# Mike Sikoria — King Coal character guide > Mike Sikoria in King Coal by Upton Sinclair. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Old Mike, Sikoria, Old Mike Sikoria **First appearance:** 0004-i ## Who they are A weathered old miner who takes the greenhorn under his wing, teaching Hal the trade and the brutal truths that come with it. ## Relationships ### [Hal Warner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/hal_warner) _friendship_ Mike is a miner and friend of Hal, often involved in the labor organizing efforts alongside him. ### [Hal Warner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/hal_warner) _friendship_ Mike is a miner and friend of Hal, often involved in the labor organizing efforts alongside him. ### [Hal Warner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/hal_warner) _friendship_ Mike is a miner and friend of Hal, often involved in the labor organizing efforts alongside him. ## In the story ### [King Coal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/king-coal) An old miner who shares his knowledge with Hal. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xiv) Old Slovak miner who protests the underweighting of his coal cars, pleading with the weigh-boss before being threatened and silenced. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xv) Old Mike shares his bitter experiences of being cheated by mine bosses, describing dead-work and favoritism. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xvi) Old Mike explains how the company steals cars by switching checks, how scales are rigged, and tells the story of an Italian miner who was arrested and disappeared after protesting his weight. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xx) Old Slovak miner who helped rescue the trapped Lithuanian; explains the company's burial practices and offers Hal a job as his helper. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxi) The old Slovak miner whose buddy is laid up; Hal wants to take his place. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxii) Old Mike serves as Hal's buddy, showing kindness and patience. He talks constantly, curses the G.F.C., and tries to help Hal endure the work with stories and encouragement. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxiii) Mentioned as calling Joe Smith his 'green mule.' ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxv) Mentioned by Hal as harmless, just old and grouchy. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxvi) Old Mike is approached by Olson and cannot refuse to grumble, drawing Hal's attention. ### [Book II: The Serfs of King Coal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/book-ii-the-serfs-of-king-coal) Old Mike embodies the weary, experienced miner who has seen the system's cruelty. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/ii) First on the list of trusted miners; eager to confront the bosses. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/vi) Old Mike shows concern for Hal's sprained wrist and offers advice. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/viii) Eagerly joins the movement, excited to demand a check-weighman despite the risk of being fired. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/ix) Argues for fighting back but eventually agrees to non-violence. Laughs heartily upon discovering Hal's fake wrist injury. ### [The Demand for a Check-Weighman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/x) Accompanies Edstrom and Hal, initially hesitant but stands firm. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xi) Old Mike nervously accompanies Hal, fears company thugs, and grumbles about sleeping outdoors. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xiii) Exultant over new supporters joining the movement; discusses plans with Hal and helps identify a suspected spy. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xiv) Old Mike goes to sleep quickly at the start of the chapter. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xv) Angrily defends Hal and accuses Apostolikas of being a spy. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xviii) Distributes papers to miners, is caught by Bud Adams and forced to surrender them. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xix) Mentioned as one of the ringleaders shipped away by the company. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxiii) Mentioned by Hal as an example of a miner who was not given the same consideration as Hal when being paid. ### [Book III: The Henchmen of King Coal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/book-iii-the-henchmen-of-king-coal) Old Mike represents the older generation of miners who are resigned to the system, providing a contrast to the younger, more rebellious workers. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as another miner expelled from camp and potential witness. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxxi) Describes his arrest and banishment by Bud Adams, his long walk back, and his joyful reunion with Hal. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/mike_sikoria - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters