When I first came across AMC's "The Walking Dead," I watched it with one eye barely open, all lights in the room on and buried my screams in the numerous pillows surrounding me. It was difficult to suppress the limb-flailing back then. Thankfully, I've become desensitized enough to watch the show in the dark with my "Walking Dead" fleece blanket wrapped around my shoulders. What I've discovered about the show is that it's really not about zombies, not anymore at least. The characters are constantly fighting just to survive, while still retaining their humanity. On that cheerful note, here are 12 of my favorite characters *cue stressful violin music*:

12. Abraham Ford

What do I like about Abraham? Is it his drive and determination (which often turns into straight up stubbornness)? Is it his obvious physical strength matched with his simultaneous desire to help people in need? Or is it just the hair? Yeah, it's really just the hair to be honest. I never thought I'd see the day when someone other than Hulk Hogan could pull off a 'stache like that.

11. Carl Grimes

Keep in mind, my love for Carl was not kindled until well into the fourth season. For the longest time, in fact, I hated him. In Season 2, he caused the death of a much beloved character (see #7) and I went through an entire season and a half hopeful that he might be devoured by a horde of walkers. But now, he's grown into Rick's sheriff hat and, swallowing his teen angst (much to the relief of me and everyone else in America), he continues to selflessly care for the group.

10. Sasha Williams

Oh, Sasha...can I just give you a hug? She's lost so much, but still continues to fight for the group's survival. Not to mention the fact that she single-handedly takes out a group of walkers from the top of a bell tower. (Also we share a surname, so that practically makes us sisters...right?)

9. Glenn Rhee

Regardless of what happens in season 6 (I still haven't watched it), Glenn will always be the pizza delivery boy in the baseball cap to me. There's never been a time when he put himself before the group or failed to do the right thing, even when it's so much easier not to.

Also, remember that time when Glenn accurately summed up every single finals week of your life?

And then the borderline unstable amount of joy you felt going home for Christmas break right after?

You go, Glenn Rhee.

8. Daryl Dixon

Everyone makes fun of the redneck until the zombie apocalypse. From his insane crossbow skills to his general badassery, Daryl's quiet compassion is what really wins him extra brownie points. Though at first he doesn't want to seem like it, he would take a bullet for any member of the group. He spent an entire day looking for Sophia in Season 2, even when the situation seemed hopeless. Granted, he came back with a few scrapes and a necklace made of zombie ears, but in the grand scheme of things I think we can overlook that.

7. Dale Horvath

Oh, Dale...you, your beard, your hat and all of your overly expressive facial expressions will always be in my heart. Even though he only made it through the first two seasons because of a certain character whom I will never truly forgive *cough, Carl cough* he was the source of hope, inspiration and wisdom for numerous characters, despite the fact that the world was falling apart around them.

Also can we just take a moment to appreciate Dale-Face?

6. T-Dog

T-Dog is one of the most underrated characters of the show in my opinion. He wasn't afraid to say how he was feeling or what he was thinking, even if it wasn't what he "should" be thinking. He was real. Also his death was one of the saddest and most self-sacrificial of the entire series and for that I will always respect him. (Btw he's the only reason #5 is still alive.)

5. Carol Peletier

Carol manages to transform from a helpless victim of domestic violence to a self-sufficient hero whose actions always stem from concern for the group. It's the second greatest comeback story of anyone in the series. (First place to come soon). Her ability to hide in plain sight is also amazingly awesome. Oh and she succeeded in single-handedly destroying an entire compound of cannibals that the group was trapped in. Not a big deal or anything...

4. Bob

When Bob died, I was reduced to a puddle of tears on the floor of my dorm room. He was a glass-half-full person, which I really appreciated, especially in a world overrun with, y'know, zombies and death and evil. He didn't even tell anyone he got bitten because he didn't want his last moments with them to be filled with grief. (Seriously, Bob, are you sure you're not really a selfless angel sent from above?

3. Hershel Greene

After Dale's death, Hershel assumed the role of philosopher/life coach/spiritual guider in the group. He always knew what to say and guided everyone in his wisdom, even if they didn't always take his advice. He was also the only doctor for a really long time before his death, which automatically scores you a ton of brownie points in a world overrun by the dead.

2. Michonne

Michonne, i.e. Empress of the Zombie Universe. Her incredible strength is obvious upon meeting her. It takes her a while to warm up to the group, but she hasn't completely lost her ability to establish meaningful relationships (i.e. she's not completely insane). Still, if you cross her you're not getting away easily. She's a fighter and has fought her way through so many obstacles to be where she's at. Also she has a katana (slay my life) and has taken down multiple herds of walkers single-handedly this way. Own your fighter skills, queen of my soul. Beyonce ain't got nothin' on you.

1. Tyreese Williams

You weren't expecting that, were you? Well, you should've been because Tyreese is literally the best. As described by one character (who eventually tried to kill him and failed), Tyreese was "the kind of guy who saves babies." After his girlfriend's murder, though filled with an unhealthy amount of rage, he managed to find peace. When confronted with her killer (Carol), he freely and fully forgave her when he could have ended her life on the spot. His comeback story takes first place without a question. He is the one character who demonstrates the way that God calls each and every one of us to love one another; that is, as Christ first loved us. He fought for his family, he protected the weakest members of the group and loved each one of them unconditionally. There is no one on this earth who can tell me he isn't the greatest character in the entire series.