Villains are in plenty in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead. Throughout its eleven-season run, the series featured many characters who were unworthy of redemption. Luckily, there was still some good in the world as survivors bravely stood up to these villains.
The list below features some of the main characters who took down a villain, or two, or more, during their storyline in The Walking Dead.
Negan - portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan
When first introduced, Negan was a villain of the worst kind. As his story played out, he began a path of redemption that carried into the Dead City spinoff.
In season 8 of the main series, Negan killed Simon (Steven Ogg), a member of his Saviors who attempted to take over leadership of the group that terrorized other survivor communities. This was a villain kills villain situation, and, of course, Negan prevailed. Simon disregarded Negan's order not to kill Jadis' (Pollyanna McIntosh) people and betrayed Negan by rallying a group to take him down. This resulted in a fight to the death between the two, and Simon would later be seen chained to the fence in reanimated form.
During his redemption path, Negan, with the help of Carol (Melissa McBride), escaped Alexandria's prison to infiltrate the Whisperers, lead by Alpha (Samantha Morton). The group wore the skin of walkers to blend in with the hordes allowing them to sneak attack their enemies. Negan would gain her confidence and eventually slit her throat, bringing her reanimated head back to Carol as proof.
Michonne & Lilly - portrayed by Dania Gurira and Audrey Marie Anderson
Michonne is known as a woman who doesn't hesitate to defend herself an others against any threat so it isn't suprising that she would be a character to take out a villiain. Lilly, on the other hand, was a timid woman but after witnessing the Governor's actions at the prison, she didn't hesitate to aid in his death.
In season 4, the Governor's (David Morrisey) reign would come to a brutal end. The former leader of Woodbury captured Hershel (Scott Wilson) and Michonne, and during negotiations with Rick, decapitated Hershel in front of all the survivors, including his daughters. This led to an all-out brawl between Rick and the Governor. When it looks like the Governor might get the best of Rick, Michonne mortally wounds him with her katana and allows him to die in agony. When Lilly, the former girlfriend of the Governor, finds him, she shoots him in the head.
Rick Grimes - portrayed by Andrew Lincoln
Much was expected of Rick Grimes, leader of the main group of survivors. With his training as a sheriff deputy, he had the skills to kill anyone threatening his family and friends, and on several occasions, took out villains to protect those under his leadership.
In season 3, Rick's group took refuge in the West Georgia Correctional Facility, believing it to be a safe space. Soon after their arrival, they encountered a group of prisoners who had been locked inside the cafeteria. Big Tiny (Theodus Crane), Oscar (Vincent Ward), Axel (Lew Temple), Andrew (Markice Moore), and Tomas (Nick Gomez) had no idea what the world was like outside the prison walls. Tomas, the self-appointed leader of the inmates, quickly becomes hostile towards Rick, who eventually kills him.
Rick took a bite out of a villain at the end of season 4. Joe (Jeff Kober), leader of the Claimers group that Daryl (Norman Reedus) joined after the fall of the prison, made a mistake when he threatened to harm Michonne and Carl (Chandler Riggs). When it looked like Rick had no way out, he proceeded to tear out Joe's throat with his teeth.
In season 5, Rick fulfills a promise to Gareth (Andrew West), a member of Terminus, the group of cannibals who captured Rick's group in season 4. When Gareth and his group arrive at Father Gabriel's (Seth Gilliam) church, Rick and the others had a trap set. Gareth, knowing they had been bested, begs for his life, but Rick reminds him of the promise he made, to kill him with a red handled machete, and does just that.
Daryl - portrayed by Norman Reedus
When first introduced, Daryl had a huge chip on his shoulder but eventually he would learn to accept the friendship and love offered him with his found family. This prompted him to become quite protective of the group of survivors and he never backed down to anyone who threatened them.
In a shocking move during season 5, Dawn Lerner (Christine Woods), an officer at Grady Memorial Hospital, accidently shot and killed Beth (Emily Kinney). Beth was a younger member of the group who held a special place in Daryl's heart. So, without hesitation and despite Dawn's pleas, Daryl shoots her in the head.
In season 10, Daryl would come to Negan's aid as he fought the towering Beta (Ryan Hurst), member of the Whisperers. Daryl sneaks up, slashes him with a knife, and then stabs him through both eyes.
In the final season of the series, Daryl would come to Maggie's (Lauren Cohan) aid when he kills Leah (Lynn Collins), his former love interest. During a fight between the two women, Leah gets the upper hand and Daryl tracks them down and shoots Leah before she can kill Maggie.
Carol - portrayed by Melissa McBride
Carol is one of many charcters who experienced a massive transformation since her introduction in season 1. She became quite the warrior, never backing down, even when others didn't agree with her methods.
Even after being exiled from the prison by Rick, Carol saves the day in season 4, when she attacks Terminus to save the group. This was a heroic move which proved Carol's capabilities as well as her character.
In season 11, Deputy Governor of the Commonwealth, Lance Hornsby (Josh Hamilton) would under estimate Carol. After receiving the information they wanted from Hornsby, Daryl and Carol decide to exile him. He grabs a gun which prompts Carol to shoot him in the neck with an arrow and allows him to reanimate.
Watch all 11 seasons of The Walking Dead on Netflix.