Carol Peletier’s character journey in The Walking Dead stands out as one of the most dramatic and intricate arcs throughout the series. Initially introduced as a timid, abused woman struggling to raise her daughter during a harrowing apocalypse, her evolution into a formidable survivor and fierce protector highlights the transformative nature of the character. Despite her growth into a resilient figure, Carol’s journey is marked by numerous morally questionable choices that illustrate the darkness she embraced along the way.
This transformation is inspirational; however, it is frequently accompanied by disturbing consequences. Following the tragic death of her daughter, Sophia, in season 2, Carol has increasingly walked a shadowy path, showcasing an assertiveness that often borders on ruthlessness.
10 Carol Allowed Negan to Escape
In the aftermath of Rick Grimes’ supposed demise following the bridge explosion, he left behind a crucial directive: to ensure Negan remained imprisoned as a reminder of his past tyranny. However, Carol’s desperation to eliminate Alpha clouded her judgment, leading her to broker a dangerous deal with Negan. By releasing him to gain Alpha’s trust, she risked not only her safety but the well-being of her community, raising questions about the moral implications of her actions.
9 Carol Misled Ash Regarding Sophia
In the second season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Carol cleverly manipulated circumstances to achieve her goal of reaching France to find Daryl. Rather than being honest about her quest for friendship, she fabricated a story about her daughter Sophia, claiming her father had taken her to see an aunt in France. This deceit was designed to invoke sympathy and persuade the pilot, Ash Patel, to risk his life for her fabricated cause.
8 Carol Stood By as Mary Was Devoured
After the prison’s fall, Rick and his group discovered Terminus, which concealed a sinister truth: it was a nest of cannibals. Carol, having uncovered this deception, heroically rescued her friends. However, during the chaos, she callously allowed Mary, one of the cannibals, to be overwhelmed and eaten by walkers, showcasing Carol’s darker survival instincts amidst her heroism.
7 Carol Ignited the Whisperer War
In the wake of the Saviors’ downfall, the Whisperers introduced a new level of threat by hiding among the walkers. When Alpha warned Carol against crossing into their territory, her thirst for revenge led her to disregard this warning, initiating a brutal conflict that resulted in significant losses, emphasizing her reckless behavior in pursuit of vengeance.
6 Carol Burned Ex-Saviors Alive
After the Saviors’ defeat, some individuals refused to accept the community’s new order. Among them was Jed, who began harassing Carol and her loved ones. In an act of vengeance, Carol ambushed Jed and his crew one night, setting them ablaze as they pleaded for their lives, showcasing her descent into brutality.
5 Carol Observed Paula’s Gruesome End
During season 6’s “The Same Boat,”Carol and Maggie found themselves held captive by the merciless Paula. When Carol eventually overpowered her captor, she chose not to kill her right away and instead left Paula to face a gruesome death at the hands of a walker, illustrating the conflicting emotions Carol faced regarding vengeance and humanity.
4 Carol Menaced Sam for Silence
Upon arriving in Alexandria, Carol, along with Rick and Michonne, decided to reclaim their firearms to maintain their safety. When Sam, a young boy looking up to her, discovered their secret, Carol resorted to intimidation, threatening him with horrific consequences if he revealed their plans. This traumatic encounter contributed to Sam’s eventual demise during a horde attack, highlighting the unintended consequences of her aggressive tactics.
3 Carol Entrapped Friends in a Walker Cave
In her pursuit of Alpha, Carol misguidedly led her friends, including Daryl and Jerry, directly into a trap set by the Whisperers, resulting in their entrapment in a walker-infested cave. The reckless decision endangered lives and served as a stark reminder of the potential fallout from her single-minded quest for revenge.
2 Carol Made the Ultimate Sacrifice in the Prison Arc
During the outbreak of a deadly disease in the prison, Carol took it upon herself to murder two infected survivors to prevent the spread of illness through the community. This drastic action led to her banishment by Rick, illustrating how her choices, while rooted in a desire to protect, frequently danced along the edge of darkness.
1 Carol Executed Lizzie
Undoubtedly, the most controversial and somber act committed by Carol was the execution of young Lizzie, who had become dangerously unhinged. After witnessing Lizzie kill her sister Mika and attempt to harm Judith, Carol recognized the depth of the threat Lizzie posed and made the heart-wrenching decision to end her life. This act stands as one of the darkest moments not just in Carol’s journey, but across the entirety of The Walking Dead.
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