James Heller - Characterization

Characterization

Heller has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Yale University. He is characterized as a loyal public servant, serving in the Army as a pilot and air defense artillery officer, obtaining the rank of Captain, and became a reservist upon his retirement from active duty. He was CEO of Anderson Aerospace before serving as a Congressman and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the Commission to Assess National Security Policy. He was also director of the President's Economic Stabilization Program. Heller was appointed Secretary of Defense under President John Keeler and retained this position under President Charles Logan. Viewers of the TV series learn in season 4 of 24 that Heller is the father of his senior policy analyst, Audrey Raines, and that he is a widower. His son Richard frequently participates in anti-government/anti-corporate protests, much to his father's chagrin; Heller refers to his son's ideology as "6th Grade Michael Moore logic."

Heller is characterized as a true patriot; when his former special advisor, Jack Bauer, requests his assistance to remove Logan from office, Heller objects, saying that the country does not deserve to go through a long impeachment process. He attempts to cut a deal with Logan which would have resulted in his resignation as president.

Despite being middle-aged, Heller has been shown to be extremely adept at combat, being able to proficiently handle an AK-47 during the first escape attempt from his kidnappers on Day 4 and the Heckler and Koch USP9 Jack Bauer gives him in the second attempt. He is also able to knock Bauer out stone cold on Day 5 by striking him on the neck.