The Ultimate Guide to the Captivating Characters of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Summary

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was a groundbreaking show that broke with tradition by setting the story on a space station instead of a starship.

The characters of DS9 possessed complexity and depth, grappling with moral dilemmas that tested the idealistic vision of Star Trek. The talented cast of DS9, featuring Avery Brooks as Captain Sisko, Nana Visitor as Major Kira, and Colm Meaney as Chief O'Brien, skillfully breathed life into their respective roles, adding layers of nuance.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, with its extensive cast of characters, was the largest and most ambitious Star Trek show of its time. It broke tradition by being set on a space station instead of a starship and was the first of three shows to come out of the successful Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show delved into the aftermath of Cardassia's oppressive rule on Bajor, challenging Gene Roddenberry's utopian vision of the future. In season 4, Deep Space Nine introduced the Dominion War arc, pioneering the longform storytelling that modern Trek now embraces. While this departure from classic Star Trek sometimes drew criticism from dedicated fans, the show has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years with streaming audiences discovering its hidden depths. Though known for its darker themes and overarching storylines, Deep Space Nine also showcased some of the franchise's most comedic episodes. The well-maintained tonal balance achieved by the show's writers was further supported by its extensive ensemble cast.

20 Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko

Captain Benjamin Sisko possessed multiple identities and roles - apart from being a Starfleet officer, he served as the Bajoran Emissary, a committed father, a grieving widower, and a highly decorated war hero. Consequently, Sisko faced the immense challenge of reconciling his responsibilities as both a Bajoran religious figure and a Starfleet officer. Throughout the Dominion War, Sisko frequently encountered complex ethical dilemmas while attempting to fulfill these dual roles. Ultimately, following his significant contribution in leading the Federation alliance to triumph over the Dominion in the finale of DS9, Sisko was summoned to the Celestial Temple to impart his service to the Bajoran Prophets. The portrayal of Sisko was expertly executed by actor Avery Brooks, renowned for his portrayal of the leading character in A Man Called Hawk. The decision to present Sisko with a clean-shaven face and a full head of hair in the initial three seasons of DS9 was made to establish a distinct differentiation between the character and his previous role in Hawk.

19 Nana Visitor as Major Kira Nerys

Major Kira Nerys, a former Bajoran resistance fighter, served as Sisko's second-in-command on Deep Space Nine, creating an intriguing dynamic for Star Trek: DS9. Kira prioritized the interests of the Bajorans, resulting in conflicts with Starfleet. She confronted her past in the Bajoran resistance, facing Cardassian war criminals and clashing with former colleagues who opposed the Federation's plans for Bajor. Utilizing her experience in guerrilla warfare, Kira played a pivotal role in empowering the Cardassians against the Dominion, thereby crucially contributing to the war's resolution. Portrayed by Nana Visitor, Kira's portrayal marked her return to a leading role in an ongoing TV series after her appearance in Working Girl in 1990.

18 Colm Meaney as Chief Miles O'Brien

17 Terry Farrell as Lt. Jadzia Dax

Colm Meaney portrayed the role of Chief Miles O'Brien in Star Trek: The Next Generation for six seasons before transitioning to Deep Space Nine. O'Brien's involvement in the Cardassian border wars made him an ideal character for the heightened focus on the Cardassian and Bajoran conflict in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His preconceived notions against the Cardassians were utilized against him in several DS9 episodes, notably "Tribunal," where he was falsely accused of being a Maquis traitor. Throughout his time on DS9, O'Brien endured severe physical and psychological torment, encountering the brutal realities of the Dominion War. After enduring numerous hardships, it comes as no surprise that he ultimately chose to pursue a position at Starfleet Academy upon the conclusion of DS9.

Lt. Jadzia Dax became a Trill host by merging with the Dax symbiont after the previous host, Curzon, passed away. Curzon, who had mentored the young Benjamin Sisko, had a close bond with Jadzia, leading Sisko to affectionately call her "old man." Jadzia not only inherited Curzon's friendship with Sisko but also his deep admiration for the three Klingon warriors Kor (John Collicos), Koloth (William Campbell), and Kang (Michael Ansara). Her affinity for Klingon culture allowed her to form a strong connection with her future husband, Lt. Commander Worf (Michael Dorn), when he joined the crew of the station. Tragically, their relationship came to an end when Jadzia Dax was killed in the season 6 finale of DS9. After her time on DS9, Terry Farrell went on to portray Reggie in the Ted Danson sitcom Becker.

16 Alexander Siddig as Doctor Julian Bashir

Alexander Siddig, the nephew of actor Malcolm McDowell from Star Trek Generations, achieved his breakthrough by portraying Dr. Julian Bashir in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Bashir, a young and ambitious Starfleet medic, developed a captivating bond with the enigmatic Cardassian tailor due to his obsession with spy fiction. Although the character initially faced obstacles, viewers grew fond of him. Later on, it was revealed that Julian was an illegal Augment. However, the sacrifice of his father, Richard Bashir (portrayed by Brian George), granted him the opportunity to stay in Starfleet. Bashir's world took a dark turn when the covert Section 31 of Starfleet attempted to recruit him, leaving him both horrified and grimly fascinated by their immoral methods of protecting the Federation. Following the conclusion of Deep Space Nine, Alexander Siddig went on to showcase his talent in other renowned genre shows such as 24, Game of Thrones, and Gotham.

