10 Characters From 24 You Totally Didn't Appreciate The First Time

Mike Novick was a central figure for many seasons of the show. His primary position was that of Chief of Staff to the President of the United States. A no-nonsense, straight as an arrow consigliere figure, he became a fundamental aspect of the series' political components.

The epitome of one who serves his country first and foremost, Mike regularly offered sound and timely advice to those he worked for, making him a valued member of the team. It was his dedication to his job that made him undeniably respectable. A man of conviction, a man with a morale code, one who will battle others - Sherry Palmer a shining example of this - for you and even preempt attacks before they surface, Mike is someone fans would petition to have in their corner.

No more suitable example of his loyalty can be found in his decision to trust in CTU's order to detain President Logan during a press conference. Portrayed wonderfully by Jude Ciccolella, we saw a full range of emotions within a matter of seconds, a testament to the level of intelligence he had.

He also faced his biggest challenge when faced with Wayne Palmer's deteriorating health. Ciccolella plays the part perfectly, allowing the audience to buy the premise that even a man as loyal as Novick, would be forced to cover themselves and protect their career, even in places such as the Whitehouse.

Being swept up into conspiracies and plots became a natural progression for such a long standing character, and yet despite the level of unfortunate inevitability in this fact Mike was able to preserve his status as the loyal, hard working, good for the country he served man he was from the beginning.

Mike is a career number two, the man behind the man (or woman), but what makes Mike so special is his unwavering personality and performance irrespective of the circumstances. We also see a man who remains fiercely loyal, this is admirable and is worthy of an appreciate call back.