Top8 Gutless Characters in The Walking Dead: Who Betrayed Their Own to Survive?

Summary

Gabriel Stokes initially displayed extreme cowardice, locking his congregation out and abandoning allies.
Eugene Porter lied about being a scientist, endangering others, but eventually found courage.
Spencer Monroe hoarded supplies, schemed against Rick, and sought favor with Negan, showing cowardly traits.

Making it through the world depicted in “The Walking Dead” involves more than mere chance; it necessitates a significant amount of courage, tenacity, and a readiness to defend others. Regrettably, not all characters met this standard. Some opted for cowardice instead of bravery, abandoning their comrades, making self-serving choices, and endangering others in the process, all in an attempt to secure their own survival.

In the course of the show, cowardice has been portrayed in numerous ways. Certain characters were found cowering behind their companions to steer clear of peril at every turn, while others repeatedly backstabbed their own group for self-preservation. Among them all, these are the most fearful individuals in “The Walking Dead”.

8. Gabriel Stokes (Formerly)

The Man Who Abandoned His Congregation

First Appearance – “Strangers” (Season 5, Episode 2)
Last Appearance – “Rest in Peace” (Season 11, Episode 24)
Played By – Seth Gilliam

Prior to his transformation and personal growth, Gabriel was considered one of the most fearful characters in “The Walking Dead”. It came to light that he had barricaded his church, trapping his congregation inside who met gruesome fates while he hid safely within. His cowardice didn’t just manifest there, though; he also deserted Michonne, Carl, and Judith, reappearing only after encountering a large horde of walkers.

Trying to hide his cowardice and previous misdeeds, Gabriel worked to alienate Rick and his companions, the only ones privy to his betrayal’s full scope. Over time, however, he transformed into one of the group’s bravest and most faithful members. Yet, his past transgressions cannot be dismissed easily.

7. Eugene Porter (Formerly)

The One Who Lied

First Appearance – “Inmates” (Season 4, Episode 10)
Last Appearance – “Rest in Peace” (Season 11, Episode 24)
Played By – Josh McDermitt

Much like Gabriel initially exhibited cowardice before his transformation, Eugene appeared fearful prior to his development. Utilizing his cunning, he pretended to be a scientist working on a remedy, tricking Abraham and Rosita into safeguarding him. His fabrications endangered others, resulting in the confirmed deaths of eight survivors who perished while trying to escort him to Washington.

Initially, he spent a considerable period being fearful, but gradually, he discovered his niche in the post-apocalyptic landscape. What set him apart was his honesty about his cowardice; he never attempted to disguise it, often confessing openly. However, despite his initial timidity, he eventually mustered up courage that led to Negan’s downfall.

6. Spencer Monroe

A Man With No Guts

First Appearance – “Forget” (Season 5, Episode 13)
Last Appearance – “Rest in Peace” (Season 11, Episode 24)
Played By – Austin Nichols

At first glance, Spencer seemed like a courageous survivor and an essential part of Alexandria. But when Alexandria was encircled by walkers, his real personality surfaced. Although he didn’t show fear towards the undead, he acted selfishly by stockpiling supplies for himself, while at the same time preaching about considering everyone’s needs.

During his stint on the show, Spencer often questioned Rick and the group’s decisions without offering any substantial input. Upon Negan’s arrival at Alexandria, Spencer promptly endeared himself to Negan, aiming to curry favor and have Rick removed as leader, so he could seize control. Unfortunately for him, his underhanded maneuvers ultimately failed, but he did display a semblance of courage in the end.

5. Jared

The Cowardly Savior

First Appearance – “The Well” (Season 7, Episode 2)
Last Appearance – “Wrath” – flashback (Season 8, Episode 16)
Played By – Joshua Mikel

I can’t help but view Jared as a cunningly cowardly individual who preys on the weaker ones, often acting only when he has the backing of his Savior group. His actions, such as shooting and killing Benjamin, were cowardly and unprovoked. When faced with Henry, a ten-year-old boy who dared to confront him, Jared chose to hide behind his allies, demonstrating an unwillingness to face any real repercussions for his actions.

Unlike many other rescuers, Jared didn’t value human life and enjoyed opportunities to take it. His death, however, was particularly cowardly, as he suddenly begged for mercy from Morgan barely a moment after deriding Benjamin’s end.