15 Rene Auberjonois as Constable Odo

Constable Odo, portrayed by Rene Auberjonois, was a Changeling on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He took part in orchestrating the war against the Federation, which ultimately made him an enemy of his own people. Section 31 utilized Odo to distribute a genocidal weapon aimed at annihilating the Dominion threat, leaving Doctor Bashir and the crew of Deep Space Nine utterly horrified. Despite this turmoil, Odo eventually returned home, intending to impart the positive lessons he had gleaned from his years among the "Solids" and his profound relationship with Kira. Auberjonois, esteemed for his collaborations with filmmaker Robert Altman on renowned films like M*A*S*H and McCabe & Mrs. Miller, also portrayed himself in Altman's satirical depiction of Hollywood, The Player.

14 Armin Shimerman as Quark

13 Michael Dorn as Lt. Commander Worf

Having initially attempted to introduce the Ferengi as the new adversary in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Armin Shimerman was cast as Quark. However, it was soon realized that the Ferengi could be more effectively portrayed as a slightly amusing satire of capitalist greed. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine went on to produce the most compelling Ferengi episodes in the entire Star Trek franchise. This achievement can be attributed to Shimerman and his portrayal of Quark, along with his Star Trek Ferengi family, who played a pivotal role in bringing Deep Space Nine to life as a prosperous commercial center and a strategically important Starfleet location. While Shimerman portrayed Quark in the final seasons of DS9, he also simultaneously took on the role of Principal Snyder in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The fourth season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine served as a pivotal moment for the series, as it marked the fracture between the alliance of the Federation and the Klingon Empire. This significant turning point led to the introduction of Lt. Commander Worf, portrayed by Michael Dorn, who was previously seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Worf's storyline in DS9 surpassed that of TNG, as he experienced a blossoming romance, a marriage, and gained valuable insights on leadership under the guidance of Captain Benjamin Sisko. Concluding DS9 as a Federation ambassador, Worf's return in the third season of Star Trek: Picard revealed that he was ill-suited for diplomatic roles. In addition to his role in DS9, Michael Dorn reprised his character of Worf in one more TNG film, and also took on the role of the President of the United States in the second season of Heroes.

12 Nicole de Boer as Ensign Ezri Dax

Nicole de Boer took over from Terry Farrell as Ezri, the new host for the Dax symbiont in the seventh season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Prior to this role, de Boer had appeared in The Cube in 1997, but Ezri Dax marked her first significant television role. Unlike the confident Jadzia, Ezri was not a willing host and initially lacked self-assurance. However, with the support of the DS9 crew, she gradually became more comfortable with herself. By the end of the series, Ezri was romantically involved with Dr. Bashir, bringing closure to Julian's unrequited love for Jadzia.

11 Marc Alaimo as Gul Dukat

Marc Alaimo's influence on the design of the Cardassians in Star Trek is widely recognized, particularly in their debut episode of TNG titled "The Wounded". Throughout Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the character Dukat played a pivotal role in overseeing the Cardassian occupation of Bajor during its final days. His complex character arc spanned the entire series as he betrayed his own people to the Dominion, reclaimed Deep Space Nine for Cardassia, and ultimately succumbed to madness due to grief. Dukat's ultimate plan to annihilate Bajor involved unleashing the malevolent pah-Wraiths, but his scheme was thwarted by Sisko, who sacrificed his own life in the process. Prior to his role in Star Trek, Alaimo also appeared in notable films such as Total Recall and Tango and Cash.

10 Andrew Robinson as Elim Garak

9 Cirroc Lofton as Jake Sisko

Another adversary of Gul Dukat was Elim Garak, the resident tailor and spymaster of Deep Space Nine. Garak incurred Dukat's hatred by being held accountable for his father's death, as Dukat believed that Garak had betrayed him to the secretive Obsidian Order. Despite his exile from Cardassia, Garak found solace in his strong friendship with Dr. Julian Bashir, whose unwavering loyalty supported Garak through his challenging times. In the thrilling conclusion of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Garak's pivotal role in liberating Cardassia from the Dominion finally earned him favor with the government. Andrew Robinson is renowned for his portrayal of Larry in Hellraiser and also for his portrayal of the Scorpio killer in the timeless Clint Eastwood movie Dirty Harry.

Jake Sisko, the son of Benjamin, maintained a close bond with his father throughout Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Initially aspiring to be a writer, Jake's ambitions shifted after the Dominion War, leading him to pursue a career as a reporter instead. Despite the Cardassians reclaiming DS9, Jake chose to stay on the station and actively participate in the Federation-Klingon war. Additionally, he formed a tight friendship with Nog, Quark's nephew, and DS9 made the wise decision to send Nog to Starfleet Academy instead of Jake. Cirroc Lofton currently hosts The 7th Rule: A Star Trek Podcast, which he co-hosted alongside Aron Eisenberg, the actor who played Nog, until his unfortunate passing in 2019.

