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Role
Officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard
When
c. 1900 BC (traditional)

What they did

Bought Joseph from the Ishmeelites and made him overseer of his house. When his wife falsely accused Joseph, he put Joseph in the king's prison.

Why it matters: the purpose of their role

The LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, showing God's blessing reaching Gentiles through His people, and Joseph's prison led to his rise.

And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. Genesis 39:5 (KJV)

Bible references

And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard. Genesis 37:36 (KJV)
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. Genesis 39:1-6 (KJV)
And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. Genesis 39:19-20 (KJV)

Family

Spouse(s)
Unnamed wife

His wife tried to seduce Joseph and then accused him (Genesis 39:7-20).