In The Walking Dead Season 1: Who Earned Your Loyalty, Kenny or Larry?

The first season of The Walking Dead in Telltale's graphic adventure series presents players with a timeless moral dilemma: do you side with the affable and trustworthy Kenny or the guarded and confrontational Larry? This decision often hinges on the character's actions, personalities, and approaches to survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

Understanding Kenny and Larry: Two Sides of Survival

Both Kenny and Larry are driven by the desire to protect their families and ensure survival, but their methods and approaches diverge significantly. Kenny is more sympathetic, known for his unwavering loyalty and protective nature. His interactions with others often revolve around fostering group cohesion and nurturing relationships. This approach makes him a relatable and endearing character for players who value communal bonds and trust.

On the other hand, Larry is principally motivated by a protective drive for his daughter Lily, but his methods are more harsh and confrontational. His distrust of Kenny and his abrasive personality can make it challenging for players to empathize with him. Despite his intentions, Larry’s approach often leads to conflict and alienation, which can be off-putting for players who prefer a more unified and cooperative group dynamic.

Players' Perspectives: Kenny’s Allure

Many players tend to align with Kenny due to his more accessible and approachable nature. His willingness to protect and defend others, combined with genuine character development, makes him a protagonist that resonates with a wide audience. Kenny's interactions are typically more inclusive and supportive, creating a sense of camaraderie among the group members.

Miriam's sentiment is a prime example: 'For me, it was definitely Kenny. Larry didn’t give a good "first impression." My feelings about them were proven correct when, even if you were nice to Lily from the beginning, she still betrays you and leaves you behind during the train scene.' This moment, one of the most dramatic in the series, solidifies the player's decision against Larry. The trust issues and betrayal associated with Larry’s character arc can be emotionally taxing and ultimately influence one's loyalties.

Variables in Loyalty: Personal Values and Choices

While Kenny often garners more player sympathy, this choice can vary greatly based on individual preferences and experiences within the game. Not every player will favor Kenny; some may take a different path depending on their interpretation of the group dynamics and their personal values related to loyalty, trust, and family.

The choice to side with Kenny or Larry ultimately reflects a player's view on what constitutes a strong moral character in a harsh world. Kenny embodies trust, cooperation, and a shared sense of purpose, while Larry symbolizes resilience and single-minded determination, albeit at a costly emotional and relational expense.

Conclusion and Reflection

Deciding between Kenny and Larry is more than a simple morality play in The Walking Dead. It’s a reflection of one's personal beliefs about trust, loyalty, and what it means to survive in the face of adversity. Both characters have their strengths and weaknesses, and the player's choice will be influenced by their own experiences and values.

What about you? In your journey with The Walking Dead, did you choose to side with Kenny or Larry? Share your thoughts in the comments below and discuss with fellow players who have faced this difficult decision.