Michael Scott

Michael Scott

1970
    The Office
Photo Credit: Everett Collection

Character Analysis

(Avoiding Spoilers)

Living… in Scranton, Pa. Michael has been renting for a while and is looking to become a homeowner. He believes it’s very important to own property. He points out that back in the “olden days,” they didn’t even let you vote unless you owned property. Of course back then they’d also throw you in the stocks and humiliate you. So much has changed!

Profession… regional manager at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. He’s had the position for four years and been with the company for a total of 12. Being manager has its obvious perks, but it also means he has to butt heads with corporate. They’re not used to his unorthodox managerial style. As Michael puts it, “I guess the atmosphere that I've created here is that I'm a friend first, and a boss second... and probably an entertainer third.”

Interests… comedy. He’s not just some amateur either; he is a student of comedy. He’s taken improv classes to hone his talent. The Three Stooges, Bob Hope, Jamie Kennedy – he’s absorbed all the greats. You should see his Hitler impression.

Relationship Status… single, often hopelessly so. He’s had one long relationship with Jan, his former boss from Corporate. Then her supervisors learned they were dating, which was against company policy, and she was fired. Michael had to choose between her and the company – and she doesn’t pay his salary. But overall Michael’s biggest problem with the ladies, he firmly believes, is that women see a guy like him and assume he must be taken.

Challenge… maintaining office morale through this round of downsizing. What’s worse is the downsizing also comes with a promotion and raise for Michael. Well, not “worse” for Michael, obviously, but what if people find out? He’s fearing a mutiny, or at least a huge wave of resentment.

Personality… vain and oblivious, but well-meaning. As he once said, “Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” Michael is often inappropriate and completely unaware that he’s rubbing people the wrong way. Yet just when you’re ready to write him off forever as a clueless buffoon, he does something nice for a friend to show that his heart’s ultimately in the right place.  

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