If there’s one thing The Walking Dead taught us, it’s that the apocalypse doesn’t exactly reward the nice guys. In a world overrun by walkers, rogue survivors, and people who would stab you in the back, survival often came down to how many enemies a character had taken out along the way.
But here’s the thing. Amid all the chaos, gore, and shocking betrayals, there were some survivors who somehow managed to never take a human life. These characters were basically the unicorns of the apocalypse. In this article, we're shining a spotlight on five Walking Dead characters who never killed another human, even if they didn't make it to the end.
Dale Horvath
Dale Horvath was among the original survivors in The Walking Dead, taking on the role of the group’s moral guide. Unlike many of the others, Dale’s true strength wasn't in fighting or physical ability, but in his steadfast ethics, wisdom, and his remarkable talent for recognizing the humanity in those around him. He was like a father figure who consistently encouraged the group to act ethically and to think carefully before resorting to violence.
Dale never killed a human throughout his time on the show, even when faced with dangerous threats. This all stemmed from his unwavering moral code. He believed that killing humans diminished the very humanity that separates survivors from the monsters in the apocalypse.
Lori Grimes
Lori Grimes was another one of the original central characters in The Walking Dead, introduced as Rick’s wife and Carl’s mother. Believing Rick to be dead, she began a relationship with Shane. However, she ended it soon after Rick returned. She later discovered she was pregnant with Shane’s child, who would eventually be named Judith.
Unlike Dale, who made his stance on morality and nonviolence a defining feature of his character, Lori’s journey was shaped by the instinct to protect her family. While we never saw her kill a human on screen, it’s possible that, had she survived longer in the brutal world of the apocalypse, circumstances might have forced her hand. If someone had been after Rick or Carl, I wouldn’t have put it past Lori to do whatever was necessary to defend them.
T-Dog
T-Dog was introduced as part of the original Atlanta survivor group as a steady and reliable presence. Loyal and selfless, he often worked behind the scenes by quietly helping others navigate the dangers around them. Unlike some of the more aggressive or combative characters in The Walking Dead, T-Dog rarely took center stage. Yet his efforts in safeguarding his fellow survivors proved essential to the group’s survival.
One of the most notable things about T-Dog is that, despite being in countless life-or-death situations, he never killed another human throughout his time on The Walking Dead. He killed many walkers, but when it came to other people, it never got to that point.
Perhaps if he had lived longer, circumstances might have forced him into making that grim choice. Like Lori, he didn’t necessarily share Dale's unwavering moral philosophy. So I think it's possible that, had he been pushed to the edge, T-Dog might have had to take a human life to protect those he cared about.
Andrea
Fans were also introduced to Andrea as an original member of the Atlanta survivor group in The Walking Dead. After losing her younger sister, Andrea struggled with grief and fear for a bit. Over time, she would grow into a capable and independent survivor. While she eventually became one of the group’s most skilled fighters and sharpshooters, her lethal abilities were almost exclusively reserved for walkers.
Perhaps if she had made it past the prison and Woodbury arc, circumstances might have forced her to confront human enemies directly. But up until her death, Andrea remained one of the rare survivors who managed to navigate the apocalypse without taking another person’s life.
Noah
Noah was introduced in season 5 as a patient at Grady Memorial Hospital. Later, he joined Rick’s group and took on the role of a supply runner for the Alexandria Safe-Zone. Known for his optimism, loyalty, and resourcefulness, Noah quickly proved himself to be a valuable member of the community. But unlike some of his fellow survivors, he never took a human life. Do I think he could have, if the situation demanded it? Possibly. We didn't get to know him for long before he met a tragic ending.
If he had survived, it might've eventually come to a point where he would have had to confront the harsh reality of taking a life. There were constant human threats that could have pushed him to that breaking point. But for as long as he lived, that never happened.
All 11 seasons of The Walking Dead are available to stream on Netflix.