There's little consistency in small group of survivors through their everyday lives. The series has changed in many ways since those days, and one of the notable differences between TWD when it first began and TWD now, is their cast.
The main characters now are save two - but there are still several fan-favorites that keep viewers coming back. On the other hand, The Walking Dead has always had its share of widely-hated characters as well, so let's take a look at how their main characters fit into those categories.
Father Gabriel
Father Gabriel has easily changed the most out of any other character on the show. He was introduced in season 5 episode 2, "Strangers", as a cowardly priest who abandoned his followers in light of the apocalypse and lived in fear holed up in his own church.
During his five seasons on the show, Gabriel has gone through several crises of faith, relationship issues, and several other events that worked to change him completely as a character. However, just because Gabriel's changed, doesn't make him any more likable than he was in the beginning. Some fans would argue that he's even gotten harder to like.
Negan
Jeffrey Dean Morgan brings his charisma to virtually every major role he is assigned. The character of Negan is no exception. This made him the target of some controversy ever since his introduction to the show. Fans either love Negan or they hate him, and this rule has remained true throughout the former villain's redemption arc.
When The Walking Dead wants to redeem a previously evil character, they critically lack subtly, which can be a big turnoff for viewers. To some fans, Negan was more likable before the show was trying to make him likable.
Alpha
Alpha certainly did her job as the show's most cunning, twisted villain for nearly two seasons. While she is probably the most memorable antagonist to come and go on the series, she was anything but likable. Since there was no redemption arc in the blueprints for Alpha, The Walking Dead didn't really give her any sympathetic or redeeming qualities.
Alpha abused her own daughter as well as the other Whisperers, had no empathy for anyone, and spoke in some pretty pretentious lingo. She was the perfect villain but lacked any human qualities.
Beta
Alpha's right-hand man, Beta, is a mysterious character. Where The Walking Dead left off, he was getting ready to wage a war on the survivors in an act of revenge for Alpha's death. The final battle will air on October 4th on AMC.
Viewers know very little about Beta, and what they do know is strange and rather confusing. However, Beta's past seems to make a little more sense than Alpha's; he was a country singer before the apocalypse and seemed to go through some tragedies before dawning his Whisperer mask. Seeing that Beta may have been somewhat normal before the outbreak, makes him seem a bit more human and therefore more likable.
Rosita
Rosita has been on the show since season 4, but over the years, it doesn't really feel like she's changed or developed very significantly. Her arcs go in circles and the only real character changing moment she's gone through was being able to stand up to Abraham in season 6.
Despite the fact that years have ed and many characters have grown, Rosita still tends to make impulsive decisions and act recklessly the majority of the time. She's likable, but that it somewhat canceled out by how frustrating her story is.
Michonne
Michonne has been an iconic addition to the series ever since her first unforgettable appearance in the season 2 finale, "Beside The Dying Fire". After saving Andrea's life, Michonne quickly became a well-liked character and one of the most respected and ired on the series.
Danai Gurira's performance always brought so much to Michonne's character and her evolution throughout the series is empowering. From a mysterious loner to a loving mother of two and a powerful leader, Michonne will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Eugene
Eugene Porter's journey from his first episode to now is another impressive and memorable evolution to note. Known as the cowardly scientist whose most famous moments come from the fact that he was lying to everyone about knowing a cure of the outbreak. Eugene has changed considerably since then. He has even grown out his signature mullet.
Though his warrior skills are still shown to lack somewhat, Eugene has definitely overcome many of his debilitating fears and grown into a strong asset for Alexandria.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel first appeared on The Walking Dead in the second episode of season 7, "The Well", and made quite the impression right off the bat. Over time, Ezekiel gradually dropped his charismatic "king" persona, but his lovable personality always shone through.
Ezekiel has been through a lot, losing his adoptive son to Alpha and battling thyroid cancer, but he keeps his head up and has remained a consistent character to this day. It's hard not to like Ezekiel and just about impossible not to appreciate Khary Payton's captivating portrayal.
Daryl
"fans' love from the very beginning.
By season 2, Daryl was probably the most popular character on the show, and his popularity grew for several years after this. However, in recent years, the Daryl craze has notably dwindled. Although he may not be as hyped up as he was before, he's still likable and his development is appreciable.
Carol
Carol went from being a side character in season 1, to being one of the only two main characters left on the series, and finally, to getting her own spinoff series with Daryl in the future. If this isn't one of the most momentous character evolutions on the show, nothing is.
Carol has made her share of questionable decisions on the series, but this is canceled out by the fact that she's constantly going through tragedy after tragedy with no breaks. Carol's character empowers many fans and Melissa McBride's performance makes her completely lovable.