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Daryl Dixon: The Walking Dead’s Lovable Introvert

By Susie Graham

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As an extremely introverted and highly sensitive person, yes, I’ve taken the quizzes that prove it, I’ve done lots of reading about both topics. Robert Kirkman mentioned on Talking Dead that Daryl Dixon is an introverted person and I would very much agree.

Introversion is an often misunderstood personality trait.

Many people automatically think it means shy, self-conscious, and anti-social. Many introverts are shy, but introversion and extroversion are more about energy than social anxiety. Extroverts are stimulated by people and energetic surroundings and get recharged by the stimulation.  Introverts are the opposite.

While an introvert might have a wonderful time with people,  it takes a lot of energy and depletes them. They need low stimulation and to be alone to recharge.  The amount of stimulation that excites an extrovert is completely draining to an introvert.  They prefer smaller groups to big ones, deep conversations to small talk, their own thoughts to loud chatter, etc.  Many of the things introverts do in current society don’t apply to a Zombie Apocalypse such as screening calls or avoiding large parties in favor of small ones, but many of the traits of and introvert can be seen in Daryl Dixon and have attributed to his survival in the Walking Dead.

Daryl doesn’t mind being alone. In fact, he needs to be alone at times. He works best in small groups.  He is not lacking in confidence despite his abusive background. His introversion has protected him and helped him develop an inner confidence that doesn’t require the approval of outside people.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t long to be valued by those he respects and loves; it means he knows what and who he is without their approval,  but having them value him still means everything to him. But he can’t and won’t change who he is to gain anyone’s approval and doesn’t feel a need to prove himself.

Norman Reedus who plays Daryl Dixon has made some very interesting choices for Daryl that I think are perfect for his introverted nature. Daryl bites his lip quite often when he is listening or when he feels the spotlight on him.  He turns his head and tilts his chin downward quite a bit. Now that his hair has grown, he lets it cover his eyes so you cant really see him.

Introverts don’t like to be the center of attention. Another misconception about introverts is they aren’t good leaders. Introverts are good listeners and observers and see the big picture and often see things that others don’t see because they are watching.

We know Daryl Dixon is a tracker, an observer in the woods and an observer of people. He doesn’t small talk so when he tells you something or even nods or says thank you or you shouldn’t have to do all the heavy lifting or this barn smells, you need to be able to use your tracking skills and find the deeper meaning.

What are some other ways Daryl Dixon’s introversion is displayed in the show The Walking Dead? (Hint: one way is in the picture above) How is his personality a positive for him? Does it get in his way at all?

I don’t think Daryl is the only introvert in the Walking Dead crew. Who else in our group do you think is introverted?  Who is extroverted?  How has their personality type helped them survive? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Not sure? Take a quick quiz here!

Next: Walking Dead 50 most shocking moments and deaths

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