Michael Westen

Michael Alan Westen is a fictional character played by Jeffrey Donovan in the television series Burn Notice, created by Matt Nix. Michael, a spy and former Special Forces Operator or "Green Beret", is/was widely known as the top CIA operative. As a result, in many circles he is greatly feared. He was abruptly blacklisted while on an assignment. Forced to go back to his hometown of Miami, Florida, he finds himself cut off from the United States Intelligence Community. While searching for answers on why he was burned, Michael becomes a freelance spy/private investigator (albeit unlicensed) to help those who have unique problems.

Role in Burn Notice

Michael Alan Westen was born on January 7, 1967, and raised in Miami, Florida, the first of two sons to Frank and Madeline Westen. His father was a violent man, who would physically and emotionally abuse his two sons as an obedience measure, and his mother did little to prevent it. His father would also take advantage of him, for example, he forced Michael to fake a seizure inside a Mr. Goodwrench store so his father could steal spark plugs. The last words his father said to him were "I'll see you in Hell, boy." Eight years prior to the beginning of the series, his father died. After persistent persuasion by his mother, Michael finally visited his father's grave. Michael's younger brother, Nate, is a compulsive gambler who has a history of stealing from Michael to fund his addiction. However, after helping Michael and almost dying, he has turned his life around, which Michael seems to have difficulty believing. After a brief quarrel with his brother, Michael rightfully receives his father's black 1973 Dodge Charger. In the latest season, it is revealed that later in his life, Michael's father met Anson Fullerton and admitted his sorrow that he never got the chance to apologize to his son. Anson used Frank Westen to gain information on Michael, and when Frank became suspicious, Anson arranged for his death.