Dawson Wade Leery (born March 14, 1983) is a fictional character from the WB television drama Dawson's Creek and is the titular Dawson. He is introduced in the pilot and portrayed by James Van Der Beek in 122 episodes throughout the series' run, as well as a non-canon cameo in Scary Movie (2000). Dawson, created by Kevin Williamson based on his own experiences as a teenager, is a budding filmmaker growing up in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts. The series follows his journey from adolescence into adulthood, particularly focusing on his filmmaking struggles and complex relationship with childhood friend Joey Potter. Fictional biography Background Dawson is the first child and only son of Mitch Leery and his college sweetheart, Gail Leery. He was born on March 14, 1983 (per Season 3, Episode 10). His three best friends are Joey Potter, the girl across the creek whom he's known since childhood and considers his soulmate; Pacey Witter, Capeside High's class clown, and Jen Lindley, a girl who has moved from New York into the house next door. Dawson's younger sister Lily is born when he is eighteen years old. Character arc Season 1 Introduced as a quality friend and eternal optimist, Dawson believes in the good old fashioned values of romance and honesty, and he also believes that you can find all of life's answers in a Steven Spielberg film. He was a keen filmmaker and made several low cost and amateur films, which were entered into film festivals across the country, and in some festivals his films won top prize. He and long-time friend Joey Potter spend much of their time together, often sleeping in Dawson's bed together. However, their relationship complicates as they age and especially with the arrival of New York exile Jen Lindley, who moves in next door to Dawson. He enters into his first relationship with her, but after her ex visits, she dumps him, insisting she needs time for herself. After this, a series of events causes him to see lifelong friend Joey in a whole new light. First, his wise-cracking best friend Pacey Witter asks for Dawson's permission to ask Joey out. Dawson responds jealously. Later, he sees Joey looking sophisticated and mature for a Beauty Pageant, which opens his eyes to her beauty. Finally, he joins Joey on a birthday visit to her father in prison and tells Mike Potter all about