The Walking Dead Character Spotlight: Who is Dwight?

Along with all of the new faces coming to AMC’s The Walking Dead in show’s seventh season is some exploration of characters whom we have merely scratched the surface of. In prepartion for the most anticipated episode of the entire series airing this Sunday, ComicBook.com is taking a look at some of those characters all week long.

Today, we will take a closer look at Dwight.

On AMC’s The Walking Dead, Dwight first appeared in the episode “Always Accountable” in the first half of Season 6. At the time, he was running from Negan and going by the nickname of “D.” He is portrayed by Austin Amelio, an actor you may have seen in Everybody Wants Some or Putting the Dog to Sleep.

In the comics, Dwight first appeared in issue #98 which was printed in 2012. His appearance came under different circumstances on the black and white pages, though. The character made his presence known by putting an arrow through the head and eyeball of Abraham Ford.

Of course, the moment was realized in close enough form when he returned to the television series to use Daryl Dixon’s crossbow as the instrument behind Denise Cloyd’s death.

Dwight’s girlfriend was also seen on the AMC series but was further explored in Robert Kirkman’s comics. Part of Dwight’s problem with Negan is the fact that any many who choose to take shelter at the Sanctuary must hand over any women with them and all parties must consent to their serving as his wives.

Going by the comics, Dwight is not all bad.

First of all, the scarring on Dwight’s face is a symbol of his hatred towards Negan. When people betray the menacing leader of the Saviors, they are punished by serving as a permanent reminder to the group of what happens when Negan’s rules are not obeyed. A hot iron was pressed to Dwight’s face as a result.

Further down the line, Rick and Negan rally their respective armies for war. Rick’s group was largely outmanned and outgunned on the march to war but Dwight defected against the leader of the Saviors and provided inside information to Rick’s group. It was the only advantage Rick’s group had but, as it would turn out, was the only advantage Rick’s group needed.

In fact, Dwight, at one point, saved Rick’s life during the war.

While Dwight and Negan had a clear shot at Rick Grimes during a battle, Dwight opted to take a shot at him using his crossbow. By now, all of the Saviors had covered their weapons in zombie guts to ensure that a simple flesh wound would cost an Alexandria, Hilltop, or Kingdom soldier their life. Dwight had other plans, though – shooting Rick with a clean arrow in a non-fatal part of his body.

Following the war, Dwight struggles with insecurity at Alexandria. Not only is his face mutilated as a result of Negan’s rule but Sherry moved on to someone else (quite quickly). He questions his manhood frequently and does not believe himself to be worthy of leadership.

Will this version of Dwight be realized on television? It’s tough to say. With the introduction of Steven Ogg’s Simon, a character who does not exist in the comics, the story line can be handed over to either of the current foes.

The Walking Dead returns for its seventh season on October 23 at 9 p.m. ET on AMC. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.