Content Warning: The following article contains discussions of abuse and suicide.
Expertly brought to life by the delightful acting powerhouse, Melissa McBride, Carol Peletier is an example of a strong, female character that not only emphasizes emotional and physical resilience but also compassion. She has flaws that hold her back, and she has strengths that push her forward. Carol Peletier is real, and she is a fighter.
Her comic book counterpart meanwhile is an incredibly different character. Here are some ways The Walking Dead's Carol differs between mediums.
Different In The Comics: Carol Was Not A Good Mother To Sophia
Carol was a protective mother who no doubt loved her Sophia, but she often put her needs and insecurities above her daughter's.
Constantly looking for validation and attention from others, she sometimes neglected Sophia to pursue other relationships. Though she was understandably suffering, she did not seem to always remember to consider her daughter's wellbeing.
Better In The Show: Carol Is A Loving Mother Figure To Many Characters
Unlike the comics, the television series does not portray Carol as neglectful or occupied with other relationships. She has her own demons to fight, specifically when it comes to Ed and her past abuse, but she doesn't let that get in the way of her nurturing spirit.
Sophia may have passed, but she continues to take on loving, motherly roles from Lizzie and Mika, to raising Henry with Ezekiel at the Kingdom.
Different In The Comics: She Had A Romantic Relationship With Tyreese
Carol and Tyreese spent a large amount of time with each other over season 4 of the show, but their interactions never moved past friendship. The comics, however, took their relationship to the next level.
Carol and Tyreese were involved in a very romantic relationship, and Carol was more than just a little bit attached to him. She was so enamored that when their romance abruptly ended, it had tragic consequences.
Better In The Show: Carol Is Fiercely Independent
If one character trait has been emphasized over and over again, it is Carol's independence. In the Pre-Apocalypse, Carol’s life had been controlled and dictated by her husband, Ed. However, as the show has gone on, fans have seen her build her confidence and self-esteem again.
Now, she is not only capable of taking care of herself amidst a group of flesh-eating Walkers, but she can find her own food and build her own shelter. If Carol had to live completely on her own, she would be just fine.
Different In The Comics: She Relies On Others A Lot
The Carol in the comics is always looking for someone to rely on. She continues to call Ed a good man, despite his abuse and stays with him for so long because he helped to care for Sophia. Once her husband is gone, she jumps into new relationships quickly for both protection and approval. Of course, being at the center of a zombie apocalypse helps in the framing of her desires in this case. The apocalypse is a traumatic place for everyone, and it makes sense to want protection and love. Carol seeks to be anchored by and relies greatly on those around her.
Though it is a sensical journey, the writers of the television series attempted to give Carol more agency and independence in the show.
Better In The Show: Carol Is Highly Intelligent
Carol's cunning has kept herself and her friends alive on more than one occasion. She has great natural instincts when it comes to people, and her social skills border on skillfully manipulative.
She has no problem separating logic from emotion when it comes to achieving her goals and keeping her home safe. If she has to let Negan back into society to get rid of Alpha and the Whisperers, she will do it.
Different In The Comics: Carol Is Not A Fighter
The Carol from the comics was just not built to survive in a dystopian, zombie-infested world. She isn't particularly good at defending herself or others, nor does she have a strong desire to hone these skills.
She is primarily focused on validation from friends and lovers who can protect her, sometimes at the expense of her safety. She is not the fighter that she is on the show.
Better In The Show: Her Friendship With Daryl
Daryl did not actually exist in the comics. While Merle Dixon was featured in the graphic novel series, Daryl did not come into existence until after Norman Reedus auditioned for the role.
If it weren't for the television show, fans would never have gotten to see the beautiful and deep bond between Daryl and Carol. Both sharing abusive pasts and tragic presents, the two rely on each other in a way that is unparalleled by most friendships in the show.
Different In The Comics: Carol Dies By Suicide
Carol shares a strong and dependent connection with Tyreese in the comics, but when she witnesses him cheating on her with Michonne, it severely impacts her mental health.
This then leads to Carol allowing a tied-up Walker to attack and, ultimately, kill her. Though Carol's ultimate fate is not yet known in the show, her trajectory thus far has been quite different from her comic counterpart.
Better In The Show: Carol Is A Skilled Warrior
There is no doubt that when push comes to shove, Carol is one of the best survivors in the series. She isn't heavily tied to emotion, but she is compassionate. She is skilled with a bow, a knife, and a gun, but she isn't cruel. She can survive on her own, but often chooses to live around others.
It is this delicate balance that not only makes her a formidable opponent in battle, but also makes her a genuinely amazing ally.