Top 10 Best 24 (TV Series) Characters

These are the best characters from the TV series 24. This ranking takes into account the amount of time each character has spent on the series, their significance, and how they interact with the rest of the characters and the overall story.

This doesn't necessarily mean the character is a good guy, but rather that they are charismatic and entertaining.
The Top Ten
Jack Bauer Jack Bauer is a Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) agent who repeatedly risks his life to prevent attacks on the United States. His methods are often extreme, leading to conflicts with both allies and superiors.

Kind of obvious, but it can't be stressed enough: Jack Bauer is one of the best TV characters of all time. His character arc is underrated, and he is the example of the modern superhero.

Top character. A badass who will do whatever it takes. He loses the people he loves, has to kill his friends, and gets tortured for a year and a half yet still manages to do his job. Great character.

Jack was the man! Almeida was usually a jealous backstabber who always had to be convinced to do something good. Jack did whatever it took to get the job done.

Tony Almeida Tony Almeida is a high-ranking CTU agent known for his intelligence and loyalty, though his personal losses push him toward morally ambiguous decisions. His relationship with Michelle Dessler is a central part of his storyline.

I like him more than Jack Bauer. He is the character that has had the steepest arc, and it is all so believable and interesting.

SPOILERS

If you think he was Jack Bauer's best wingman, wait till you see when he turns to the dark side. Jack's meltdown in season 8 was a joke compared to Almeida's bloodlust in season 7. They killed off one of the best female characters just to make Jack upstage Tony. Shame on the writers.

Season 7 proved that Tony is better off having his own agenda. If he is not brought back, I am not watching any more 24 reboots. For me, Tony, Chloe, Michelle, Bill Buchanan, and Renee Walker made 24 the show my perfect guilty pleasure. I hate when wonderful characters are killed off for cheap ratings!

David Palmer David Palmer is a U.S. senator who becomes the first Black President of the United States, known for his integrity and leadership during national crises. His presidency is marked by assassination attempts and political betrayals.

What Chloe was to the second half of 24, David Palmer was to the first half. He, like Jack, had many tough decisions, and almost all of them were the right ones. He was a polarizing character.

The only bad thing is that he was part of some bad storylines, such as the Verregamo murder story.

He was probably the best TV president ever. The writing was weak in season 3 with unnecessary Wayne Palmer subplots. I loved the way he came back in season 4.

Chloe O'Brian Chloe O'Brian is a skilled CTU analyst with a blunt personality and exceptional computer expertise. She is one of Jack Bauer's most loyal allies, often assisting him against official orders.

Chloe was one of the most irritable characters in 24 history when she first appeared. However, as time passed, she became more likable and relatable. Chloe was almost as good at what she did as Jack Bauer was.

Not to mention, she had some great quotes.

I loved her as Jack's friend, but I adored the way she worked with Bill Buchanan. They had this father-daughter work relationship that I absolutely enjoyed. Needless to say, I wept as if my own father had died when you-know-who died.

Often underestimated hero of the show!

Michelle Dessler Michelle Dessler is a CTU analyst and field operative who demonstrates strong leadership and technical expertise. She is romantically involved with Tony Almeida, and their relationship is tested by the demands of their jobs.

Although she's sometimes overshadowed by Tony, Michelle was a great addition to seasons 3-5 (the best in the show, in my opinion). Michelle was really good at her job and was part of some really good storylines.

How can you not love Michelle? One of the coolest female characters at CTU. Never over the top, and extremely believable as an agent in that type of scenario. I loved seeing her take on a leadership role.

Brilliant acting and intricate characterization make this character unforgettable! Very underrated.

Bill Buchanan Bill Buchanan is a CTU director who balances duty with ethical concerns while overseeing critical national security operations. He becomes a trusted ally of Jack Bauer and sacrifices himself for the greater good.

Bill was a top character, but he was always chucked out of CTU. At first, he didn't care about Jack, then he risked going to prison to help him. Then, in season 7, Bill looks after the president and realizes Jack is going to sacrifice himself, but stops him and kills himself to save the president. What a hero! He should be higher up.

Not the most likable character in the beginning, Bill Buchanan grew on a lot of us. He had a lot of power and used it in Jack's favor. He also stopped the White House from becoming a hostage situation.

George Mason George Mason is a senior CTU official who initially prioritizes bureaucracy but ultimately makes a self-sacrificial decision to prevent a nuclear disaster. His leadership is tested by both personal and national crises.

I genuinely liked him and was really sad when he died. His death hit me harder than any other on the entire show. His character development was spot on, starting off as a bit of an arse before his redemption arc.

I appreciate George more and more every time I watch season 2. George brought such great fun to a super serious show.

Aaron Pierce Aaron Pierce is a dedicated Secret Service agent who serves multiple presidents with unwavering loyalty. His professionalism and sense of duty make him one of the most respected figures in the series.

Love Pierce. Even though we don't see much of him, he's loyal. He had some good times on the show where he saved Martha and helped Jack bring the president down. Then, in season 7, he tries to protect the president's daughter in the White House.

For me, he's my second-best character, the first being Tony Almeida. Aaron was a badass as well. It's a shame they didn't bring him into seasons 8 or 9 - he should be president next.

