| Carl Grimes | |
|---|---|
| The Walking Dead character | |
 Carl Grimes, as portrayed by Chandler Riggs in the television series (left) and in the comic book series (right). | |
| First appearance |
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| Last appearance |
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| Created by | Robert Kirkman Tony Moore |
| Adapted by | Frank Darabont (The Walking Dead) |
| Portrayed by | Chandler Riggs Oliver Gaffney (Young Carl in "Wrath") |
| In-universe information | |
| Occupation | Member of the Militia Comic: Elementary school student Blacksmith apprentice Messenger for the Commonwealth Woodcarver Television: Middle school student |
| Family | Rick Grimes (father) Lori Grimes (mother) Judith Grimes (half-sister) Comic: Jeffrey Grimes (uncle) Andrea (stepmother) Amy (step-aunt) Carol (mother-in-law) Maggie Greene (adoptive mother-in-law) Glenn Rhee (adoptive father-in-law) Hershel Rhee (adoptive brother-in-law) Television: Evie (aunt) Michonne (stepmother) Rick Grimes Jr. (half-brother) Violet (pet) |
| Spouse | Comic: Sophia |
| Significant others | Comic: Lydia Television: Enid |
| Children | Comic: Andrea Grimes II |
Carl Grimes is a fictional character and is one of the main protagonists in the comic book series The Walking Dead and was portrayed by Chandler Riggs in the American live-action television series of the same name. The character was created by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore, and debuted in The Walking Dead #2 in 2003. In both forms of media, Carl is the son of Rick and Lori Grimes.
In the comic book series, Carl begins as a normal and innocent child, but as the events of the zombie apocalypse force him to grow up, he becomes colder, and sometimes makes brash decisions for what he thinks is the good of the group. The character's development is similar in the television series, where he adopts a callous personality, putting him at odds with his father, who wishes to maintain Carl's childhood morality and innocence as much as possible. Upon reflection, Carl eventually regains his sense of morality while still keeping his survival edge. At the same time, his father begins to lose his morality, which eventually puts Carl into conflict with him for various reasons, particularly in regards to helping strangers in need.
Riggs' portrayal of Carl was well received among fans and critics alike. For his performance as Carl, Riggs won the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series in 2014 and 2016. He was also nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series – Leading Young Actor in 2012, 2013, and won in 2014. Carl's death caused severe backlash from the audience and critics, deeming it as the worst decision the show made due to Carl's importance in the comics.