Michael Scofield

Grew Up… in Toledo, Ohio, with his brother Lincoln. Michael and Lincoln’s father left when they were young, and only a few years later their mother died. The two grew up together, with little to hold onto besides each other.

Living… in Fox River State Penitentiary. Michael has been arrested for armed robbery and now is in the same prison as Lincoln, who sits on death row. But Michael’s no criminal, and he didn’t get caught by accident. Rather, he has a plan, but in order for it to work he first has to learn to survive in Fox River.

Profession…structural architect. Unlike Lincoln, Michael has an education – and an expensive one, at that. In 1999 Michael’s firm was subcontracted to retrofit Fox River Penitentiary. Now, with the prison’s blueprints ingeniously tattooed on his body, he plans to break out, using his training to rescue Lincoln from execution. When he tells Lincoln he’s breaking him out of prison, Lincoln tells him it’s impossible. Answers Michael: “Not if you designed the place, it isn't.”

Interests… the way things work. Michael has a practical eye, explaining his extensive knowledge of medicine and architecture.

Relationship Status… single. Michael enters prison with no romantic prospects, but does build a flirtatious relationship with the prison infirmary’s doctor, Sara Tancredi. Sara also happens to be the daughter of the governor of Illinois.

Challenge… escaping Fox River Penitentiary with Lincoln. Michael not only loves his brother, but feels a debt to him. Now on the inside, he has singularity of purpose: to save his brother’s life at all costs. And if he can help Lincoln figure out who framed him for murder, so much the better.

Personality… calm, calculating, and resolute. Michael is virtually unshakeable; selfless, detached, and in possession of a lot of spine. He is extremely observant, scanning his surroundings and seeing more than most people. On top of this Michael is extremely empathetic – aware of the feelings of others, even if he seems to possess few of his own. Michael thinks, but he’s also a doer. As he puts it, “Preparation will only take you so far. After that you gotta take a few leaps of faith.”