Summary
As oneof the largest zombie apocalypse series,The Walking Deadexplores its universe which, although inspired by the comic series of the same name, opted to maintain creative freedom to introduce new characters and enrich its universe in a unique way. In this manner, the established characters have their storylines affected by their existence, delivering a unique narrative for one of the greatest zombie TV shows.
With a plot where survival and conflict among these people dominate, there arecharacters who are not present in the comicsofThe Walking Deadthat directly impact its narrative, expanding its universe in a unique way. Thus, these characters become a great surprise, as their storylines are new and their development generates consequences for characters who are original to the comics.
10Milton Mamet
Absent From The Comics, He Is One Of Governor’s Greatest Allies In The Walking Dead
Workingas a researcher and scientist, Milton Mamet is one of the characters who are not present in the comics ofThe Walking Dead. Representing science in the series, the character is one of Governor’s greatest allies, conducting experiments with zombies to benefit Woodbury. Despite this, he is not among the best fighters, not having killed a walker in the early days of the apocalypse.
Milton remained complicit with Governor’s violent behavior, concealing his brutal methods to keep Woodbury safe, even though he disagreed with these methods. Serving as a counterbalance to the villain, he was one of his greatest allies until he was killed by Phillip Brake when he refused to kill Andrea. Until the end, the character stayed true to his ideals of not harming others.
9Alden
Former member of the Saviors, Alden finds his redemption by helping other communities rebuild. Created exclusively for the series, the character does not exist in the comics ofThe Walking Dead, serving as an example of a villain who found another path beyond evil. Abandoningthe brutal methods of Negan’s group, he earns the trust of the protagonists, as well as Enid.
Staying in Hilltop, he commits to building a new life, becoming emotionally involved with other characters, such as Enid, with whom he forms a romantic relationship. His journey shows that not all antagonists must remain evil, presenting rehabilitation in line with his development. Thus, the character is one of the series' best additions.
8Leah Shaw
As A Romantic Interest Of One Of The Protagonists, She Is A Valuable Addition In The Walking Dead
Emerging as a romantic interest of Daryl, Leah’s fate, as a character added to the series, is one of the most brutal inThe Walking Dead. While Daryl searches for Rick, he encounters Leah, a hardened survivor who demonstrates resilience in coexisting with the character. Gaining his trust, they become romantically involved, but eventually separate.
Belonging to the Reapers,she is a high-ranking member and servesas Pope’s right hand. Conflict arises between the couple, who no longer share the same side, resulting in one of the most tense moments inThe Walking Dead. As leader of the Reapers, she captures Maggie and locks her in her old cabin, but is ultimately killed by Daryl, ending her journey brutally.
7Jadis
Leader of the Scavengers, Jadis emerged from the creative freedom adopted by the series' developers, being one of the characters not present in the comics ofThe Walking Dead. Building a community in the junkyard that follows a minimalist and almost tribal style, she is portrayed as a cold and practical character, yet her development reveals greater complexity.
Later, she is responsible for rescuing Rick after the bridge explosion, taking him to a new world where she has remained ever since. An ally of the CRM, her role is essential for building society and the rise of survival, where ancient values such as politics and technology prevail. Killed by Michonne and Tina, she meets her end as one of the most important characters inThe Walking Dead.
6Beth Greene
Debuting in the second season ofThe Walking Dead, Beth directly impacts the development of several main characters. Daughter of Hershel and sister of Maggie, she appears as a young individual shaken by the loss of her mother and facing the reality of a post-apocalyptic world, but soon becomes one of Rick’s group’s essential figures.
Created for the series, the character matures through her losses, becoming close to unlikely figures such as Daryl, which makes him more empathetic.Her death at Grady Memorial Hospitalwas one of the most unexpected, as well as impactful due to its brutality and the audience’s sympathy for her. Representing innocence, Beth is one of the best additions.
5T-Dog
Created For The Series, The Character Was An Example Of Humanity For Rick’s Group
Although not appearing in the comics ofThe Walking Dead, his character exemplifies how expanding the adaptation can benefit the work. Portrayed as calm and supportive, he was always regarded as a hero by the other members of his survivors group. In an attempt to save his companions from walkers, T-Dog sacrifices himself to keep them safe in the prison.
Even whilesuffering at the hands of Merle Dixon, he risks his own life to save him, and similarly does so for Carol in his final moments. His humanity not only earned him the audience’s empathy but also impacted the other survivors' groups, who were struck by his relationships and usefulness to the group. Although his participation is brief, T-Dog became one of the most memorable characters.
4Enid
One Of The Youngest And Strongest Characters Outside The Comics Of The Walking Dead
Created exclusively forThe Walking Deadseries, Enid is one of the best additions to Rick’s group. Although she does not originate from the comics, her journey is strong and coherent, making her one of the most resilient and courageous characters.Alongside Carl, she represents youthin the apocalypse, where she must grow up in a devastated and brutal world while striving to learn and preserve her humanity.
Additionally, she actively worked to restructure civility in the communities she joined, demonstrating growth and hope for the future. Taking on responsibilities, she helps care for the wounded in Hilltop, growing closer to Maggie and Glenn as the series progresses. In one of the brutal deaths she faces, the character suffers a loss but ultimately frees herself from her Just Survive Somehow.
3Sasha Williams
One Of The Strongest Female Characters In The Series Outside The Comics
Playing a central role in one of the saddest deaths inThe Walking Dead, Sasha is another character not found in the comics. Serving as an excellent addition to Rick’s survivors group, she demonstrates resilience and intelligence in various situations. Losing important figures such as Bob and Tyreese, the character delves into her sorrow and explores grief.
One of her most significant relationships is with Abraham, with whom she manages to find stability amid chaos. After losing him, she seeks a way to exact revenge without involving her friends, taking a poisonous pill in an attempt to surprise Negan. Although her plan fails, Sasha shows courage until the end, sacrificing herself for her group.
2Merle Dixon
Outside The Comics, He Is One Of The Characters With The Greatest Development In The Series
Although introduced as a violent and prejudiced individual, Merle finds his redemption when confronting the threat of the villain Governor. The characteremerges as a danger to Rick’s groupby becoming violent, refusing to accept the leadership of others, and exhibiting prejudiced behavior. Consequently, he is abandoned alone to become one of Phillip Brake’s henchmen.
Later, reuniting with his brother in one of the most epic confrontations inThe Walking Dead, Merle finds his redemption in attempting to defeat Governor, but ultimately dies. His death directly impacts Daryl, marking significant character development. Beloved by fans for his journey and Michael Rooker’s performance, he became one of the most memorable characters inThe Walking Dead.
1Daryl Dixon
Initially, he is merely tolerated by the survivors group due to his hunting skills, but through his development in the series, Daryl Dixon becomes one of the most important characters inThe Walking Dead. Present in the series' most memorable relationships, his emotions are explored and his empathy flourishes, making him one of the essential pillars for the survival of Rick’s group.
In addition, the character is one of the most resilient survivors, emerging as one of the strongest soldiers in his group. As a leader, Daryl also stands out; although he is action-oriented, he manages to balance his group and ensure things work. Determined to sacrifice himself and make difficult choices, he is the most important character inThe Walking Deadnot present in the comics.
