7) Shane
Rick’s best friend turned romantic rival turned mortal enemy, Shane, was basically the show’s first major antagonist. Over the first two seasons, it became clear that he was willing to go the extra brutal mile to protect the group in a way that Rick was initially not. It was this rivalry with Rick that led to his shocking death.
Deciding that Rick is not fit to lead the group, Shane tries to kill Rick. But in a moment that actually proves his worth as leader, Rick beats him to punch and stabs him in the chest. Then, in a jaw-dropping twist, Carl has to shoot him when he shockingly starts to reanimate.
Shane wasn’t exactly the most blameless character to bite the bullet, then, but his tense and violent death scene was a dramatic way to go. Particularly as it also dropped the massive revelation that everyone is harbouring the virus and that they will come back as walkers no matter how they die.