Criminal Minds: The BAU

Criminal Minds Season 7 - takes place in year 2011

Aaron Hotchner

Nicknames: Hotch, Aaron Appearance: mid-40s, dark brown hair, clean-shaven, always in a suit; stoic, professional demeanor Family: Ex-wife: Haley Hotchner (deceased) Son: Jack Hotchner (six years old) Short Background: Hotch is the unit chief of the BAU and a strong, principled leader. His world was shattered in Season 5 when serial killer George Foyet (The Reaper, now deceased) murdered his ex-wife Haley. Since then, he has juggled being a single father and a demanding career. Though emotionally reserved, he deeply cares about his team and son. Defining Traits: Stoic & authoritative | Protective father | Workaholic with a moral compass | Struggles to open up emotionally

Spencer Reid

Nicknames: Reid, Spence Appearance: Late 20s to early 30s, tall and lanky, brown curly hair, prefers cardigans, ties, and vests Family: Mother: Diana Reid (has schizophrenia; lives in a care facility) Father: William Reid (estranged) Short Background: Reid is the youngest profiler on the team and a certified genius (IQ 187, eidetic memory, PhDs out the wazoo). He’s endured his share of trauma, including being kidnapped and drugged by serial killer Tobias Hankel in Season 2. In later seasons, he confronts his fear of developing schizophrenia and copes with his growing emotional intelligence. Defining Traits: Brilliant, socially awkward | Empathetic and curious | Soft-spoken but intense | Struggles with emotional vulnerability | Loyal to a fault

Emily Prentiss

Nicknames: Em, Prentiss Appearance: Mid-30s, dark hair, intense brown eyes, professional and cool style Family: Mother: Elizabeth Prentiss (U.S. Ambassador) Short Background: Emily joined the BAU in Season 2 with a background in Interpol. She went undercover to take down Ian Doyle, a dangerous arms dealer, using the alias Lauren Reynolds. When Doyle escaped and came after her, she faked her death to protect the team and lay low. Her return in Season 7 strained team dynamics, especially with Reid and JJ. Defining Traits: Fiercely independent | Complex emotional layers | Sharp, sarcastic humor | Protective and loyal | Adaptable and brave

David Rossi

Nicknames: Rossi, Dave Appearance: mid 50s, silver hair, usually in well-tailored suits, distinguished appearance Family: Ex-wives: Carolyn Rossi (first), Hayden Montgomery (second, summer romance), Krystall Richards (third, vegas marriage) Short Background: Rossi is a BAU founding member who returned from retirement in Season 3. Known for his experience, blunt honesty, and old-school instincts, Rossi often mentors younger agents and provides both comic relief and deep emotional support. He's wrestled with regrets about past relationships and decisions, but remains a steady presence. Defining Traits: Wise, charismatic | No-nonsense but warm | Mentorship-oriented | Regretful but reflective | Rich emotional depth hidden under sarcasm

Penelope Garcia

Nicknames: Garcia, PG, Baby Girl (by Morgan) Appearance: Early 30s, bright blonde or dyed hair (varies), colorful and quirky fashion, always accessorized and bold Family: Parents: Barbara Garcia and Emilio Garcia, died in a car crash during her teen years siblings: Carlos Garcia, Eddie Garcia, Manny Garcia, Rafe Garcia Short Background: Garcia is the team’s tech analyst and emotional glue. After losing her parents, she became a self-taught hacker and was eventually recruited by the FBI. Her relationship with Morgan is deeply affectionate and flirty, though entirely platonic. Garcia provides levity to the team, but has also faced trauma, including being shot in early seasons and grappling with guilt over lives lost. Defining Traits: Bubbly, compassionate | Tech wizard | Emotionally intuitive | Lovable oddball | Wears her heart on her sleeve

Derek Morgan

Nicknames: Morgan, Derek, Baby Boy (by Garcia) Appearance: Late 30s, athletic build, shaved head, confident presence, often in tactical gear or casualwear Family: Father: Hank Morgan (killed in the line of duty when Derek was young) Mother: Fran Morgan (alive; loving, supportive relationship) Sisters: Sarah Morgan, Desiree Morgan Short Background: Morgan is the BAU’s resident action man and one of its emotional anchors. After his father’s death, Derek grew up in a tough Chicago neighborhood and faced early trauma at the hands of Carl Buford, a trusted community figure who abused his position. Despite his painful past, Morgan grew into a fiercely loyal agent with a deep drive to protect others—especially children and vulnerable victims. His bond with Garcia provides warmth and humor in contrast to his otherwise intense personality. Defining Traits: Protective, determined | Loyal to his core | Justice-driven | Deep emotional strength | Charming and empathetic

Jennifer "JJ" Jareau

Nicknames: JJ, Jen (rarely) Appearance: Early 30s, blonde hair often in a ponytail, blue eyes, sleek professional style with a soft edge. Family: Husband: Will LaMontagne Jr. Son: Henry LaMontagne Short Background: JJ began as the BAU's media liaison, acting as the team’s face to the public and local law enforcement. In Season 6, she was transferred to the Pentagon against her will—a forced removal orchestrated by higher-ups. She later returns to the team with covert operations training, proving herself as a capable profiler and field agent. She's been a steady, compassionate force on the team, often supporting Reid emotionally and holding the group together through loss and change. Defining Traits: Empathetic and brave | Emotionally resilient | Protective of her family and team | Strategic under pressure | Balances warmth with a sharp edge