DIRECTIONS: Project Research [Character Descriptions]

The Office [3x18, Dir: J.J.Abrams]

Michael Scott (42): 

 The regional manager of paper company Dunder Mifflin Inc., Michael has worked for most of his team for many years and classes all of them as his closest friends - not that they'd all agree. A very lonely childhood has shaped him into a (sometimes selfish) man desperate for friends and companionship, Michael dreams of a house full of children to be friends with. Having worked up from a successful and charismatic salesman, Michael is the manager of one of the final branches of a dying company and desperate to keep his little family together and nearby.

Jan Levinson (45):

 Divorced and in her forties, Jan very become a very humourless managerial figure. Jan can be erratic and sexually-domineering, jumping around dysfunctional relationships. Known to smoke when stressed and drink when possible, her self-destructive and indulgent attitude usually lead her to poor judgement despite her inherent competence and professionalism. Her professionalism can make her seem intimidating and standoffish to co-workers but she has proven to be efficient and decisive as a leader. 

Michael Scott / Jan Levinson's romantic relationship:

 Michael and Jan's relationship has always been on shaky grounds. His boss for many years, he found her humourless and demanding and she finds him childish and annoying. However, the pair spend a night together after Jan watches Michael land an important client and sees him in a new light. Jan denies sleeping with Michael and becomes annoyed at his constant romantic advances and furious when he lets details of their night together around the office. Eventually the pair holiday in Jamaica and begin a passionate but private relationship. However, Michael accidentally emails a risque photo of Jan around the office (without her knowledge) and he persuades her to take their relationship public. 

Jim Halpert (28):

 For 8 years Jim Halpert was a very competent sales rep at Dunder Mifflin Scranton. He claims the position is just a job to him and the idea of it becoming a career to him is like dying. Intelligent and mild mannered if not an occasionally childish prankster, Jim comes from a large, loving family including two older brothers. 
 He recently returned to Scranton after a short period as the assistant regional manager of Dunder Mifflin Stamford. His time at Stamford was short lived as the branch shut down a few months after he arrived but he returned to Scranton, keeping his new role back at the old branch. 

Karen Filippelli (28):

 Before Jim arrived at Stamford, Karen was a prime candidate for the role of Assistant Regional Manager. At first she doesn't like him, not thinking he fits in and questioning the way he looks at the camera. Karen is a hard worker - intelligent and motivated, she moves to Scranton with Jim to keep her job and new relationship.

Jim Halpert / Karen Filippelli's romantic relationship:

 Jim and Karen began dating when they met at Dunder Mifflin Stamford, where Jim moved to escape his tong term romantic attraction to Scranton's receptionist Pam (who he kissed a few weeks prior). Despite initial friction the pair eventually begin dating and continue to see each other after transferring to Scranton. Since returning, Jim has used his new position to avoid seeing Pam as much as he used to, still struggling with his feelings for her. 

Dwight Schrute (38):

 Dwight Schrute is one of the highest ranking salesman at Dunder Mifflin Scranton, but also one of the most annoying, (second maybe only to Michael). What he lacks in social skills and common sense he makes up for in die-hard dedication towards his boss. He is Scott's right-hand-man in the office and holds the (pointless) title of assistant to the regional manager. Highly skilled in martial arts and  with a craving for authority he only usually engages in jokes to appease Michael, although he often uses one-upmanship to try and get the better over Jim. 

David Wallace (46):

 A relative newcomer to Dunder Mifflin, David Wallace is the new CFO of Dunder Mifflin. Wallace is struggling to keep Dunder Mifflin a company that's relevant in an increasingly digital age.