The iconic series The Office featured a long list of memorable characters. Critics praised it for the format, writing, and of course, the incredibly talented cast. Indeed, the series introduced unforgettable characters in the first season, including Michael Scott, Jim Halpert, Dwight Schrute, and Pam Beesly.
The Dunder Mifflin employees always left an impact no matter how big or small of a role they had. However, The Office continued to bring in new characters each season. In fact, the series introduced some of its most memorable characters after the first season.
Karen Filippelli
Karen Filippelli didn't show up in the series until season 3. Regardless, she had an immediate and significant impact. Karen was first introduced at the Stamford Branch after Jim transferred. Karen and Jim end up developing feelings for each other. However, Karen's a rebound for Jim, who's trying to get over Pam.
Karen left at the end of season 3 when Jim broke up with her and later became the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Utica. Despite having a short time on the show, Karen was one of the essential characters in the history of the series and was poorly treated by Jim.
Charles Miner
Michael Scott usually had a great working relationship with his bosses. However, that all changed the day he met Charles Miner. Charles first appeared in the season 5 episode "New Boss" as the new Vice President of the Northeast Region.
Charles and Michael didn't see eye to eye and had a falling out. Michael was furious when Charles canceled his 15th-anniversary party, making Charles one of the most popular villains in the series. He didn't get along with Michael or Jim but thought highly of Dwight.
Pete And Clark
The series continued to introduce new characters in the final season. In the season 9 episode "New Guys," Pete Miller and Clark Green joined the show and they take over the duties of customer service after Kelly and Ryan leave.
Their hiring sets off a series of events throughout the final season. Jim and Dwight's story arcs often stem from comparisons with the new guys. Also, Pete's involved in a love triangle with Erin and Andy, and Clark plays a significant role of his own during the season.
Robert California
The enigmatic Robert California first appeared in the season 7 finale "Search Committee" as one of the possible new replacements for Michael Scott as manager. During season 8, Robert returns but takes over as CEO and chooses Andy as the new Regional Manager.
Critics gave Robert rave reviews for his role in the season 7 finale. However, the character didn't stick around for that long. Regardless, he played a significant role as he feuded with Andy. In the end, Robert leaves the series when David Wallace returns.
Nellie Bertram
Nellie Bertram had a rocky start but turned out to be a compelling character. Nellie first appeared in the season 7 episode "Search Committee." She came in to interview for Michael Scott's old job after he moved to Colorado. Critics gave Nellie scathing reviews in the episode and considered her the weakest point.
Indeed, most fans seemed not to like her but Nellie returned during season 8 and became a permanent fixture. Nellie's backstory and development made her more likable to critics and audiences.
Nate Nickerson
Nate Nickerson first appeared in season 7 when Dwight hired a day laborer. Initially, Nate actually worked exclusively for Dwight and nobody else. Nate had a small role but always made an impact.
Later, Nate proved such a popular character that he started working in the warehouse. Despite having a minor role, Nate became a prevalent part of the show.
David Wallace
Dunder Mifflin had several people in charge over the years but few compare to David Wallace. Initially, he was the CFO but later became CEO. He was an intimidating but understanding boss. David and Michael Scott had a very close friendship that developed over the years.
David first appeared in the season 2 episode "Valentine's Day" and played an essential role going forward. David left the series after Sabre bought the company and Jo Bennett took over. Later, David returned and purchased the company to the approval of fans.
Holly Flax
Michael Scott spent years searching for his soulmate. Of course, he eventually met the love of his life, Holly Flax in the season 4 finale "Goodbye, Toby," when she is introduced as Toby's replacement in Human Resources.
Holly and Michael's love story last several seasons before they finally move away together. Indeed, Michael even leaves Dunder Mifflin to move to Colorado to be with Holly. She was Michael's perfect match and true soulmate.
Erin Hannon
Few characters had the type of impact that Erin Hannon had. She quickly went from a background character to a star of the series after first appearing in the season 5 episode "The Michael Scott Paper Company."
She was only intended for a few episodes but impressed the producers. Erin had a prominent role in the series and featured in numerous love stories. Erin's search for her birth parents became a central plot point, which the writers resolved in the series finale.
Andy Bernard
Andy Bernard first appeared in the season 3 premiere and quickly became a breakout star. Initially, Andy works at the Stamford branch before the merge and can be annoying yet lovable. He went from being a despised villain to a sympathetic yet flawed hero.
He proved to be one of the most popular new characters in the series and became a focal point for several seasons. In season 8, Andy becomes the Regional Manager after Michael leaves. He remains in the role for the rest of the series for the most part.