8 Penny Johnson Jerald as Kasidy Yates-Sisko

Benjamin Sisko's wife, Kasidy Yates, served as a freighter captain and was also the mother of their second child. Their relationship faced considerable challenges, including Kasidy's imprisonment for smuggling and the turmoil of the Dominion War. It is likely that their bond also endured the events of Captain Sisko's departure from Kasidy, their son Jake, and their unborn child, as he embarked on a journey to the Celestial Temple in the conclusion of Star Trek: DS9. Penny Johnson Jerald, known for her role in the acclaimed series The Larry Sanders Show, joined DS9 and later portrayed the manipulative Sherry Palmer in 24. She later returned to the realm of science fiction, assuming the character of Dr. Claire Finn in Seth MacFarlane's The Orville.

7 Aron Eisenberg as Nog

Nog holds the distinction of being the inaugural Ferengi to join Starfleet, inspired by both Sisko and O'Brien. His induction occurred while the Dominion War raged, leading to his obligatory enlistment in the conflict. Unfortunately, Nog sustained severe injuries, resulting in the loss of a leg and triggering feelings of withdrawal and depression. Fortunately, intervention from the holographic lounge singer, Vic Fontaine (James Darren), proved pivotal in guiding Nog away from the edge in "It's Only a Paper Moon," widely regarded as one of Star Trek's finest holodeck episodes. Eisenberg tragically passed away in 2019, but his Seventh Rule podcasts with Cirroc Lofton serve as a touching tribute to his most significant and beloved role throughout his career.

6 Max Grodénchik as Rom

Nog's father Rom revolutionized the Ferengi society by becoming the first to advocate for unionization in the beloved Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Bar Association," igniting a strike among the staff at Quark's Bar. Rom's progressive ideals extended beyond traditional Ferengi norms as he promoted equal rights, fair treatment for workers, and respect for women. Consequently, his elevation to the esteemed role of Grand Nagus in the conclusion of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine showcased a remarkable and uplifting development. Excitingly, Max Grodénchik is expected to reprise his portrayal of Rom in an upcoming episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4.

5 Chase Masterson as Leeta

Chase Masterson portrayed Leeta, a Bajoran dabo girl who became Rom's future wife. Prior to her role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Masterson had appeared in popular television shows such as ER and Sliders. Leeta captured the attention of both Doctor Lewis Zimmerman, played by Robert Picardo, and Doctor Julian Bashir during her time on the series. Nevertheless, it was Rom whom she found true love with, and together they enjoyed a blissful life on Ferenginar. Fans can anticipate seeing Leeta in Lower Decks season 4, as glimpsed in the trailer showcased at San Diego Comic-Con 2023.

4 Rosalind Chao as Keiko O'Brien

Chief Miles O'Brien's spouse, Keiko, also made the transition from Star Trek: The Next Generation to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In DS9, Keiko was involved in intriguing storylines, including a complex situation surrounding a surrogate baby involving herself, Miles, and Kira. Furthermore, she played a crucial role in supporting Miles as he endured various psychological traumas on DS9, actively working to clear his name with the Cardassians. Ultimately, Keiko departed DS9 alongside Miles, seeking a potentially less stressful life on Earth in the Deep Space Nine finale.

3 J.G. Hertzler as General Martok

During the Dominion War, General Martok from Star Trek: DS9 was one of the characters impersonated by Changelings. The Changeling version of Martok played a crucial role in persuading Chancellor Gowron to launch an offensive in season 4 of DS9. After the real Martok was rescued and returned to the Klingon Empire, he gained recognition as a war hero and found himself in a power struggle with Gowron. This tense rivalry tested the loyalties of Worf, who ultimately aligned himself with Martok and even earned an Ambassador position as a result. Prior to his portrayal of Martok, J.G. Hertzler made appearances on shows like Seinfeld, Diagnosis Murder, and The New Adventures of Superman as a guest star.

2 Salome Jens as The Female Changeling

Salome Jens, known for her role as Martha Kent in the short-lived Superboy series, garnered an extensive list of credits prior to her appearance in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In the iconic series, Jens portrayed the Female Changeling, serving as the Dominion's spokesperson. Despite numerous attempts to entice Odo back to the Great Link, the Female Changeling consistently failed. Operating as a relentless tyrant, her ultimate ambition was to dominate all solid life forms and impose order upon the universe. Her nefarious plan almost came to fruition, were it not for the valiant efforts of the DS9 crew and their loyal allies.

1 Jeffrey Combs as Weyoun

Jeffrey Combs is widely recognized for his remarkable performances in various characters within the Star Trek franchise, but his portrayal of Weyoun in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine stands out as truly iconic. Weyoun, a member of the Vorta clone species, was entrusted by the Female Changeling as the sole solid being she relied on. As a despicable and arrogantly cunning antagonist in Star Trek, Weyoun met his demise when he shamelessly reveled in the immense loss of life during the liberation of Cardassia, only to be swiftly gunned down by Garak. Combs continues to contribute to the Star Trek universe to this day, now showcasing his talent as the Andorian Commander Shran in Star Trek: Enterprise and as Agimus in Star Trek: Lower Decks.