Robert Patrick Modell, known by the moniker "Pusher", was a contract killer who developed mind-controlling abilities, allowing him to seemingly control the actions of others. This ability, which allowed Modell to forcefully "push" his will onto others, most often by the sound of his voice, could make his murders appear as suicides. Dana Scully summarized Modell as a "little man who wishes he were someone big", while also being a "highly intelligent sociopath". Due to the exhausting nature of his abilities, which consume a large amount of energy, Modell is required to constantly replenish himself, typically in the form of energy drinks.