4. Pete Anderson

The Cowardly Surgeon

First Appearance – “Remember” (Season 5, Episode 12)
Last Appearance – “First Time Again” – flashback (Season 6, Episode 1)
Played By – Corey Brill

Right from when Rick’s group stepped foot in Alexandria, Rick and Carol both felt uneasy about the Anderson family. It wasn’t long before it became clear that Pete was physically abusing his wife, Jessie, and their two boys. This act was cowardly on its own, but what made it worse was that Pete, who held the sole position of surgeon in Alexandria, exploited this to avoid any repercussions.

Under the shield of his high standing and advantages, Pete consistently avoided accepting accountability for his deeds. Much like many fearful individuals, he reacted aggressively when challenged, culminating in an attempt on Rick’s life. Regrettably, his unwillingness to acknowledge his mistakes led to the unnecessary demise of Reg before Rick finally subdued him.

3. Sebastian Milton

The Commonwealth’s Hated Son

First Appearance – “Promises Broken” (Season 11, Episode 7)
Last Appearance – “Rest in Peace” – photograph (Season 11, Episode 24)
Played By – Teo Rapp-Olsson

In my own words, I’ve often found myself relying on the prestige of being the son of Leader Pamela Milton and grandson of President William Milton, using it as a shield rather than facing the consequences head-on. One particularly unforgivable instance was when I ordered Commonwealth citizens to enter a house swarming with walkers, risking their lives, all so I could secure some money for myself. This act, in my opinion, demonstrated an appalling disregard for human life and a cowardly refusal to confront danger myself.

In the course of the show, whenever someone challenged me on something, Sebastian often sought refuge with his mother, both emotionally and sometimes even physically. When Eugene revealed him to the Commonwealth’s folk, instead of facing Eugene squarely, Sebastian opted to attack Maxxine. He was aware that a fight between them would end in Eugene’s favor. Even as his time was running out, he appealed for aid from those very same individuals he wouldn’t have hesitated to lead astray.

2. Nicholas

Alexandria’s Biggest Coward

First Appearance – “Remember” (Season 5, Episode 12)
Last Appearance – “Lockdown” – flashback (Season 11, Episode 17)
Played By – Michael Traynor

It’s quite possible that Nicholas emerged as one of the most self-centered characters within “The Walking Dead”. Right from his debut, it was evident to Glenn and others his cowardly nature. His past actions, which involved abandoning his group and causing their demise due to fear, mirrored his behavior when he left Noah and Aiden behind, a move that ultimately resulted in their gruesome deaths.

As a cinephile looking back, I can’t help but admit that after the tragic demise of Noah and Aiden, I was the one who lacked the courage to confess my wrongdoings. Instead, I pinned the blame on Glenn and even plotted against him, all in an attempt to conceal my errors.

Later, when given a chance at redemption, I found myself surrounded by walkers alongside Glenn. In that moment of crisis, I chose the coward’s path, pulling the trigger on myself to avoid facing the consequences. Regrettably, my desperate act almost cost Glenn his life as well.

1. Gregory

The Walking Dead’s Biggest Coward

First Appearance – “Knots Untie” (Season 6, Episode 11)
Last Appearance – “A New Beginning” (Season 9, Episode 1)
Played By – Xander Berkeley

It’s plausible to say that among the characters in The Walking Dead, Gregory stands out as one who appears to be the most fearful or timid. Right from his debut, it was evident to both the viewers and other show characters what sort of man he was, particularly when the Saviors were unveiled. Throughout the Savior War, Gregory consistently changed allegiances based on who he believed would emerge victorious, earning him a reputation as one of the most shamelessly cowardly characters in the series.

At Hilltop, as soon as Maggie and Sasha arrived for sanctuary, Gregory swiftly plotted to betray them to the Saviors, hoping to save his own skin. Amidst the peak of the conflict, he collaborated with Negan and, in a frantic moment, swiped Gabriel’s car – an action that ultimately resulted in Gabriel’s capture. Post-war, Gregory made a treacherous attempt on Maggie’s life, striving to regain his leadership position. In classic cowardly style, he deviously coerced someone else into committing the assassination rather than taking the deed upon himself.

2025-03-26 12:36