Many characters portrayed by
The Office cast are based on the British version of the show. While these characters normally have the same attitude and perceptions as their British counterparts, the roles have been redesigned to better fit the American show. The show is known for its generally large cast size, with many of its actors and actresses known particularly for their
improvisational work.
Main •
Steve Carell as
Michael Scott, Regional Manager of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton Branch. Loosely based on
David Brent, Gervais' character in the British version, Scott is a dim-witted and lonely man, who attempts to win friends as the office comedian, usually making himself look bad in the process. •
Rainn Wilson as
Dwight Schrute, who, based upon
Gareth Keenan, is the office's top-performing sales representative. •
John Krasinski as
Jim Halpert, a sales representative, assistant manager, and prankster, who is based upon
Tim Canterbury, and is in love with Pam, the receptionist. •
Jenna Fischer as
Pam Beesly, who is based on
Dawn Tinsley, is shy, but in many cases a cohort with Jim in his pranks on Dwight. •
B. J. Novak as
Ryan Howard, who for the first two seasons is a
temporary worker, but is promoted to sales representative in the
third season and later ascends to the position of Vice President, North East Region and Director of New Media.
Starring •
Melora Hardin as
Jan Levinson, a former Dunder Mifflin employee and Michael's girlfriend. •
Ed Helms as
Andy Bernard, a preppy salesman with anger issues. •
Leslie David Baker as Stanley Hudson, a grumpy salesman. •
Brian Baumgartner as
Kevin Malone, a dim-witted accountant, based on
Keith Bishop. •
Creed Bratton as Creed Bratton, the office's strange quality assurance officer. •
Kate Flannery as Meredith Palmer, the
promiscuous supplier relations representative. •
Mindy Kaling as
Kelly Kapoor, the pop-culture obsessed customer service representative. •
Angela Kinsey as
Angela Martin, a judgemental accountant and Dwight's main love interest. •
Paul Lieberstein as Toby Flenderson, the sad-eyed human resources representative. •
Oscar Nunez as
Oscar Martinez, an intelligent accountant, who is also gay. •
Craig Robinson as Darryl Philbin, the warehouse manager. •
Phyllis Smith as Phyllis Vance, a motherly saleswoman.
Recurring •
Andy Buckley as
David Wallace, Dunder Mifflin's CFO. •
Bobby Ray Shafer as Bob Vance, Phyllis’ husband, who runs Vance Refrigeration. •
Hugh Dane as Hank Tate, the building's security guard.
Notable guests •
Rashida Jones as Karen Filippelli, Jim's ex-girlfriend, who is now regional manager of the
Utica branch. •
Amy Ryan as
Holly Flax, Toby's replacement in human resources. ==Reception==