What Did These Walking Dead Character Do Before The Apocalypse?

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Deanna Monroe: You protect and serve. You patrol, walk the wall, watch out for the kids. If there's a conflict, you solve it. And people will listen to you.

Michonne: Because we're wearing windbreakers?

Deanna Monroe: Because they believe in this. Because I'm telling them to. A police officer used to live here. So we had these jackets and I wanted to make it official. So it's official. There's going to be a government here one day. That's why I want Maggie working with me. There's going to be a police force. That's why I want you two to start it. I see a vibrant community here with industry, commerce, civilization. Real lives.

When Team Family reaches the Alexandria Safe Zone in season five of The Walking Dead, the community's leader, Deanna Monroe, assigns them all jobs based on what they did before the world ended and what they can do now. Rick tells her that who he was in a past life - a cop - doesn't matter, but the former senator disagrees.

Believe it or not, who people were prior to the Apocalypse DOES matter. Today, you're going to show us how well you know some of our favourite characters by answering what they did before the Outbreak began.

But wait, you say, you've already spoiled Rick and Deanna's ex-jobs! Well, you're going to need to be specific here. Sure, anyone can tell you that Rick Grimes was a cop prior to the Outbreak, but what branch of the police department was he in? Was he in something like the DEA or FBI? What about Tara, who was a member of a certain law enforcement academy before things went to hell. Police academy? The United States Marine Boot Camp?

As you've probably realized by now, this quiz is for the show only; there are several characters on this list who had different pre-apocalypse jobs in the show than they have in the comic book. Unless otherwise stated, pick the one from the TV show if you want to get the question right.

Think back to your mental notes, your binge-watching, and you yelling at Carl to get into the house because it's quiz time.

Question 1

Rick Grimes

Yeah, we already spoiled what Rick did before the Apocalypse, but so what? All I said was he was in law enforcement - it's on you to figure out which of the following uniforms he wore. For this, you have to really think back to the first season because he's given differing answers since waking from his coma (more for simplicity than because he didn't like his job) but if you get this one wrong, you're probably not a real fan, to begin with.

Question 2

Lori Grimes

Before being put into a coma that would last roughly two months (that is, if Dr. Edwin Jenner's math in Season One is to be believed), Rick and Lori's marriage was failing. Rick had a full-time job and could provide, but that wasn't enough for the mother of his child, who questioned his love for Carl on the day her husband was shot. Talk about foreshadowing. Lori's profession is really only mentioned once by Carl in Season Two - can you remember what it was?

Question 3

Michonne

Michonne from the Walking Dead television show

Is it wrong that we go from Rick's ex-wife to his current girlfriend - and, more or less, his fiancee? Given that we have no souls, probably. But Michonne is another character whose occupation has really only been hinted at a couple of times in the television show; in the comic, on the other hand, we actually get a flashback to her coming back from work and evading the walkers in the Outbreak's beginning. Of the choices below, who was Michonne in a past life?

Question 4

Daryl Dixon

Before becoming a long-coat wearing-extremely-quiet archer, Daryl Dixon was the group's resident deadpan snarker, dishing out sarcastic quips every ninety seconds. Unfortunately, scars and loss have made Daryl a shadow of his former self - or, depending on your interpenetration, have reverted him back to the man he was before the Apocalypse. Beaten by his father and abandoned by his brother, Daryl went through his own personal hell before the world went to...well, hell. What did Daryl do before the outbreak?

Question 5

Merle Dixon

On the other side of things in the Dixon family, there's Merle. Now, Merle's pre-Apocalypse occupation could technically be answered with him being part of the military, but the information we have from him and other characters (mainly Daryl) is that those days were well in the past. In the months leading up to the outbreak, though...well, we're going to do something different: at that time, was Merle in jail, or was he working to make money? If so, what was Merle's occupation?

Question 6

Glenn Rhee

One of Merle's 'favourite' fellow survivors, Glenn really came a long way from being the pessimistic, naive young man he was when first introduced in Season One. In fact, that personal growth in itself is more depressing than his brutal death to start Season Seven off. Always a source of humor and charm despite everything he'd seen and experienced, Glenn never forgot his upbringing, his family, and his pre-Apocalypse job. Like with Rick, if you get this one wrong, we suggest you stop here.

