The Walking Dead is an American television drama series created and produced by Frank Darabont. It is based on the eponymous comic book series by Robert Kirkman. The following is a list of characters from The Walking Dead television series. Although some characters appear in both places, the continuity of the television series is not shared with the original comic book series.
Rick Grimes, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, (the series' central character) is a former sheriff's deputy from a small Georgia town. He is an everyman — smart, calm, just, a sharpshooter, and a good friend, husband and father — but flawed. Rick is a natural leader, someone his fellow survivors will turn to in a crisis, confident in his guidance, even when he at times doubts himself. His overwhelming need to do the right thing and protect those who can't protect themselves may pull him away from his family, causing cracks of tension within his marriage with Lori and his relationship with his son, Carl. Frustrated about leading his group and keeping them safe, Rick gradually changes into a darker person.
Eventually, he breaks down once again, following the deaths of Glenn and Abraham, and the overshadowing presence of Negan — the series' central antagonist in season six and seven. Throughout season seven, Rick slowly regains his footing and then starts preparing for an all-out war against Negan and the Saviors.
Shane Walsh, portrayed by Jon Bernthal, is a former sheriff's deputy from a small Georgia town. He was Rick's partner in the sheriff's department and best friend since high school. Until Rick's arrival, Shane led the group of Atlanta survivors. Shane harbors feelings for Lori, and after the start of the apocalypse, when Lori believes Rick is dead, Shane starts a sexual relationship with her. When Rick finds them, Shane relinquishes the leadership position to Rick, while trying to hide his resentment towards Rick and his relationship with Lori. Within season two, Shane gradually becomes more unhinged and shows bouts of irrational violence and bloodlust after allowing another survivor to die in an act of self-preservation. Shane eventually lures Rick away from the group to kill him, but Rick kills him first.
Lori Grimes, portrayed by Sarah Wayne Callies, is Rick's wife, and Carl and Judith's mother. Believing Rick to be dead, she begins a relationship with Shane, but is loyal to Rick once he returns, and she pushes Shane away from her and Carl, of whom she is fiercely protective. In the second season, she discovers she is pregnant, but is unsure who the father is. She attempts to comfort Shane so he will feel accepted in their group, but she is cautious about his reckless actions, and ultimately warns Rick that Shane is dangerous. At the same time, she is disturbed by her husband's gradual change in this more savage environment, and is shocked after learning he killed Shane. From their escape from the farm till their endeavor to take up residence at the prison, Lori becomes increasingly estranged from Rick and Carl, which she blames on herself. She becomes worried about her baby's survival, and when she goes into labor following a walker attack, Lori convinces Maggie to give her a C-section, despite the fact that it will prove fatal for her. Lori dies giving birth, and Carl is forced to shoot her to prevent reanimation.