The Walking Dead’s 10 greatest characters, ranked

9. Michonne

Played by: Danai Gurira

Seasons: 3 – 10

Status: Alive

Michonne is another character that immediately made a huge impression; armed with a katana sword, she led two armless and toothless walkers by chain for protection and we later learn that they were her boyfriend and close friend who failed to protect Michonne’s baby. Despite her fearsome methods, Michonne earns the trust of Andrea and gradually ingratiates herself into Rick’s group.

Michonne is the quintessential warrior woman of the apocalypse and is often at the forefront of a fight. She has grown into a primary protector of the group over the years. She took Carl under her wing and cared for baby Judith as her own, which sparked a romantic interest with Rick. As partners, Rick and Michonne would become the ultimate power couple. In Rick’s absence, Michonne is revered as a tough but fair leader.

8. Negan

Played by: Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Seasons: 6 – 9

Status: Alive

Negan was introduced as late as logistically possible into Season 6. His name was uttered and his presence felt throughout the back half of the season, and all that was missing was the man himself. In that year’s finale, the Saviors were toying with Rick’s group and eventually surrounded them at the very end of the episode. This is when Negan first appears with his barbed wired bat; he terrorizes the rival gang with the threat of execution. There may not be a more memorable entrance in recent television history.

We had to wait until Season 7 began to find out who Negan had killed. For two years, the menacing dictator has developed an alluring appeal with his persistent swagger and deceptive charm. He makes us weep and despise him when he murders the characters we love, but he is also impossible to resist. In defeat, he is imprisoned, where a despondent side of Negan emerges. Alas, he still manages to get under anyone’s skin that is willing to speak with him. Between Watchmen, Desierto, and The Walking Dead, Jeffrey Dean Morgan has expertise in evil.