Aaron (The Walking Dead)

Recruiter for Alexandria Safe-Zone; longest-surviving resident.

Aaron is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and its television adaptation, portrayed by Ross Marquand. He serves as a recruiter for the Alexandria Safe-Zone in Washington, D.C., and gradually earns the trust of Rick Grimes and his group. Aaron is the longest-surviving Alexandria character and is notable as the comic book's first openly gay character.

Quick Facts

Series

The Walking Dead

First

Comic:
"Issue #67" (2009)
Television:
"Them" (2015)

Last

Comic:
"Issue #193" (2019)
Television:
"Rest in Peace" (2022)

Portrayed by

Ross Marquand

Creator

Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard

Adapted by

Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead)

Children

Television:; Gracie (adopted daughter)

Partner

Eric Raleigh; Paul "Jesus" Monroe

Facts from the source article.

Appearances

Aaron is introduced as a recruiter for the Alexandria Safe-Zone, a community built from a quarantine zone for politicians. He and his boyfriend Eric observe Rick's group after they exterminated the Hunters, to assess their suitability for the community. Though initially suspicious, the survivors go with Aaron to Washington, D.C., and join Alexandria. After the group's arrival, Eric is stabbed by a woman they were recruiting; he is healed by surgeon Denise Cloyd.

The couple then decides to stop recruiting and focus on internal matters. A zombie attack leads to Douglas's death and Rick becoming leader. Aaron and Eric are assigned inventory duties and participate in combat training. They grow more comfortable venturing outside the walls for supply runs.

The alliance leads to conflict with the Saviors, led by Negan, beginning with Abraham's death. Aaron and Eric attend Abraham's memorial. They join the Militia, an army from Alexandria, Hilltop, and the Kingdom. Eric is killed in battle, leaving Aaron devastated; he vows to kill every remaining Savior. The Militia wins the war, and Negan is sentenced to life in prison.

Casting

Robert Kirkman alluded on the Talking Dead episode for 'Coda' in November 2014 that the second half of the season would introduce a prominent gay character. Ross Marquand initially auditioned for the role of Gareth, but the casting director, noting his comedic roots, thought him better suited for Aaron, who has a more humorous personality. Marquand returned to audition for Aaron; the casting call used the codename Logan.

Development and reception

Aaron first appeared in the season five episode 'Them'. Some critics compared his introduction to that of an Other from the ABC series Lost. Laura Prudom for Variety commented on his appearance as a stranger who delivered the group's water supply, questioning whether he could be trusted. Ron Hogan for Den of Geek noted Aaron looked 'entirely too clean and well-fed'.

Matt Fowler of IGN observed that Aaron appears in the final scene, a character comic fans would know. Ted Berg for USA Today remarked that Aaron's preppy, clean appearance suggested evil intentions, despite the internet indicating otherwise from the graphic novel. Although Aaron and Eric are boyfriends in the comic series, many viewers were surprised by their same-sex kiss in the episode 'The Distance'. Troy L. Smith, reviewing 'Remember', noted that both Aaron and Eric play significant roles in the comic book, with their bond providing a sentimental element the show had been lacking.