It’s only natural: I’m always interested in fictional characters who work in the human resources profession. There aren’t many (I mean, we’re not cops), but when I come across one on TV, I look forward to seeing the funny or dramatic situations they’ll experience in the role. As we all know, HR comes with inherent conflicts and challenges, and it’s uniquely gratifying to see that used in dramatic plot twists and epic jokes.

The newest fictional addition to the HR profession is the character of Camille Wray (pictured above, center) on the SyFy original show Stargate: Universe, which premiered on Sunday. She’s not working in your typical office, either: Wray, played by actress Ming-Na, is head of human resources on a lost starship hurtling through space! Her co-workers are soldiers, scientists, and civilians, and they are all fighting for their lives.

If you missed the show on Sunday, you’re in luck as Hulu is showing the two-part episode in its entirety online here.

Here’s the lowdown on this fascinating new character, and a couple of other famous fictional practitioners of HR.

Character: Camille Wray (played by Ming-Na)
Show: Stargate: Universe (SyFy Network, Season 1 currently showing)
Job: Head of Human Resources on the Ancient starship “Destiny”
Background: Wray comes from the field of accounting. She is the highest-ranking member of the International Oversight Committee stranded on the ship, so she has seniority over the crew. She is somewhat self-important and stubborn, but also strategically savvy.
Challenges she faces: She literally lives on the job, residing on a starship that is locked onto a mystery course and unable to return to Earth. The ship’s inhabitants are desperately searching for such basics as food, water, and air, as well as trying to unlock the secret of the stargate that will allow them to return to their homes.
Interesting fact: This character is the first openly gay character in the Stargate universe; she is in a marriage with a woman who is back on Earth.

Character: Toby Flenderson (played by Paul Lieberstein)
Show: The Office (NBC, Season 6 currently showing)
Job: Human Resources Representative, Dunder Mifflin, Scranton PA
Challenges he faces: While he is generally well-liked in the office, Toby is hated by branch manager Michael Scott because he reports to Corporate Headquarters instead of Michael. Michael cruelly tells the staff, “Toby is in HR, which means he technically works for Corporate. So, he’s really not a part of our family. Also, he’s divorced, so he’s really not a part of his family.” Even worse, Toby admits to having no passion for HR. He moves his work station at one point, claiming that he is allergic to his desk.
Our favorite work-related Toby quote: “Sometimes when I come into work, I ask myself if this were my last day on Earth, what would I do differently. Well, I’d wear a t-shirt, and I’d order a French dip sandwich and I’d eat the whole thing. And I’d blow this building up. And I’d go swimming. And I’d drink wine. What?”

Character: Drew Carey (played by Drew Carey)
Show: The Drew Carey Show (ABC, 1995-2004)
Job: Various positions in personnel and management at the Winfred Louder department store, Cleveland, OH
Challenges he faces: These mostly involve his coworkers, notably archnemesis Mimi Bobeck (who openly calls him “Pig”) and the crass Mr. Wick, his boss. Other challenges involve employees who callously use drugs, sex, lies and more to get what they want. Over the course of the series, Drew held different positions on the show, and the department store eventually gave way to an Internet start-up. He even made his way to upper management, which we love.
Our favorite work-related Drew quote: “Oh, you hate your job? Why didn’t you say so? There’s a support group for that. It’s called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.”

Do you have a favorite character who works in human resources? Share in the comments!

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