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World Overview
Man on Fire is set in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and focuses on John Creasy. He’s a former US Army Special Forces operative who, after the devastating loss of his team, quits his career and, for four years, unsuccessfully tries to manage his PTSD. However, an old friend, Paul Rayburn, tries to build his friend back up and remove him from his suicidal life in the US, and brings him to Brazil. But, rather than bring Creasy back to life as he planned, he accidentally sets in motion a revenge story that helps Creasy become the man he once was.
As the story expands, it introduces locations, systems, groups, and concepts that influence both the narrative and the characters’ decisions. Below is an overview of the world-building elements that shape the series.
This character guide is part of our ongoing [Man on Fire] coverage, which includes recaps, reviews, and episode breakdowns.
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Character(s) Introduced in Season 1/ Episode 1
Character Summary
John Creasy is a Chicago native who, as part of the US Army Special Forces, did three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and did some work under private security contracts for/with the CIA. That is, until approximately 3-4 years ago, when his team was wiped out in Mexico City. Since then, he has been removed from active duty and suffers from a severe form of PTSD.
Character Details
Character Summary
Paul Rayburn is Creasy’s former superior officer who has a soft spot for him. So, despite Creasy being out of action for years, when he hears about his suicide attempt, he not only visits but offers him a job, the ability to stay with him and his family, and to present him the tools to get back on his feet.
Character Details
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Character Summary
Poe is Paul’s daughter, his only daughter and eldest child, who isn’t necessarily happy with him. Because of Paul’s work, the family has moved from cities like Atlanta, Houston, and LA, and this has disrupted Poe’s life in a major way. Especially since she was once interested in being on/part of the varsity basketball team at her old school.
Character Details
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Character Summary
President Carmo is presented as a controversial figure due to catering more to developers and those within the upper class than those in the middle or lower class.
Character Details
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Character Summary
President Carmo’s head of security, who contracts out to Rayburn’s private firm for his services to dismantle potential terrorist attacks before the upcoming election.
Character Details
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Character Summary
Valeria, who prefers to go by Melo, is a native of Rio who runs a car service.
Character Details
- Quote (S1E1): People who worry about doing things well tend to be the ones who do.
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