| Dawson Wade 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 |
| In-universe information | |
| Occupation | Professional : Film director/Television producer/Screenwriter (currently) Assistant to the film director on a shoot (formerly) House painter (formerly) Assistant at Screen Play Video in Capeside (formerly) Education : Screenwriting (talented) Photography (talented) Sailing (good) |
| Family | Mitch Leery (father; deceased) Gail Leery (mother) Lillian Leery (sister) Gwen (aunt) Unnamed stepfather |
| Significant other | Love interests : Natasha Kelly (ex-girlfriend) Josephine Lynn Potter (best friend/soulmate) Pacey John Witter (friend) Jennifer Lindley (friend, deceased) Jack McPhee (friend) Andrea "Andie" McPhee (friend) Audrey Liddell (friend) Todd Carr (friend and business partner) Oliver Chirchick (friend and former business partner) Arthur Isaac Brooks (mentor, deceased) |
| Hometown | Capeside, Massachusetts |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California Formerly: Boston, Massachusetts |
Dawson Wade Leery (born March 14, 1983) is the titular protagonist from the WB television drama Dawson's Creek. He is introduced in the pilot and portrayed by James Van Der Beek in 122 episodes throughout the series' run, as well as a non-canon cameo in Scary Movie (2000).
Dawson, created by Kevin Williamson based on his own experiences as a teenager, is a budding filmmaker growing up in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts. The series follows his journey from adolescence into adulthood, particularly focusing on his filmmaking struggles and complex relationship with childhood best friend Joey Potter.