Home
/
Fan theories
/
Character analysis
/

Is marlon from twd overrated? the real story behind the hate

Marlon's Hate in TWD Games | Fans Debate Character Morality

By

Fatima Khan

Jul 12, 2025, 08:45 AM

Edited By

Marco Silva

Updated

Jul 12, 2025, 09:43 AM

2 minutes of duration

Marlon stands with a worried expression, looking protectively at his group during a chaotic scene in TWD

A growing coalition of fans is rallying around Marlon from The Walking Dead, pushing back against what many see as unjust hate towards the character. Recent discussions reveal deeper layers to Marlon's decisions, igniting a heated debate about morality in desperate times.

Who is Marlon?

Marlon is a teenager around 16-17 years old, thrust into a grim leadership position protecting younger kids in a post-apocalyptic world. As players replay the series, a shift in perception emerges.

One player commented, "I see ALOT of hate for Marlon more hate for Marlon than Bonnie, which is CRAZY," reflecting a sentiment that Marlon's intentions often get overlooked.

Emergent Themes in the Discussion

  1. Morality vs. Survival

Fans recognize the tough choices Marlon had to make. He was faced with trading the twins to protect his group, a decision that many argue was rooted in survival instincts. One user asserted, "had he not traded the twins, everyone would be fucked."

  1. Comparing Characters

Debate continues over the differing levels of scrutiny faced by Marlon versus other characters. โ€œComparing him to Bonnie and Joan is crazy,โ€ stated a commenter, suggesting characters like Bonnie have faced far greater criticism without similar backlash.

  1. Complex Villainy

Some fans appreciate Marlon as a complex antagonist. "He is an interesting villain, well written, and Ray Chase did a phenomenal job with his performance," mentioned one post. However, others argue that this doesn't justify the severe actions he took to maintain control, such as the manipulation of Brody and his betrayal of trust among peers.

"He sold out Minnie and Sophie to be child soldiers his 'Safe Zone' was an open-air prison" โ€“ a fanโ€™s critique detailing Marlon's deception.

Community Sentiment

The overall conversation reveals a mix of frustration and understanding. While many sympathize with Marlonโ€™s complicated upbringing, others clarify that it doesnโ€™t excuse his actions. โ€œHeโ€™s a kid, but it doesnโ€™t justify his choices,โ€ noted a user, highlighting the nuanced view held by some community members.

Key Points

  • โ–ณ A significant number of comments show empathy towards Marlon's difficult choices.

  • โ–ฝ Critics stress that personal circumstances shouldn't overshadow the consequences of his actions.

  • โ€ป "He's just a kid" emerges as a common rationale, yet many dispute its sufficiency in explaining his behavior.

Looking Forward

As discussions about Marlon ramp up, fan theories and analyses may emerge, reshaping his reputation. The re-exploration of The Walking Dead lore signals a potential shift in how characters are perceived, particularly those like Marlon who evoke strong reactions. This may spur developers to consider more layered narratives that incorporate moral ambiguity and the complexities of youth in dire circumstances.

Reflecting on Youth and Responsibility

The disdain directed at Marlon parallels historical critiques of young activists who faced similar challenges. Just as those figures navigated treacherous waters, so too does Marlon's character illustrate the fine line between leadership and despair in a chaotic world.