The Walking Dead: Every Character Ranked Worst To Best

Appearances: Season 1-2, 9 (20 episodes).

That Shane Walsh ranks this highly despite only appearing as a main character in The Walking Dead's first two seasons is a testament to how effortlessly he stole the show, and how electric Jon Bernthal was in the role.

The best friend of Rick and secret lover of Lori, Shane was a noticeably caring, tough man, whose mind began to slip as the new world's ugliness began to control his actions. He became desperate for Rick's life, and fought to secure his place as the group's leader.

Twisted and cruel, he became everything he never wanted to be, and his death made it clear Rick was ready to face the horrors of the new world. Afterward, his absence would be felt until the very end.