Carol has had her share of relationships in the apocalypse on AMC series The Walking Dead. She was first with her abusive and berating husband Ed, then dated Tobin for some time, though she didn't really seem all that interested in him and was seemingly only with him to keep up appearances. She then most recently got married to Ezekiel, though they ended up good when they realized she had to follow her own path.
After everything she has been through, all of the heartbreak and trauma, Carol really has deserved to find true love in the apocalypse. But with who?
Here are 10 characters who would have made great love interests for her had she chosen to pursue it, or they had taken different paths.
Negan
The idea of Negan with, well, anyone seems odd. But it's clear he loves strong women and Carol personifies that. Had they met under different circumstances, it's quite possible that they might have fancied one another.
Carol is the type of person that wouldn't put up with Negan's antics while Negan would thrive on having someone like Carol around who is a strong-willed chameleon who can fit in with just about anyone. If they are indeed working together now to talk down the Whisperers, as some suspect, maybe a romance could brew in the future.
Morgan
Morgan has gone through similar traumas as Carol and has reached rock bottom because of it, just like Carol has. If anyone can understand what Carol is going through, it's Morgan. In fact, he even tried to help her through her darkest time. Yet he is no longer with the crew, having opted to move on to another territory (and the cast of Fear the Walking Dead.)
But when Morgan was at his best and Carol at hers, they could have made an adorable couple. They are both skilled fighters with strong morals who can sometimes become unhinged. But maybe they could help bring each other back.
Jerry
Sure, it was clear from the start that Carol had Ezekiel's heart from the moment he met her. But sometimes opposites attract, and it might have been cute to see Carol fall for his quirky right-hand man Jerry instead.
They couldn't be more different yet Jerry has such a lovable personality that it's tough not to root for him. Thankfully, he found love and built his own family over the years. But wouldn't it have been interesting to see him pair up with Carol? It would have been nice to see her with a big teddy bear instead of a big brute like her ex-husband.
Siddiq
Siddiq was fiercely smart, talented, and loyal, all qualities that make a perfect partner in a man. And while he had a brief fling with Rosita that led to her pregnancy, he still worked hard to be a good father, even after she had moved on to pursue a relationship with Gabriel.
Carol might have been a better partner for Siddiq. With him as the resident doctor and Carol as a fierce protector, they could have made an amazing team as both friends and lovers.
Dwight
Sure, Dwight was the bad guy for a long time as a high-ranking Savior. But he redeemed himself and has now moved on to Fear the Walking Dead, where he has reunited with Morgan. And sure, he is technically still married and still pining for his wife.
But Carol taking an interest in Dwight might have been a perfect way for him to gain the group's trust and for them to see that he really does want to help them. Though given his rivalry with Daryl, who is Carol's closest friend, that relationship might not have gone over well.
Simon
As Negan's right-hand man, had the two groups met under friendlier circumstances, we could totally see Simon and Carol having an interest in one another. Both are strong, willing to do what it takes, and able to lead a group.
Simon was cruel but Carol might have been able to tame that. Meanwhile, Carol might have been able to convince Simon to leave the Saviors and them. She was, after all, quite convincing to Ezekiel, though he was never one of the bad guys. Nonetheless, Carol has experience dealing with angry and abusive men. So she might have been good for him.
T-Dog
One of the saddest main character deaths early on in the series, T-Dog sacrificed his own life in order to save Carol. There was a strong love there between them. And even if it wasn't romantic, had T-Dog managed to stay alive a bit longer, it could have turned into romance.
The man charged against walkers in order to clear a path for Carol so she could escape the prison. If that isn't true love, we don't know what is!
Tyreese
Tyreese and Carol had a complicated relationship. After revealing to Tyreese that it was she who killed his girlfriend Karen in an effort to prevent the spread of an infection, she also had to discuss her decision to execute Lizzie as well due to her mental illness and fear of her hurting others.
Tyreese forgave Carol and they seemed to have a genuine friendship after that that might have become more had Tyreese survived longer. He even showed himself as a potentially great father, helping Carol protect Lizzie, Mika, and baby Judith.
Rick
Carol and Rick seem more like brother and sister, but this is because it's how we've seen them grow together since the beginning. Had things gone differently, they might have sparked a romance and coupled up.
Rick had the potential to couple up with so many ladies, including Andrea as well. But he never really found love until he showed interest in Jessie and took his relationship with Michonne to the next level. Carol might have been a good option early on.
Daryl
Fans have been wishing and hoping that Carol and Daryl would connect romantically, but it hasn't happened…yet. They are close confidants and have a seemingly unbreakable bond. They understand one another and are there for each other when they need it.
But they have always been firmly in the friend zone despite undeniable chemistry. Their friendship might be tested but hopefully if nothing else, they remain the best of friends who always go to bat for one another. Still, we can't help but hope that their platonic love turns into romantic love.