With The Walking Dead‘s often brutal nature it can sometimes be hard to keep track of who’s dead and whose not. This list details the main protagonists that are still alive and kicking.
Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) is the main man leading the fight against the brutal Negan. The self proclaimed dictator of our merry band of survivors is pretty brutal himself having shot, beheaded, stabbed and beaten many a foe both undead or otherwise. He currently resides inside the walls of Alexandria with one eyed son Carl, daughter (kind of) Judith and katana wielding lover Michonne, preparing the community for all out war against Negan’s “Saviours”.
Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) is everyone’s favourite hillbilly with a heart. One of the only a few remaining original characters, Daryl has grown closer to Rick and co then he ever was with his own family and is fiercely protective of them. He spent much of last season in the custody of Negan and armed with his famous crossbow, he is determined to get his own back on his torturers. His relationships with Rick and Carol are two of the most compelling on the show.
Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) has undergone the most dramatic transformation over the last seven seasons, from an abused, introverted and defenceless housewife to a strong, skilled and calculated killer who has had to battle her inner demons that has seen her cut herself off from the core group. Currently Carol is training the residents of the Kingdom alongside their regal leader Ezekiel. Despite a relatively low walker kill count, Carol has one of the highest human kill counts!
Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs) is the fearless yet somewhat naive teenage son of our main protagonist Rick. Having lost his eye during the zombie invasion at Alexandria courtesy of The Wolves (and cry baby Sam Anderson), Carl is more destructive than ever and not even the gooey eyes of love interest Enid can reign him in. Having faced off with Negan on a number of occasions the reckless teen seems to have a death wish!
Maggie Rhee (Lauren Cohan) became a leader within her own right after the death of her husband Glenn, the incompetence of Hilltop leader Gregory and her desire to build a better world for her unborn child, all spurred her to lead the community of Hilltop alongside her friends at Alexandria against the “Saviours”. She arrived at Hilltop seeking medical attention but her and Enid have since made the place a home.
Michonne (Danai Gurira) started life as a hooded, katana wielding, zombie walking badass but she has since become one of the shows best loved characters. Her relationship with rugged Rick has sent many hearts a flutter and her maternal relationship with the Grimes’ kids creates the perfect foundation for the shows only stable family unit. As well as being his lover, Michonne is Rick’s closest confidante and advisor often giving him the confidence to fight on when he has none.
Morgan Jones (Lennie James) is a very different man to one Rick encountered during earlier seasons of the show and thanks to his time with pacifist Eastman, Morgan now chooses to seek an alternative to violence whenever possible. However he has continually battled with the darkness inside of him and despite not always seeing eye to eye with Rick, the two remain strong friends.
Tara Chambler (Alanna Masterson) came from dark beginnings having fought alongside the Governor at the prison but the horror of assault forced her to seek recompense from Rick and the other Survivors. Soon enough she became a valued member of the group proving herself to be a skilled fighter and friend to many.
Rosita Espinosa (Christian Serratos) spent much of the last season trying to avenge the death of former lover Abraham going to any lengths possible to kill Negan which even meant teaming up with Sasha, the woman who stole her man. During the fight with Negan she was wounded and was last seen recuperating in the infirmary.
Father Gabriel Stokes (Seth Gillian) is another who rode a rocky road to gain Rick’s trust. Having left his congregation to die, his cowardice made his integration into the community a tough one. Despite trying to double cross Rick shortly after their arrival at Alexandria, he soon earned Rick’s trust to the extent he leaves the priest to watch over Judith during moments of danger.
Notable Mentions: Aaron (Ross Marquand) Alexandria’s most resourceful original resident, Paul “Jesus” Rovia (Tom Payne) Hilltop Colony’s loveable Robin Hood and “King” Ezekiel (Khary Payton) the theatrical leader of The Kingdom all help connect “The Militia” communities.
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