Lie To Me: Characters

Find out more about each character from the US crime drama series.

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Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth)

British ex-pat Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) is a body language expert, specialising in micro-expressions and founder his applied psychology contracting company The Lightman Group, which assists in a variety of law enforcement investigations.

Previously a member of British Intelligence, having apparently served in Northern Ireland and the Yugoslav Wars, Lightman started researching micro-expressions as a young boy after the death of his mother.

He shares custody of a teenage daughter, Emily Lightman (Hayley McFarland), from a former marriage and supports English football team West Ham United.
Dr. Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams)

Psychologist Dr. Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams) is a colleague and professional counterpoint of Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) at The Lightman Group. Foster specialises in voice, language and behaviour.

Ultimately returned to the birth mother, Foster had an adopted baby called Sophie, while Lightman recognises the tells for unfaithfulness from her husband, Alec. Despite Ria Torres' (Monica Raymund) indignation Lightman chooses to keep this hidden from Foster.
Ria Torres (Monica Raymund)

A "natural" at reading body language, Ria Torres (Monica Raymund) is employed at the The Lightman Group by Cal Lightman (Tim Roth). Lightman takes her on as his protégé after recognising her potential while she was working for the US Transportation Security Administration.

Despite lacking formal academic training, Torres' talent is obvious, but she is susceptible to letting her emotions overpower her reasoning - much to the frustration of the team.
Eli Loker (Brendan Hines)

Whereas Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) refers to Ria Torres (Monica Raymund) as "a natural", Eli Loker (Brendan Hines) honed his talents in reading body language through academic pursuits.

He is demoted in his position at The Lightman Group after divulging sensitive information to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, but soon works back up the ranks.

Being "radically honest", Loker rarely lies, often making him appear rude and impersonal while also revealing his feelings for Ria Torres (Monica Raymund).

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Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth)

Dr. Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams)

Ria Torres (Monica Raymund)

Eli Loker (Brendan Hines)