted just as much as Negan did. (Attacking the outpost, using the "trash" people, slaughtering the cannibals, taking over Alexandria). They did all this out of self-preservation, except for killing everybody at the outpost, which they did for gain, for resources, and for alliances. But for once, their evil deeds backfired on them, and we could see the tangible consequences.

What was Negan to do as a leader? Let the killers of his men go unpunished? Rick killed people just out of lack of trust and almost killed Siddiq for the same reason. Negan intended to kill only one of Rick's people, which, compared to what he lost, is a mere trickle. The killing of Glenn wasn't premeditated. It was to make a point.

Negan... more

The Contenders
11 The Governor The Governor is a fictional character and a primary antagonist from the The Walking Dead comic book and television series.

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.

12 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.

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 0 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.

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.

13 Abraham Ford Sgt. Abraham Ford is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Michael Cudlitz in the American television series of the same name.

Who wouldn't want a companion who is strong? I can't picture him dying in this series since he is strong, humble, and, most importantly, humorous. GREAT CHARACTER!

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.

14 Beth Greene Beth Greene is a fictional character from the American horror drama television series, The Walking Dead, created by season two showrunner, Glen Mazzara, and portrayed by Emily Kinney.

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.

In season 4, she showcased her ability to turn bad situations around. I'd love to see more of her with Daryl. Perhaps a romantic relationship? I genuinely believe Daryl needs love, especially considering his past. Beth would be a good match for him as she's compassionate and can highlight the brighter moments in an apocalyptic world, such as times to relax and reminisce.

15 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 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.

16 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.

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.

Shane served a position similar to the Governor for me in some ways. During his tenure, Shane was the most captivating character on the show. I found myself agreeing with most of his decisions. His friendship with Rick was commendable. If it hadn't been for Lori messing with his head, he might have been one of the group's most valuable assets. It's truly tragic. By Season 5, Rick surpasses Shane in terms of "warped" morality. Shane was just ahead of his time. Poor guy.

17 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 and is based on the comic book series of the same name.

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).

Best guy on the show. His death was very sad, but the fact that the group had almost no reaction to his death was even sadder. T-dog, you will always be remembered.

18 Rosita Espinosa Rosita Espinosa is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Christian Serratos in the American television series of the same name.

Rosita is one of my favourite 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's 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.

19 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.

I love Andrea, especially in the show. She's a realistic character and a total badass while not making it her entire personality.

Talking about her personality, she's one of the nicest characters out there, risking her life to try save not only herself and her friends but all of Woodbury too. When you understand her character, you grow to love her.

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 S2, E9, 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 4-5 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 S3, 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.

20 Tyreese Williams Tyreese Williams is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Chad Coleman in the American television series of the same name.

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.

Instead of voting for Daryl, Rick, Glenn, Michonne, and Maggie, I'll give my vote to Tyreese, another potential character in The Walking Dead. While Tyreese can be very impatient and dangerous when his loved ones are in danger, he is kind and is doubtful about killing the living.

21 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.

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. *cough cough Rick* Tara can fight through head injuries to sorrow. She sticks up for herself and is underrated. The apocalypse needs someone like her.

She is a pretty cool character, mainly because she really reminds me of Veronica from Fallout New Vegas.

22 Eugene Porter Dr. Eugene Porter is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and is portrayed by Josh McDermitt beginning in the fourth season of the American television series of the same name.

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 S7 and hopefully long after.

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

He brings a lot of humor into a depressing world. You have to respect that.

23 Sasha Williams Sasha Williams is a fictional character from The Walking Dead, an AMC television horror drama series.

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!

I love her. Sasha is a great character because she's come so far from Season 3 as Tyreese's little sister. She's matured into a young woman, but she's breaking down now over the loss of her boyfriend and is continuing to become a bigger character. She's had a nice and slow development, so I'm holding out hope she makes it to Season 6 to have big scenes with Rick and the others.

24 Axel

Man, I loved Axel! He brought some humor to the show during a dark time for everyone. He's a great guy in real life too! I met him at a convention a few years back, and he just joked the whole time and talked to everyone like they were a real person and not just another fan of the show.

He was awesome, and he had the best mustache around! And then the Governor shot him. R.I.P. Axel, we will always remember you.

He was so funny. The scene where he thought Carol was a lesbian was hilarious!

25 Enid

Enid was one of my favorites, a very smart girl, and it was terrible when she died.

8Load More
PSearch List