Jack Bauer

Grew up… in a different, less complicated America from the one he lives in today. He was born in 1966 in Santa Monica, Calif., to the chief of BXJ Technologies, but he couldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps at that company. “I just had to go my own way,” he says.

Living… a clandestine life protecting the United States from terrorist attacks. This job places him in Los Angeles, Calif., where he has lived for most of his life. Jack has a difficult time balancing his family life with wife Teri and daughter Kim with his commitment to his country.

Profession… member of the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). Some days it’s just like any other office job, but there are times when Jack has to go above and beyond the call of duty, fighting terrorists using any means necessary because innocent lives and the very fate of the nation are at stake.

Interests… weapons, explosives, and fighting techniques. Jack knows a thousand different ways to deal with an enemy, whether with his own hands or with whatever materials he may have at his disposal. As for more traditional hobbies, he really doesn’t have the time, energy or interest to pursue anything besides his all-consuming job.

Relationship Status… married to Teri. He often finds it difficult to manage his work life and family life, and when they become intertwined things become even more complicated. If he can just get through this latest crisis, hopefully things will settle down a bit and he can give his wife and daughter the attention they deserve. Hopefully.

Challenge… keeping America safe – without losing his family in the process. When the country is under potential attack, Jack Bauer is the one who’s called in to deal with the threat. He regularly comes across harrowing situations, some that shake even the hardened Jack to the core. In his own words: “I used to be in the military. I used to do field work for the CIA. I’ve been to some horrible places. I’ve seen some pretty terrible things. [But] I don’t think I’ve ever been this scared in my whole life.”

Personality… no frills, no jokes, and no nonsense. Jack has a job to do and he needs to do it as efficiently and often as quietly as possible, with minimum casualties of course. He’s eager to get straight to the point, even if it means using lethal force.