Never a main character, but Pierce always showed up. He was a great bodyguard and a great character altogether. He always did the right thing and just had a charm about him.

Edgar Stiles Edgar Stiles is a CTU analyst known for his technical skills and loyalty to Chloe O'Brian. He dies tragically during a nerve gas attack on CTU headquarters.
Charles Logan Charles Logan is the President of the United States who is later exposed for his involvement in corruption and treason. His weak leadership and moral failings make him one of the show's central antagonists.

Season 5 was great, mostly because of him. He just resonated with power and also made a good impact on the forgettable season 8.

Best villain, hands down. You love to hate him.

The Newcomers

? Karen Hayes Karen Hayes is a high-ranking Homeland Security official who initially clashes with CTU but later aligns with Jack Bauer's efforts. She is married to Bill Buchanan and struggles with political pressures.
? Mandy Mandy is a professional assassin and mercenary who carries out high-profile terrorist attacks, including an attempt on David Palmer's life. She remains elusive throughout the series.
The Contenders
Renee Walker Renee Walker is an FBI agent who works with Jack Bauer and gradually adopts his aggressive tactics. Her pursuit of justice ultimately leads to her tragic death.

Only showing up for 1 and a half seasons, but her influence was very strong. She was basically Jack's apprentice and could be a good example of what I could be if I was paired up with Jack for the first time. She started to know when and when not to cross the legal line, but that couldn't last her through the 8th season.

She could be Jack Bauer 2.0. They need to find a way to bring her back from the dead. Awesome character.

Another cool girl. Few could pull off the agent role believably, but Annie was so good.

Nina Myers Nina Myers is a former CTU agent who is revealed to be a traitor working against the agency. She plays a major role in several betrayals, including the assassination of Jack Bauer's wife.

Nina was a great dynamic character in seasons 1-3. She showed Jack's past and how he had to move on from her. Also, her killing of Teri was such a great cliffhanger to season 1.

Nina sort of sets the whole story in motion, and her demise is so satisfying. Season 1 Nina is one of the best performances of the whole show.

She and Jack are the best! I LOVE her! She made seasons 1-3 so much more intense!

Allison Taylor Allison Taylor is the President of the United States who tries to lead with integrity but is eventually compromised by political and personal pressures. Her presidency is marked by tough decisions and ethical dilemmas.
Audrey Raines Audrey Raines is a U.S. government official and Jack Bauer's love interest who suffers immense personal trauma due to her connection to him. Her storyline involves kidnappings, political intrigue, and emotional struggles.

Love Audrey. Best female actor on the show. She was so good in seasons 4 and 5, but in season 6, we didn't see much of her. She should have been in every episode from season 4 onward. Then in season 9, she sees Jack, the man she loves, and then she is killed. Rubbish writing for her.

I liked how she transformed from just a Bauer girl in season 4 to a strong DOD operative in season 5. I hated what they did to her in season 6. Horrible writing.

Sherry Palmer Sherry Palmer is the ambitious and manipulative wife of President David Palmer who often acts independently to secure power. Her actions lead to multiple conflicts, betrayals, and ultimately her demise.
Mike Novick Mike Novick is a high-ranking political advisor who serves multiple administrations, often acting as a pragmatic strategist. His shifting loyalties sometimes put him at odds with his superiors.

Mike Novick is the best character in 24. From pushing someone down the stairs after overhearing Walt trying to kill Jack to being one of the most important characters in season 5, he is the best character.

Morris O'Brian Morris O'Brian is a skilled CTU communications expert and Chloe O'Brian's husband, struggling with past addiction issues. His technical expertise makes him a valuable asset during several crises.

He should be in the top 10. He was tortured like hell and still managed to work. He was a good character.

Kim Bauer Kim Bauer is Jack Bauer's daughter who frequently finds herself in dangerous situations due to her father's work. She eventually trains as a CTU analyst and plays a more active role in national security.
Chase Edmunds Chase Edmunds is a CTU field agent and Jack Bauer's partner, who also becomes romantically involved with Kim Bauer. His service ends after he loses a hand while assisting Jack in a mission.
Ira Gaines Ira Gaines is a terrorist operative who orchestrates an assassination attempt on David Palmer and a plot involving Jack Bauer's family. He ultimately fails and is killed when his employers decide he is no longer useful.
Curtis Manning Curtis Manning is a CTU field agent known for his professionalism, combat skills, and leadership abilities. He is ultimately killed by Jack Bauer under extreme circumstances.
Wayne Palmer Wayne Palmer is David Palmer's younger brother who later becomes President of the United States. His administration is plagued by assassination attempts and political instability.
Omar Hassan Omar Hassan is the President of the fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan who seeks peace with the West. Despite his efforts, he is ultimately assassinated by extremists.

Loyal character. He knows what to do for his country, even when it comes to his own life. Needless to say, Hassan should be in the top 10.

Christopher Henderson Christopher Henderson is a former CTU official turned traitor who becomes involved in a conspiracy against the U.S. government. He is ultimately killed by Jack Bauer after repeated betrayals.
Peter Kingsley Peter Kingsley is a businessman and conspirator behind a false-flag operation meant to justify war in the Middle East. His plans are exposed, and he is ultimately killed.
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