An expert tracker and hunter, Daryls skills honed during a contentious and largely self-sufficient childhood in the mountains of Georgia are especially valuable after the undead outbreak. Daryl and his older brother Merle eventually join up with a group of survivors headed by Shane and Lori, though theyre commitment to anybody other than themselves is suspect from the start. It is eventually revealed that the brothers came from an abusive home. While Merle turned largely to anti-social behavior and even crime, Daryl has long retreated into a survivalist mentality in which he relies only on himself and refuses to get close to anyone other than his brother, who holds an undeniable and unhealthy influence over him.As the months progress, Daryl becomes a more and more integral part of the group, forming a particularly strong bond with Carol putting himself in harms way over and over again in order to protect his fellow survivors. He is trusted and, more notably, begins to trust others. This trust isnt always consistent, but never wavering is Daryls proficiency in coolly dispatching walkers, especially with his trusty crossbow and knife. Daryl is a perfect example of why the survivors cant judge books by their covers. The seemingly reckless redneck is actually a force to be reckoned with and an effective, if reluctant leader.