What was Negan before the apocalypse? This question has intrigued fans of The Walking Dead since the character’s introduction. Negan, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, is a complex and enigmatic figure in the series. Before the world was turned upside down by the zombie apocalypse, Negan had a very different life and set of values. This article delves into Negan’s past, exploring his transformation and the factors that shaped him into the infamous leader of the Saviors.
Negan, whose real name is Gregory Smith, was born and raised in the small town of Canton, Ohio. He had a relatively normal upbringing, attending Canton McKinley High School and later working at a local car dealership. At this stage in his life, Negan was known for his rough exterior and a bit of a temper, but he was not yet the violent and ruthless character we see in the series.
After high school, Negan joined the military, serving in the United States Marine Corps. His time in the military was marked by discipline and a strong sense of duty. However, it was during his service that Negan began to question the values he had been taught. He became disillusioned with the military’s priorities and the concept of patriotism, which would later play a significant role in his character development.
Upon returning to civilian life, Negan worked at the car dealership, where he met and married his wife, Carol. The couple had a son, and their lives seemed to be on the right track. However, Negan’s violent tendencies began to surface, leading to a series of run-ins with the law. He was arrested multiple times for assault and battery, which only served to solidify his reputation as a troublemaker in Canton.
It was during this period that Negan met a man named Dwight, who would become his closest ally. Dwight introduced Negan to the world of crime, and together they formed a gang known as the Kings. The Kings were a notorious group of criminals who terrorized the town, robbing and raping at will. Negan thrived in this environment, embracing his violent nature and becoming the group’s leader.
As the zombie apocalypse began to unfold, Negan and the Kings were forced to adapt to the new world. They became scavengers, seeking refuge in an abandoned mall. It was here that Negan encountered Rick Grimes and his group of survivors. The encounter would prove to be a turning point in Negan’s life.
Initially, Negan was hostile towards Rick and his group, viewing them as competition for resources. However, over time, he began to see the potential in Rick’s leadership and the strength of his group. This realization led Negan to join forces with Rick, forming an uneasy alliance. It was during this period that Negan started to develop a more complex character, one that was capable of both compassion and cruelty.
Ultimately, Negan’s past experiences with the military, his time as a criminal, and his interactions with Rick and the survivors all contributed to his transformation into the Saviors’ leader. What was Negan before the apocalypse was a man with a troubled past, searching for his place in a chaotic world. His journey from a violent criminal to a feared leader is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human nature in the face of adversity.