Question 7

Maggie Greene

The moment that Glenn began growing from a naive kid into a full-fledged leader and survivor of the Apocalypse--as he and other characters would attest to--is when he met one Maggie Greene at her father's farm. Though we're still not huge fans of the shipping name 'Gleggie', we will say their romance is one of the most heartfelt and realistic in television history. Unlike Glenn, Maggie doesn't say much about her pre-Outbreak occupation, but we do know what it is. Do you?

Question 8

Hershel Greene

If you're tearing up starting at his picture, you're not alone, because we really, really miss Hershel. Even if the show appears to have escaped the darkness that was Season Seven's first half, a moral compass like Hershel is needed for advice and a reminder that in this world, there's still hope - though the argument that Judith and Maggie's unborn child represent hose work, especially if she names the child 'Hershel' like she did in the comic. We obviously know Hershel was a type of doctor before the outbreak, but what specifically?

Question 9

Andrea Harrison

Nearly five seasons after her death, fans are still torn about Andrea's role and character. Could she have been better? Sure. Did Laurie Holden did a great job when we factor in the writing? In my opinion, yes, but we're not here to talk about my opinion; we're here to talk about what Andrea did before the Apocalypse which, as a strong-minded female character in the legal world, gets brought up plenty of times in conversation. Even if you jumped on the show later than others, this should be easy.

Question 10

Theodore 'T-Dog' Douglas

Rest in peace to the one true dog. While T-Dog is the first character we've reached that may not have had the greatest storyline or personality - in fact, his arc was more or less done by early Season Two, a full season before his untimely death from walkers - he remains beloved by the fans today. T-Dog's backstory really only comes up once, but we will give you a hint: think about the character that essentially replaces him until his death. Good luck!

Question 11

Sasha Williams

Yet another character who was an emergency personnel before the world ended, Sasha is joined only by Abraham as those who did it outside of Georgia; Abraham was from Texas and fought overseas, while Sasha did her job in Jacksonville, Florida. Thankfully living there before the Jaguars became the NFL's laughing stock, that aspect of Sasha's backstory is revealed in the supplemental material. But, when you realize what the job was, her demeanour and behaviour will make sense. Want to take a guess?

Question 12

Dale Horvath

While we do wish Hershel was still around to serve as the group's moral compass and old man advisor, we're not sure if we miss Dale to that extent. Though Jeffrey DeMunn was fantastic in this role and fiercely loyal to original creator Frank Darabont after his ousting, I think we can all agree Dale would have wanted the group to spare Negan and the Saviors entirely. Yeah, not happening. Dale, along with his bucket hat and RV, briefly mentions his backstory at one point. What was his job?

Question 13

Philip Blake

We've talked enough about Team Family and those who are on the 'good side', so why not talk about some of the show's antagonists - or, at the very least, anti-heroes? I think we can all agree, though, that Philip Blake - both before and after really becoming The Governor - falls much more into that villain mold? In fact, fans are STILL arguing about if he could beat Negan in a fight...or who's more dangerous...or something. The #TWDFamily is confusing. Prior to the apocalypse, what was Blake's job?

Question 14

Caesar Martinez

Does Martinez fall under the villain category or is he an anti-hero? It's a fair question, one that fans were slightly torn about during Season Four. While he does murder innocent soldiers and partakes in the Woodbury Prison war, Martinez is much more of an anti-hero than the villain one would expect from The Governor's right-hand man. Martinez isn't evil, Shumpert has no character, Merle is Merle...how would The Governor have fared if he had more men like Simon at his side? Before the world ended, what was Martinez's job?

Question 15

Joe

As evil as The Governor was, Joe and The Claimers weren't much better; in fact, I'd personally argue they were worse, given their stances on murder and rape. The Governor did try to use assault as a way to intimidate Maggie, but Joe and the Claimers were willing to rape a 14-year-old boy. That's not good. Jeff Kober, the actor who magnificently played Joe, gave some extra backsight to the Claimer and what he did before the outbreak. Want to take a guess?

