Who is the main protagonist of "The Walking Dead" TV series?

The main protagonist of The Walking Dead television series is Rick Grimes. Portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, Rick is a sheriff’s deputy who wakes from a coma after the zombie outbreak and begins searching for his wife Lori and son Carl.

Rick’s journey forms the central spine of the original series. He reunites with his family near Atlanta, becomes the leader of a survivor group, and later helps establish and defend communities including the prison settlement and Alexandria. His constant conflict between protecting loved ones and preserving his moral principles drives many of the show’s major storylines.

The other options are important characters but do not occupy the same overall role. Negan is a major antagonist who later becomes more complicated, Glenn is one of Rick’s closest allies, and Daryl becomes increasingly central. Daryl takes on a stronger protagonist role after Rick’s departure in season nine, but Rick remains the canonical lead character for the original series and its foundational narrative.