<P> The Office employs an ensemble cast . Many characters portrayed by The Office cast are based on the original British series . 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 . Steve Carell stars as Michael Scott , regional manager of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton Branch . Loosely based on David Brent , Gervais 's character in the British series , Scott is a well - intentioned man whose attempts at humor , while seemingly innocent to himself , often offend and annoy his peers and employees , and in some situations lead to reprimanding from his superiors . Rainn Wilson portrays Dwight Schrute , who , based upon Gareth Keenan , is a salesman and the assistant to the regional manager , a fictional title created by Michael . John Krasinski portrays Jim Halpert , a salesman and , in later seasons , co-manager who is often known for his wittiness and his hijinks on Schrute ( often accompanied by Pam Beesly ) . Halpert is based upon Tim Canterbury , and is known to have feelings for Pam , the receptionist . Pam , played by Jenna Fischer , is based on Dawn Tinsley . She is shy , but in many cases a cohort with Jim in his pranks on Dwight . B.J. Novak portrays Ryan Howard , who for the first two seasons is a temporary worker but is promoted to sales representative in the third season . He later ascends to the position of vice president , North East Region and director of new media until his treachery was exposed for corporate fraud and he was fired . After this , he gets a job in a bowling alley and then briefly works for the Michael Scott Paper Company . After all this , and a stint in rehab , he eventually ends up again as the temporary worker at the Scranton branch . </P>
<P> The Office employs an ensemble cast . Many characters portrayed by The Office cast are based on the original British series . 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 . Steve Carell stars as Michael Scott , regional manager of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton Branch . Loosely based on David Brent , Gervais 's character in the British series , Scott is a well - intentioned man whose attempts at humor , while seemingly innocent to himself , often offend and annoy his peers and employees , and in some situations lead to reprimanding from his superiors . Rainn Wilson portrays Dwight Schrute , who , based upon Gareth Keenan , is a salesman and the assistant to the regional manager , a fictional title created by Michael . John Krasinski portrays Jim Halpert , a salesman and , in later seasons , co-manager who is often known for his wittiness and his hijinks on Schrute ( often accompanied by Pam Beesly ) . Halpert is based upon Tim Canterbury , and is known to have feelings for Pam , the receptionist . Pam , played by Jenna Fischer , is based on Dawn Tinsley . She is shy , but in many cases a cohort with Jim in his pranks on Dwight . B.J. Novak portrays Ryan Howard , who for the first two seasons is a temporary worker but is promoted to sales representative in the third season . He later ascends to the position of vice president , North East Region and director of new media until his treachery was exposed for corporate fraud and he was fired . After this , he gets a job in a bowling alley and then briefly works for the Michael Scott Paper Company . After all this , and a stint in rehab , he eventually ends up again as the temporary worker at the Scranton branch . </P>
who does john krasinski play in the office
who does john krasinski play in the office
Jim Halpert
Jim Halpert