"The" with comparatives

[Pokemon]

I have a question about 'the' with comparatives.

Mike is the taller of the two brothers. (1)
Of the two brothers Mike is (the) taller. (2)

Am I right in my assumption that 'the' is a must in (1) and optional in (2)? If so, will it be right to say that the article with a comparative form depends on the position of an of-phrase: whether it follows the form or precedes it?

[Barb_D]

I've moved your post to start a new thread. It is not closely enough related to the original poster's question to remain where you put it.