The second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation's most memorable characters, leaving many fans feeling nostalgic for the iconic series. Fortunately, TNG's availability on various streaming platforms means old fans can relive their favorite moments and gives new fans a chance to get to know the crew of the Enterprise.
That crew, full of appealing and relatable characters, is the driving force behind TNG's enduring popularity. With such a likable crew, it can be hard to choose a favorite, but each character has defining qualities that will appeal to a certain type of viewer.
Jean-Luc Picard - Elegant And Wise
Few Starfleet captains possess the refined taste of Jean-Luc Picard. As a trained Shakespearean actor, Patrick Stewart portrays Picard as elegant and astute, commanding by means of his intellect rather than his physical prowess. Picard cultivates strong relationships with many of his crew despite his reserved manner and is often sought after for his wise advice. His eloquence makes him an effective diplomat, but he doesn't hold back from taking bold, decisive action when the situation warrants it. Like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, Picard balances strength and softness in a way that makes him a perennial favorite with Star Trek fans.
Will Riker - Charming And Dynamic
William Riker earns his moniker "Number One" not only because of his rank but also because of his popularity. His natural charm attracts a long list of romantic partners and ensures that he is liked and respected by the crew he commands. Although he is a smooth talker, he is also inherently a man of action. Riker is adept at making smart decisions in dangerous situations and is almost always at the head of away teams. At times he manifests a short temper, but this is a consequence of his dynamic personality and doesn't prevent him from securing his place as many viewers' favorite character.
Data - Curious And Humble
As an android, Data is vastly superior to anyone else on the Enterprise crew in of strength as well as mental acuity. However, he is content to follow orders and never insists that his superior officers yield to his wishes. This demonstrates remarkable humility, although Data would likely assert that he is incapable of such a human characteristic.
Data at times displays an almost childlike curiosity and is eager to learn all he can about human behavior. His willingness to learn and adapt and his eagerness to fit in make him an endearing and intriguing character.
Worf - Strong And Honorable
As Starfleet's first Klingon officer, Lieutenant Worf feels like he has a lot to prove, and he takes his commission very seriously. Though raised by humans, Worf retains the deeply held sense of honor that pervades Klingon philosophy. It takes strength of character to stick to one's ideals, and Worf manages to do so while retaining a dry sense of humor. Worf is an effective officer because he is trustworthy, never resorting to devious or underhanded tactics. In addition to his mental fortitude, Worf has impressive physical strength. Worf has battled many deadly opponents and emerged victorious, earning him the respect and devotion of viewers.
Deanna Troi - Empathetic And Caring
It should come as no surprise that the half-Betazoid Deanna Troi is an empathetic character. However, her concern for others is more than an innate ability. It's clear that she deeply cares about the welfare of both the crew and the various species the Enterprise encounters. Her empathic senses are often vague, but her caring personality makes her take action and uncover the motives behind the feelings that she perceives. She is an asset to the crew, not only because she cares for their mental health, but also because she provides valuable insight that is invaluable for diplomacy. Troi appeals to fans who are emotionally intuitive and caring.
Beverly Crusher - Nurturing And Outspoken
Every friend group has a "mom friend", the friend who looks out for everyone's well-being. Beverly Crusher fills that role on the Enterprise, and it's not just because her son spent some time onboard. Her role as the ship's doctor showcases her caring nature, and she's often sought out as a confidant by crewmates who need a listening ear. However, she's not afraid to speak her mind, particularly when someone's wellbeing is at stake. The best episodes that feature Crusher portray her as an outspoken advocate for saving lives, even if this means disregarding Starfleet regulations like the Prime Directive. Viewers who share her nurturing and protective nature are drawn to Beverly Crusher.
Geordi LaForge - Friendly And Clever
Geordi LaForge is a brilliant engineer and a creative problem-solver. For a top-of-the-line starship, the Enterprise is surprisingly prone to malfunctions, and Geordi is often tasked with damage control. He's clever enough to discover the problem and implement creative solutions under serious time constraints, proving that he's equal to any challenge.
He's also a genuinely likable guy and shows patience and friendship toward people who are outcasts among the crew. This is evident in his relationship with Barclay; Geordi makes a real effort to be kind to Barclay, even though he finds Barclay annoying, and this effort blossoms into a friendship as the series progresses. With such a genuine nature, it's no surprise that Data seeks out Geordi in his quest to learn about human friendships. Geordi is the quintessential "best friend", and this makes him a favorite with viewers.
Guinan - Intuitive And Approachable
Bartenders are stereotypically good listeners, and Guinan is no exception. As an El-Aurian, Guinan has hundreds of years of life experience to draw on, and this enables her to intuitively sense when of the crew are struggling with difficult circumstances. Perhaps the best evidence that Guinan's advice is valuable is the fact that Picard goes to her when he is at a loss. However, the entire crew feels comfortable around Guinan, which is a testament to her approachability. Even the stoic Worf opens up to Guinan. Her intuition, warmth, and wisdom make her a popular character.
Miles O'Brien - Dependable And Hard-working
Though he's not an officer, Miles O'Brien is a dependable and hard-working crew member. He fills the "everyman" role in the cast: he's capable, but not remarkable. Really, he's a regular guy, and this makes him both relatable and appealing. As transporter chief of the Enterprise, he has a workmanlike approach to his job that his superior officers come to rely on. He doesn't crack under pressure, which is an asset since transporter safety is literal matter of life and death. Fans who sympathize with O'Brien can see his character develop more fully on Star Trek: Deep Space 9.
Q - Mischievous And Confident
Q may be the primary villain of TNG, but his engaging and playful personality makes him likable and popular with fans. This popularity is surprising considering that Q has set himself up as humanity's judge. As a seemingly omnipotent member of the Q continuum, he is confident almost to excess. He retains that confidence even when he temporarily loses his powers. Q may be a thorn in Captain Picard's side, but he's never boring. His flair for dramatic costuming injects welcome humor into the dangerous situations he creates to test the Enterprise crew. Humanity's trial may be ongoing, but many fans have judged Q to be one of their favorite characters.