"Walking Dead" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Walking Dead" by C.E. Murphy, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Joanne Walker, carries the weight of the story, while the antagonist, Gary Muldoon, poses challenges and obstacles for Joanne. Additionally, supporting characters such as Captain Michael Morrison and Billy Holliday provide guidance and assistance throughout the plot. Lastly, the mythical character, Coyote, adds a supernatural element to the storyline.

Character Descriptions

Joanne Walker

Joanne Walker is the central character and protagonist of "Walking Dead." She is a young woman in her late twenties with a courageous spirit and a strong sense of justice. Physically, Joanne is described as having fiery red hair, expressive green eyes, and a lean build. She possesses a natural affinity for nature and a deep connection to the elements.

Gary Muldoon

Gary Muldoon serves as the primary antagonist in the story. He is a cunning and manipulative individual who seeks power and control. Gary is described as a middle-aged man with a stocky build and a greying beard. He possesses a dark aura and is often seen wearing a menacing smile.

Captain Michael Morrison

Captain Michael Morrison is a supporting character in the book. He is a seasoned police officer with a no-nonsense demeanor. As Joanne's mentor, he plays a crucial role in guiding her through the challenges she faces. Captain Morrison is portrayed as a tall and distinguished man with greying hair and a strong presence.

Billy Holliday

Billy Holliday is another supporting character who becomes an ally to Joanne. He is a tech genius and a loyal friend. Billy is described as a young man in his early twenties, with a slim build and messy hair. His quirky personality and technical expertise make him an invaluable asset to Joanne.

Coyote

Coyote is a mythical character who appears throughout the book. He embodies the trickster archetype and serves as a guide to Joanne. Coyote is depicted as a shapeshifter who can take the form of both a man and a coyote. His appearance is described as rugged yet charismatic, with wild eyes and a mischievous smile.

Character Traits

Joanne Walker

Joanne Walker possesses several notable character traits. She is brave, determined, and fiercely independent. Joanne is also compassionate, often putting others' needs before her own. Her connection to the elements grants her unique abilities and a deep understanding of the natural world. However, Joanne can be impulsive at times, which sometimes leads her into dangerous situations.

Gary Muldoon

Gary Muldoon's character traits are primarily negative. He is cunning, manipulative, and power-hungry. Gary has a tendency to use others for his own gain and is willing to resort to violence to achieve his goals. His malicious nature and lack of empathy make him a formidable adversary for Joanne.

Captain Michael Morrison

Captain Morrison is characterized by his strong sense of duty, integrity, and leadership skills. He is strict but fair, providing guidance and support to Joanne as she navigates her supernatural abilities. Captain Morrison's unwavering commitment to justice makes him a trusted figure in Joanne's life.

Billy Holliday

Billy Holliday is known for his intelligence, technical expertise, and unwavering loyalty. He is resourceful and always ready to assist Joanne in her endeavors. Billy's quirky personality and quick thinking often provide a sense of lightness and humor amidst the darkness of the story.

Coyote

Coyote's character traits align with the trickster archetype. He is mischievous, unpredictable, and enigmatic. Coyote often challenges Joanne's beliefs and pushes her to confront her fears. Despite his playful nature, Coyote serves as a wise mentor figure, guiding Joanne on her journey.

Character Background

Joanne Walker

Joanne Walker grew up in the Pacific Northwest and had a somewhat tumultuous childhood. After the death of her mother, she was raised by her father, who instilled in her a love and respect for nature. Joanne initially pursued a career as a mechanic but later discovered her supernatural abilities and became a reluctant shaman.

Gary Muldoon

Gary Muldoon's background is shrouded in mystery. He is a dark sorcerer who seeks to harness powerful forces for his own gain. Gary's motivations and past remain largely unknown, adding to his enigmatic and threatening presence throughout the story.

Captain Michael Morrison

Captain Morrison has a long-standing career in law enforcement. He rose through the ranks due to his dedication and commitment to upholding justice. His experiences in the field have shaped his strong sense of duty and his desire to protect others.

Billy Holliday

Billy Holliday's background is rooted in his passion for technology and hacking. He has a natural talent for navigating the digital world and uses his skills to assist Joanne in her investigations. Billy's background is explored less extensively in the book, but his loyalty and dedication to Joanne are evident.

Coyote

Coyote's background is steeped in Native American mythology. As a mythical figure, he is part of ancient legends and tales. Coyote's origins and past are not explicitly revealed, emphasizing his mysterious nature and his connection to the supernatural world.

Character Arcs

Joanne Walker

Throughout the book, Joanne undergoes a significant character arc. Initially, she is unsure of her abilities and struggles with self-doubt. As the story progresses, Joanne embraces her role as a shaman and grows more confident in her powers. She learns to trust her instincts and develops a deeper understanding of her purpose in the supernatural realm.

Gary Muldoon

Gary Muldoon's character arc revolves around his pursuit of power and control. His actions become increasingly desperate as he faces setbacks and obstacles. Ultimately, his obsession with power leads to his downfall, highlighting the consequences of his dark desires.

Captain Michael Morrison

Although Captain Morrison's character arc is less prominent, he serves as a consistent source of guidance for Joanne. His unwavering support and mentorship contribute to Joanne's growth and development throughout the story.

Billy Holliday

Billy Holliday's character arc revolves around his friendship with Joanne and his evolution from a skilled hacker to a trusted ally. He becomes more involved in Joanne's supernatural world and develops a deeper understanding of the challenges they face together.

Coyote

Coyote's character arc is intertwined with Joanne's journey. He serves as a catalyst for her growth and transformation. Coyote challenges Joanne's beliefs and helps her embrace her identity as a shaman, guiding her through her various trials and tribulations.

Relationships

Joanne Walker and Gary Muldoon

Joanne and Gary's relationship is characterized by conflict and opposition. They are adversaries throughout the story, with Joanne constantly striving to thwart Gary's plans. Their interactions are fraught with tension and danger, leading to intense confrontations.

Joanne Walker and Captain Michael Morrison

Captain Morrison serves as a mentor and father figure to Joanne. Their relationship is built on trust, respect, and a shared sense of duty. Captain Morrison's guidance and support play a vital role in Joanne's development as a shaman.

Joanne Walker and Billy Holliday

Joanne and Billy's relationship is founded on friendship and trust. They share a sense of camaraderie and rely on each other for support and assistance. Billy's technical expertise complements Joanne's supernatural abilities, creating a formidable team dynamic.

Joanne Walker and Coyote

Joanne's relationship with Coyote is complex and multifaceted. Coyote acts as both a mentor and a trickster figure, pushing Joanne to confront her fears and embrace her true potential. Their interactions are marked by both humor and profound wisdom.

In conclusion, the characters in "Walking Dead" by C.E. Murphy bring depth and complexity to the story. Joanne Walker's journey from self-doubt to embracing her role as a shaman is at the heart of the narrative. The presence of characters like Gary Muldoon, Captain Michael Morrison, Billy Holliday, and Coyote further enriches the plot, providing conflicts, support, and supernatural elements. The relationships between these characters contribute to the overall development and resolution of the story.