Top 8 Bravest Walking Dead Characters: Who Stood Strongest?

Summary

Shane’s loyalty turned to villainy, challenging Rick before his demise.
Carol’s evolution from scared to fearless was driven by survival instincts.
Negan remained brave even in defeat, showing redemption through courage.

The Walking Dead transcended its status as a mere television series, becoming a global spectacle instead. Fans from far and wide would huddle around their screens, eagerly awaiting to discover whether their beloved characters survived another week, or if they met their demise at the hands of walkers or the primary antagonists that graced each season.

Among the numerous characters in the long-running comic book adaptation “The Walking Dead,” which gained immense popularity and led to video game adaptations, spin-offs, and more, the original series remains beloved. When it comes to determining the most courageous characters on this expansive cast, there are certainly many contenders.

8. Shane Walsh

Before His Betrayal, Shane Was A Loyal Protector Of Lori And Carl

Played By: Jon Bernthal

Prior to the onset of the apocalypse, Shane, who was once Rick’s closest friend, assumed the role of leader among the survivors. He provided protection for Lori and Carl during Rick’s absence, but this act stirred tension between Shane and Rick upon Rick’s return. Their relationship grew strained over time, with Shane gradually evolving into a more antagonistic figure, eventually leading to his demise and transformation into a walker.

Despite instances where he appears somewhat fearful, Shane’s unwavering defense of Lori and Carl compensates for these moments, and in the end, he even dares to confront Rick. Granted, this approach might not have been wise, but it did demonstrate that he wasn’t a coward.

7. Carol Peletier

Though Lacking Bravery To Start, Hardships Forged Her Character

Played By: Melissa McBride

Initially, I wouldn’t have predicted that Carol, given her timid demeanor early on in the series, would become a key survivor. Her life was dominated by an abusive husband, Ed, a character as loathsome as they come within the show’s universe. Yet, the unspoken rule of survival in a zombie apocalypse is that you can’t be timid; it’s a lesson Carol learns profoundly, transforming herself into one of the most courageous characters in an unexpected yet commendable character development journey.

In the face of the Terminus arc, Carol demonstrates an extraordinary absence of fear and a relentless pursuit of vengeance against Alpha. Although her heart has become tougher due to the rigors of the apocalypse, it also provided her with the courage needed to confront whatever lay ahead.

6. Maggie Rhee

This Farm Girl Grew Throughout The Series

Played By: Lauren Cohan

In Season 2, the survivors sought shelter on a farm, an outing that was generally considered underwhelming by fans, even regarded as the show’s worst. However, it wasn’t without its merits. This season introduced one of the most remarkable female characters in “The Walking Dead” at that time: Maggie Rhee, who was then known as Maggie Greene. She is the eldest daughter of Hershel and older sister to Beth. Given her family responsibilities, she carries a significant burden, and unfortunately, she experiences the tragic loss of both her sister and father.

Leaving the farm was essentially the catalyst for Maggie’s personal growth, transforming her into a self-reliant and courageous individual, and a valuable asset among the survivors. Her exploits at Hilltop suggest she possesses leadership potential that rivals, if not surpasses, Rick’s.

5. Michonne Grimes

A Fiercely Protective Swordswoman

Played By: Danai Gurira

In the second season of the series, Michonne makes an unforgettable debut. She’s initially seen as a enigmatic figure draped in a cloak, wielding a samurai sword, and accompanied by two walkers – both headless and armless. These undead companions help her pass other walkers stealthily, hinting at Michonne’s sharp intellect, resourcefulness, and courage, as she relies on these walkers for her safety.

During the course of the series, Michonne consistently demonstrates her bravery, skillfully using a sword to fend off walkers and safeguard her loved ones. Initially revered by Andrea, Michonne eventually became a beacon of hope for numerous other characters like Rick, Carl, and Judith. With much at stake, she is always prepared to put herself in harm’s way to ensure that nothing she cherishes is lost.

4. Negan Smith

Even In Defeat, Negan Remains Fearless

Played By: Jeffrey Dean Morgan

One of the most polarizing villains in the entirety The Walking Dead is Negan, the bat-wielding megalomaniac ruler of the Saviors introduced in Season 6. Negan begins his time on the show by terrorizing the survivors and making a game out of deciding who he should kill. Though a canon event from the comics, fans were still shocked and horrified when, after taking a bat to Abraham’s skull, he placed fan-favorite, Glenn, next on the chopping block in a scene so gruesome and diabolical that it traumatized all who saw it.

After being captured and imprisoned, Negan became less menacing, softening up the once ruthless former antagonist. However, he remains one of the boldest characters in the series, demonstrated when he put everything on the line to save Judith. Although Negan is most compelling as a villain, many believe his redemption arc was necessary to make him pay for his wrongdoings. Now, he shares the screen with Maggie in a spin-off show, where we see even more instances of bravery from him.

3. Abraham Ford

The War Veteran Has Nerves Of Steel

Played By: Michael Cudlitz

Individuals who enlist in the military are either naturally courageous or they develop that courage over the course of their service. Regarding Abraham from The Walking Dead, whether he started off as a brave character or became one through his years in the series is unclear. However, what can be said with certainty is that he is undeniably one of the bravest characters within the show, despite his departure occurring earlier than expected and leaving fans in shock. Despite this unexpected ending, Abraham’s time on the series consistently demonstrated bravery at every turn.

Abraham faced death several times but couldn’t escape it when the Saviors arrived. He was the first one to encounter Negan and his bat wrapped with barbed wire, Lucille. Despite enduring a gruesome and agonizing death, he showed no signs of fear or surrender. Even as he stared death in its face, Abraham’s courage remained unyielding.

2. Daryl Dixon

A Seasoned And Invaluable Member Of The Group

Played By: Norman Reedus

In typical fashion for a crossbow-carrying biker like Daryl Dixon, he proves himself as a rugged and fearless survivor, captivating viewers’ hearts and garnering such enthusiasm that he was granted his own spin-off series to further unfold his tale amidst the apocalypse.

In the original series, it’s consistently demonstrated that Daryl is among the most experienced and capable survivors, excelling in combat, navigating wilderness environments, and exhibiting great bravery. He often leads the charge in dangerous situations, rarely showing fear. Despite being subjected to torture by the Saviors, which understandably affected him, Daryl continues to stand out as one of the bravest individuals within their group.

1. Rick Grimes

Rises To The Role Of Leader

Played By: Andrew Lincoln

Rick Grimes didn’t have a smooth introduction to the deteriorated, zombie-infested world following a nationwide outbreak. Instead, he found himself awake in a hospital bed with the epidemic already sweeping across America. However, through tenacity, resilience, a bit of support from others, and immense bravery, Rick miraculously overcame all obstacles and survived until the very end.

A less-than-perfect protagonist, Rick was undeniably striving to be an exemplary leader for his folks and a devoted father to Carl and Judith. Despite disappearing from the series following his capture by CRM, Rick remains one of the bravest characters in The Walking Dead, particularly when it comes to safeguarding those he cherishes. His character leaves no doubt that he wouldn’t hesitate to shield any of his friends or kin from a bullet.

2025-02-24 17:39