Question 16

Abraham Ford

If the writers of The Walking Dead are smart, they'll find a character that can drop colorful language and euphemisms not to the extent Abraham did, but almost as well. Eugene fits that role now and always has since being introduced, but am I alone in thinking that Simon is the perfect fit? Prior to meeting his end from Simon, Negan, and the rest of the Saviors, Abraham was a soldier in the old world. Do you remember what rank he attained, though?

Question 17

Tara Chambler

Actually, I take that back: Simon would be a natural fit to make those puns and euphemisms, but how about Tara taking that role? She already is the source of comic relief - or was, depending on how the events of All-Out War impacted her - so it'd make sense. Like we mentioned in the opening, Tara was attending a form of law enforcement training before the outbreak, but can you remember which one? Hint: it's not as difficult a question as it seems.

Question 18

Dawn Lerner

What's a darker thought to consider: Tara finishing her police training and ending up like Dawn or Tara finishing her police training in Atlanta and winding up serving under Dawn at Grady Memorial? We're not going to try tricking you or take you for an idiot by asking what Dawn's role in the old world was because she's nearly almost always seen in her police uniform, but we will ask you what her rank was. Good luck!

Question 19

Tyreese Williams

Like his younger sister, Tyreese was also in emergency services, which is a change from his comic book counterpart that played for the Atlanta Falcons. Considering the man that Tyreese is, him wanting to take a dangerous career in order to help people makes perfect sense. Good going, Tyreese! Like with Sasha, Tyreese's backstory is only revealed in supplemental materials, but people weren't too surprised at his career choice. If you get this one wrong, don't feel bad, but at least try to guess.

Question 20

Bob Stookey

Like with Hershel, we're not going to treat you like an idiot by not mentioning that Bob had medical experience in the old world. Unfortunately, this aspect of Bob was fairly underutilized given Hershel was still alive during the flu outbreak - although, Bob knowing the right medication to take back was vital - and we never really saw it come up again before or after Terminus. Thinking back to what we know about Bob, do you remember his specific medical profession?

Question 21

Aaron

At long last, we've hit the Alexandria Safe-Zone. Hooray! Oh wait, Nicholas, Aiden, and Pete Anderson are still around. Boo. Still a fan favourite and finally being utilized again by the writers, Aaron is one of the first characters since Season Three to openly explain his former job shortly after being introduced - and no, he was not a male model. Ross Marquand does have the looks for it, though. You may have to think hard on this, but what was Aaron's job in Washington D.C.?

Question 22

Jacqui

Best known by fans for her suicide in Season One and her infamous 'MHMMMM' that YouTube film reviewer 'YourMovieSucks' popularized, Jacqui really didn't do much on the show after the infamous trip to Atlanta. But, as the quarry group - and newcomer Rick Grimes - are plotting an escape from the city, Jacqui makes a mention of her backstory in a 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it' moment that evades some fans. Were you one of the fans who remembered it?

Question 23

Deanna Monroe

We already spoiled that Deanna Monroe was a senator in the old world back in the intro, so yes, those of you who were about to pick 'Senator' win. However, what state was she from? This is explained really early on, specifically in Deanna's famous recorded conversation with Rick during a recall in Season Seven, but some fans continue to get this wrong. Will you be one of them? Of all the ones on this part of the list, this should be easy.

Question 24

Reg Monroe

Because of how well Tovah Feldshuh portrayed Deanna Monroe - and how well-received she was by fans and critics - and how idiotic both Aiden and Spencer were, it's become easy to forget about her husband, Reg. A gender-swapped version of Regina Monroe from the comics (Douglas was turned into Deanna), Reg wasn't the active politician that his wife was when the world ended, but he still had a vital role both before and after the Outbreak. What was his job?

Question 25

Aiden Monroe

Oh, Aiden, how little we saw of you but how much of an impact you had on the plot! If Aiden doesn't get himself killed, the group likely escapes intact from the warehouse and, while he and Nicholas would still likely feud with Glenn, no one dies...yet. Really, the only true problem Alexandria would have inside the walls is Pete beating on Jessie and his kids. Way to go, Aiden. Having his backstory revealed during his intro episode, what military branch was Aiden part of in the old world?

