Who is Michael Cypher from Wizard's First Rule and what is their importance?

Michael is Richard's much-older brother, a short, soft man with a mustache who brags about his courage and wisdom. Michael is greedy and at the beginning of the story, has just been made First Councilor of all of Westland. Although Richard does not know it, Michael has made a pact with the evil villain Darken Rahl. He betrays Richard and gives Darken Rahl the final box of Orden. Eventually, Richard, in his role as Seeker, kills his brother although he is never able to find it in his heart to forgive Michael.