Shawn Larson

Shawn Larson is a main character in Glee: NDNG. As of Pilot, he's McKinley's new Math teacher and hesitant supervisor of the new New Directions.

Early Life
Shawn was born to two strict parents who were dismissive of his love of musical theatre and simply wanted him to become a Math teacher. He did, but can he ever be truly satisfied?

Season 1
In Pilot, Shawn appears in the teachers lounge for the first time, meeting Ivan Pierce and James Benson. He awkwardly introduces himself, obeys everything they say, and there is an immediate attraction between he and James. They ask Shawn how he came to teach Math, and it is revealed that this career path was heavily influenced by his parents. This prompts Ivan to reveal his similar story; his dream of teaching music.

The conversation is interrupted when Beth Corcoran knocks on the door, followed by Quentin Talley. With delight, the two immediately notice Shawn's bag, covered in musical-related badges. Once Shawn introduces himself, Beth cuts to the chase, proposing her idea for him to supervise the revived Glee Club. Shawn agrees with enthusiasm.

10 minutes later he regrets it, feeling anxious that he is incapable of the responsibility. James and Ivan reassure him that he will be fine. Ivan says he won't let anyone make fun of him, and James writes a reminder on Shawn's arm to show up to the auditions, then walks him to class when the bell rings.

At the Glee audition, James and Ivan have to push Shawn through the door. He soon settles into it, not having to say or do much as Beth more than happily takes the lead.

In Edge, Jude Moody asks a question about the rules of Glee Club, which Shawn hastily passes over to Beth.

When September Puckerman wants to sing Corner of the Sky, a song choice that causes controversy among the club, Shawn gives her the go-ahead.

Later, when two pairs get up to sing the same duet, Shawn is hesitant to make a decision, practically letting the club make it for him, and looking to Beth for approval once he does it. They decide to make it a competition, and once its' done, Shawn struggles to decide on a winner, wanting to praise everyone equally. Once Liam Cook says the other pair deserve the win (after some awkward silence), Shawn is happy to confirm this.

In Coming Out of My Cage, Shawn appears teaching a complex Math class that no student appears to understand. Towards the end of class, he checks in to see how everyone is getting on, and the class answer honestly that they're all struggling. He offers to explain again, but then the bell rings so he just lets them go.

Later, Shawn supervises whilst Lyra Harper and Sky Duffy successfully audition for Glee, and welcomes them to the club.

When the club perform Totally Fucked, Shawn is the first to praise them.

In Popular, Shawn awkwardly brings Alfie Winstanley in to observe the club. That is his first and last responsibility in that session as Beth gladly takes charge once more.

Later, Shawn asks Alfie what he thinks of the club. When Alfie responds that he is impressed with his work, Shawn immediately gives all the credit to Beth.

In Invitationals, Shawn is once more seen supervising the club and not getting a word in. When conflict arises among the students, the other teachers nudge him to interject, but he is too scared, to their exasperation.

During another rehearsal Shawn gently encourages them to get back to the task at hand, and is immediately shut down by Quentin. When a similar situation occurs later on, Ivan gives the club a warning to listen to their supervisor. It turns out there is a lot of confusion among the club regarding who is supervising (Quentin is the only person who is aware), but this reminds them.

In the lead up to the performance, Shawn makes a half-hearted attempt to stop Danny Schuester from snapping back at Magnolia Berry, but Ivan privately makes clear that it's not worth it.

In 6 Feet Under, Shawn worries that he might actually have to begin a session when Beth, among the other Cheerios and footballers, is late. Luckily they arrive just in time, however they soon explain that they can't attend the following rehearsal. Shawn tells them not to worry, but once they've left, he freaks out about the responsibility.

He goes to James for support, who attempts to reassure him, with a bit of tough love. Once James leaves, Shawn sings Under Pressure.

After Math class that day, Shawn checks in with Liam, to see if there's any way he can help him. Comforting Liam, Shawn reveals that he too struggled with Math in school, explaining that tutoring helped him. After encouraging Liam to see a student tutor for free, he writes him a note to ensure he won't get in trouble with his next teacher.

James is concerned when Shawn doesn't show up to the next Glee rehearsal. To the students' amusement, he makes a big scene of rushing in. James is glad to see him, but disappointed to hear that he chickened out, hoping things get better in future.

In 7 Days, Shawn appears in the teachers' lounge, talking to the other staff about the drama among the students and it's negative impact on rehearsals. Reuben enters after a while, and the necessary introductions are made. The new history teacher is immediately dismissive of the arts subjects, which causes Shawn to speak up for what he believes in, defending an angry Alfie.

When discussing these events later, James encourages Shawn to bring some of that confidence to Glee Club. He then uses reverse psychology - suggesting he quit makes Shawn want to step up to his role even more, though he still doesn't quite know how. As James leaves, he casually tells Shawn he loves him, which takes him by surprise.

In his following Math class, Quentin helps Shawn quiet the students down. Shawn then asks Liam if there's any update on the tutoring situation, to which Liam responds that he chickened out. Shawn tells him not to worry, and once Liam returns to his seat, the two of them sing Coward, while the rest of the sophomore class taunt them with backing vocals. The class are concerned when Shawn returns from this dream sequence, shaking, but he brushes it off.

In the next Glee rehearsal, Shawn carefully looks out for Beth, worrying that he hasn't helped enough, as she doesn't seem herself.

Personality
Shawn is what one might call a complete doormat. He lets everyone, including his students, walk all over him, and he fears responsibility as much as he fears... Everything else.

Style/Appearance
Shawn will wear the first thing he finds in his closet without a second thought. Usually a t-shirt and slacks.

Trivia
Shawn got his surname from Jonathan Larson, creator of RENT, the author's favourite musical.