In a paper merchants in the heart of middle England, David Brent is a lower-middle-ranking manager in charge of a lower-middle-ranking office. His workplace is the antithesis of TV's glossy law firms full of bright professionals. Instead of mutual respect and intelligent dialogue, David's office is a place of backfiring practical jokes, failed flirting and bad showing off. He struggles to keep control of his workforce - including army-obsessed Gareth, sarcastic Tim and middle-aged Malcolm who silently works all day.