Chris Finch, commonly referred to as “Finchy,” is a fictional character from the UK television series “The Office,” created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Portrayed by actor Ralph Ineson, Finch is a recurring character known for his brash and often offensive behavior.
Chris Finch works as a traveling salesman for the Wernham Hogg paper company, the setting of “The Office.” He is not a regular office employee but appears periodically throughout the series, often in scenes outside the office environment, such as at bars or company events.
Finch’s character is depicted as a close friend and confidant of the series’ main character, David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais. He is often seen as Brent’s idol, someone Brent desperately tries to impress and emulate, despite Finch’s questionable morals and behavior. Finch embodies the stereotypical “lad culture” prevalent in some workplaces, characterized by crude humor, misogyny, and a general disregard for political correctness.
Throughout the series, Chris Finch is shown to be arrogant, insensitive, and often cruel, particularly in his interactions with other characters. He frequently makes inappropriate jokes at the expense of others and engages in bullying, especially targeting the more vulnerable characters in the series. His behavior is a source of discomfort and tension for many characters, yet he is often tolerated or even encouraged by David Brent, who views Finch as a benchmark of success and popularity.
Finch’s relationship with Brent is pivotal to understanding Brent’s character. Brent’s admiration for Finch and his eagerness to be accepted by him often leads Brent to overlook or participate in Finch’s unsavory behavior. This dynamic is crucial in highlighting Brent’s own insecurities and flaws.
Despite being a supporting character, Chris Finch plays a significant role in “The Office.” His presence brings an additional layer of social commentary to the show, addressing issues such as workplace bullying, the influence of peer pressure, and the struggle between personal ethics and the desire for social acceptance.
Chris Finch’s character, with his unapologetic and controversial persona, contributes to the series’ exploration of the darker aspects of office culture and human behavior. His portrayal by Ralph Ineson was well-received, and Finch remains one of the more memorable and talked-about characters from “The Office.”