Dawson Leery

Dawson Leery
Dawson's Creek character
James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery
First appearance	"Pilot" (episode 1.01)
Last appearance	"...Must Come To An End" (episode 6.24)
Created by	Kevin Williamson
Portrayed by	James Van Der Beek
Information
Nickname(s)	Oompa-Loompa
Occupation	Director/Producer Screenwriter Graduate of Capeside High Dropped out of USC
Family	Mitch Leery (father; deceased) Gail Leery (mother) Lily Leery (sister) Unnamed stepfather
Significant other(s)	Jen Lindley (ex-girlfriend) Joey Potter (ex-girlfriend) Gretchen Witter (ex-girlfriend) Natasha (ex-girlfriend) Eve Whitman (fling)
Hometown	Capeside, Massachusetts
Residence	Los Angeles, California Formerly: Boston, Massachusetts

Dawson Wade Leery is the central character from the WB television drama Dawson's Creek, portrayed by James Van Der Beek, and appeared in 122 episodes and cameo in Scary Movie (2000).

Dawson is the first child and only son of Mitch Leery and his college sweetheart, Gail Leery. He was born on March 14, 1983. His three best friends are Joey Potter, the girl across the creek, whom he considers his soulmate, Pacey Witter, Capeside High's class clown, and Jen Lindley, the new girl in town. When the McPhee family arrive in town at the beginning of Season 2, Dawson gains two new friends, Andie McPhee and her gay brother Jack McPhee. Dawson is joined by a sister, Lily, who is born when he is 18.

An eternal optimist (at least originally), Dawson believes in the good old fashioned values of romance and honesty, and he also believes that you can find all of life's answers in a Steven Spielberg film. He was a keen filmmaker and made several low cost and amateur films, which were entered into film festivals across the country, and in some festivals his films won top prize. He and long-time friend Joey Potter spend much of their time together, often sleeping in Dawson's bed together. However, their relationship complicates as they age and especially with the arrival of New York exile Jen Lindley, who moves in next door to Dawson. He enters into his first relationship with her, but after her ex visits, she dumps him, insisting she needs time for herself.

After this, a series of events causes him to see lifelong friend Joey in a whole new light. First, his wise-cracking best friend Pacey Witter asks for Dawson's permission to ask Joey out. Dawson responds jealously. Later, he sees Joey looking sophisticated and mature for a Beauty Pageant, which opens his eyes to her beauty. Finally, he joins Joey on a birthday visit to her father in prison and tells Mike Potter all about the daughter he doesn't know. While Joey wrestles with the idea of spending a year in France, Dawson realizes that he can no longer hold back his romantic feelings towards her. The season ends with Dawson and Joey kissing in front of his bedroom window.