Carol has been with Lori, Shane and Carl since almost the start of the outbreak, making her a senior member of the survivors group. Yet her meek and deferential personality means that she remains largely in the background with it comes to making major group decisions. A major reason for this reluctance to engage with others and assert her opinions is due to a long abusive marriage to Ed, who also has little use for their daughter, Sophia. Carol channels much of her energies into keeping Sophia safe. Eventually, and as the result of tragedy, she forms a close bond with Daryl and, as her confidence in her own value grows, begins to emerge as a more vocal and active member of the long-suffering group.