Ryan Howard was a temporary employee at the Scranton branch of the fictitious paper distributor Dunder Mifflin. He joined the staff in the first episode and is unsure of what to make of the antics that take place in the office. He has since taken Jan's widely sought after job at Dunder-Mifflin's corporate office in New York. This position seems to have boosted his confidence and changed his overall style. Ryan has never made a sale, and he started a fire in the office's kitchenette while trying to make a cheesy pita.