Ryan Atwood is a fictional character on FOX series The O.C. played by Benjamin McKenzie.

In the beginning of the story, Ryan Atwood is a teenager living in Chino, California. He was caught stealing a car with his brother and later met attorney Sandy Cohen (played by Peter Gallagher). Ryan was later abandoned by his family and Sandy eventually adopted Ryan, with some objections from Sandy's wife, Kirsten , from the beginning. Since then, Ryan has been living in Newport Beach in Orange County and was involved in an on-again, off-again relationship with Marissa Cooper, a girl next door who went through traumatic changes over the entire season.

During the middle of the season, Ryan's relationship with Marissa was interrupted by Oliver Trask, a mentally deranged person who loves Marissa. At this time, Ryan slept with Teresa, an old friend from Chino. At the end of the season, Teresa was pregnant and Ryan, thinking that the child was his, instead of Teresa's husband, decides to return to Chino and take care of Teresa and her child.

Some viewers considered that as the end of Ryan Atwood in the show. However, it is not possible at the present time for Ryan Atwood to leave, as the show will be left without a central character if he does leave. Ryan's departure is widely interpreted as a ratings stunt to lure viewers to the screen after the show starts its second season in September.

Not surprisingly, Ryan returned to Newport Beach in the first episode of the second season, after Teresa made him believe she had a miscarriage.

Ryan is portrayed as much more mature in this new season.