Ryan Howard

Ryan Bailey Howard, played by B. J. Novak, is a fictional character on the US television sitcom The Office. He is based upon Ricky Howard from the original version of The Office, but his role is significantly expanded. Little is known about Ryan's early life, but it is revealed in a deleted scene from Diversity Day that Ryan grew up in Scranton. At the beginning of the series, Ryan Howard is a temporary employee at the Scranton branch of the fict... more

Ryan Bailey Howard, played by B. J. Novak, is a fictional character on the US television sitcom The Office. He is based upon Ricky Howard from the original version of The Office, but his role is significantly expanded. Little is known about Ryan's early life, but it is revealed in a deleted scene from Diversity Day that Ryan grew up in Scranton. At the beginning of the series, Ryan Howard is a temporary employee at the Scranton branch of the fictitious paper distributor Dunder Mifflin who joined the staff in the first episode, earning him the nickname "The Temp". In early episodes, he is shown to be uncomfortable with his working relationship with his boss, Michael Scott. Michael often forces Ryan to carry out menial tasks for him while at the same time, becoming obsessed with Ryan's personal life as well as gaining Ryan's friendship, to the point of buying him an iPod for Christmas. As the series progresses, Ryan begins to manifest a great deal of contempt and disdain for his... less