The characteristic Lee commonly displays throughout the series is the ability to be compassionate and altruistic, primarily portrayed in his relationship with Clementine, devoting most of his actions, and eventually his life, to ensuring her safety. Lee can direct death threats toward anyone he believes is a danger to Clementine and can be generally aggressive to most characters, such as violently shoving Kenny when he was in denial of his son's imminent death and physically pinning Vernon just for suggesting he take Clementine, although these actions are determinant. In addition to protecting Clementine, Lee also ensured that she would be able to protect herself without him by cutting her hair and teaching her how to use a pistol.