The Office is an American television series based on the British television comedy of the same name. The format of the series is a parody of the fly on the wall documentary technique that intersperses traditional situation comedy segments with mock interviews with the show's characters, provides the audience access to the ongoing interior monologues for all of the main characters, as well as occasional insights into other characters within the show. Cast overview Notes Regular cast Michael Scott Michael Gary Scott (Steve Carell) is the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is originally based on David Brent, his counterpart in the British version of The Office. However, Scott develops into a significantly different character than him as the series progresses. Michael Scott departs the series during the seventh season, however he returns in the series finale to be a surprise guest at Dwight and Angela’s wedding. Dwight Schrute Dwight Kurt Schrute III (Rainn Wilson) is a salesman at Dunder Mifflin and the assistant to the regional manager for the majority of the series, until he becomes regional manager in Season 9. The character is based on Gareth Keenan of the original British version of the show. He is the only character to both appear and have dialogue in every episode of the series. Jim Halpert James "Jim" Duncan Halpert (John Krasinski) is introduced as a sales representative at the Scranton branch of paper distribution company Dunder Mifflin, before temporarily transferring to the Stamford branch in the third season. Upon the merger of Scranton and Stamford branches, he becomes Assistant Regional Manager, and later co-manager alongside Michael Scott during the sixth season. The character is based on Tim Canterbury from the original version of The Office. Pam Beesly Pamela Morgan Halpert, née Beesly (Jenna Fischer). Her counterpart in the original British version of The Office is Dawn Tinsley. Pam begins the series as the receptionist at the paper distribution company Dunder Mifflin. She is the love interest of Jim Halpert, whom she later marries in season 6. Ryan Howard Ryan Howard (B. J. Novak), is based on the character of Ricky Howard from the original British version of The Office, as well as Neil Godwin during the fourth season. His role is expanded from the original British series to the extent that he's usually considered a main character. Ryan Howard departs the series in the ninth season