Question 26

Jessie Anderson

We're in the home stretch now, so we hope you paid attention to the show and are in good shape percentage wise. While Alexandra Breckenridge didn't exactly give the most consistent performance - she was great in some episodes, like 'J.S.S.', and hard to watch in others - the ballad of Jessie Anderson is a sad one, especially when Rick saves her and her family from more abuse at her husband's hands. Like Aiden with Glenn, Jessie tells Rick her backstory when first introduced. What did Jessie do in the old world?

Question 27

Tobin

When Tobin was first introduced in Season Five, we were skeptical, especially when he was ready to leave Francine to the walkers. However, he's really grown on most fans, especially with his actor, Jason Douglas, voicing Beerus in the dubbed version of Dragon Ball Super. Wouldn't YOU want to be a God of Destruction? Douglas has done a great job as Tobin, though we're expecting him to die early on in All-Out War. Prior to the Apocalypse, what was Tobin's job?

Question 28

Ezekiel

Some are currently torn on King Ezekiel because of his large ham tendencies and his habit to take everything up to eleven when he talks, but it's endearing in a way. If there's one character we're excited to see more of in Season Eight, it's the Kingdom's leader and potential love interest for Carol. Speaking of Carol, Ezekiel tells her fairly early on about his previous occupation and how it helped turn him into the man he is now. Do you remember it?

Question 29

Denise Cloyd

Had you told me a year ago that I'd be writing 'poor Denise' for this entry, I'd be shocked. We do genuinely feel bad for Denise, though, and how she met her end in Season Six, especially with all that we've come to learn about Dwight in the past year. Though Denise wasn't a surgeon before the Apocalypse, which definitely showed in some of her early episodes, she did have experience in another medical field. Can you remember what field it was?

Question 30

Mitch Dolgen

And when The Governor choked Martinez and pushed him into a walker pit, it was Mitch Dolgen who, foolishly, took up the role of second-in-command. We've discussed before why we don't like Mitch and it's simple: he teamed up with The Governor after finding out 'Brian Heriot' killed his brother. No real anger, no attempts at retaliating...just teaming up to take over the prison. Maybe Mitch would have killed him there? In addition to being a veteran, Mitch had a separate job before the world ended. What was it?

Question 31

Dwight

If we're finishing this quiz right, then we're finishing it with the 'Big Three' of the Saviors - at least, when it comes to a narrative perspective. In reality, Dwight is nothing more than a grunt who has already begun turning on The Saviors and wants to make sure Negan properly pays for the atrocities he's committed over the years. Dwight's back story actually comes from supplemental material and the casting call, but the answer won't surprise you. Try taking a guess!

Question 32

Simon

An entirely new character or just Trevor Phillips brought to life? When Steven Ogg showed up in the Season Six finale, we were left to wonder about this question and how the former Grand Theft Auto V star would handle being Negan's second-in-command. Through a full season, Simon has turned out to be a complex character - not as much of a psychopath as Trevor, but more conniving and cunning. When appearing on Talking Dead, Ogg speculated about Simon's backstory and explained his pre-Apocalypse job as the following.

Question 33

Negan

In the words of Android 18, it's time for bonus points. Prior to the start of Season Eight, we know nothing about Negan's official TV show backstory other than what has been told to us through other characters...and that's virtually nothing. However, both the comic book and its tie-in piece 'Here's Negan' have revealed much about the dangerous man with the baseball bat. In fact, we even learn Negan's true occupation before the zombie outbreak - do you know what that is?

Question 34

Oscar

Before the group had to deal with truly evil men like The Governor and Joe, their worst encounters were with rapists and prisoners. Oscar, though the group initially meets him as a prisoner in the West Georgia Correctional Facility, is a good guy that sticks his neck out for his new friends almost immediately after meeting them - and that's without begging for his life the way Axel did. Rather than quiz you on his pre-apocalypse job, we'll ask you why he was in prison. I hope you paid attention...

Question 35

Axel

Don't think that because we called Axel out for pleading for his life in Oscar's entry that we don't like the moustachioed convict - we do! We like Axel a lot! He has the suave charm and naive humor that we wish more characters in the series had, but Oscar standing his ground was a better moment than Axel's pleading. Oscar's breaking and entering charge is also a bit less dark than why Axel is in prison.Want to take a guess?

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