Daryl is often volatile but is still significantly more level-headed and rational than his older brother, Merle Dixon. Despite usually acting distant, Daryl has shown on numerous occasions to be caring and selfless. He went alone and risked his life in an attempt to find Sophia, and immediately took initiative to go back and find Andrea when she got separated from the group.

An experienced tracker and hunter, he is deadly accurate with his crossbow. Daryl is also highly skilled with various firearms and knives. He has taken a prominent role in safeguarding the members of his group. Rick was trusting Daryl completely in the end of the second season and in the third season has replaced Shane Walsh as Rick's right-hand man. Although he is shown to be the lone wolf of the group early on in the series, he has started to integrate himself more with everyone, particularly in his friendship with Rick and his growing relationship with Carol. By the end of the third season, he is well-liked and respected by the entire group.