The Governor (The Walking Dead)

The Governor
The Walking Dead character
The Governor, as portrayed by David Morrissey in the television series (left) and in the comic book series (right).
First appearance	Comic: "Issue #27" (April 15th 2006) Television: "Walk with Me" (S03E03)
Last appearance	Comic: "Issue #72" (flashback) Television: "What Happened and What's Going On" (hallucination) (5.09)
Created by	Robert Kirkman Charlie Adlard Cliff Rathburn
Portrayed by	David Morrissey
Information
Occupation	Leader of Woodbury, Georgia
Family	Comic and Novels: Ed Blake (father) Rose Blake (mother) Bud Blake (uncle) Nina Blake (sister) Philip Blake (brother) In Both Mediums: Penny Blake (niece in novels, daughter in TV series)
Significant other(s)	Television: Mrs. Blake Andrea Lilly Chambler

The Governor (real name Philip Blake in the TV series and Brian Blake in the comic and novels) is a fictional character and a primary antagonist from The Walking Dead comic book and television series. On television, he is portrayed by David Morrissey. Created by Robert Kirkman and artists Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn, the character made his comics debut in The Walking Dead #27 on April 2006 and his television debut in season 3. In both series, The Governor is the seemingly charismatic leader of Woodbury, Georgia, but instead turns out to be a ruthless, homicidal mastermind who comes into conflict with protagonist Rick Grimes and is responsible for several deaths of primary characters. The Governor's origins are explored in the novel The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor, written by Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga.

In the television series, The Governor's disturbing motives are reflected in his authoritarian ways in dealing with threats to his community, primarily by executing most large groups and only accepting lone survivors into his community. His dark nature escalates when he comes into conflict with Rick Grimes and the latter's group, who are occupying the nearby prison. The Governor vows to eliminate the prison group, and in that pursuit, he leaves several key characters dead both in Rick's group and his own. The Governor has a romantic relationship with Andrea, who unsuccessfully seeks to broker a truce between the two groups. In season 4, The Governor attempts to redeem his coldblooded past acts upon meeting a new family, to whom he introduces himself as Brian Heriot, although he reverts to his old persona to ensure the family's survival. This leads to more characters' deaths and forces Rick and his group to abandon the prison.