The Ultimate Ranking of the Top 10 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' Characters

Star Trek owes its success and evolution to Star Trek: The Next Generation. This series shattered the notion that the compelling exploits of Starfleet officers were exclusively reserved for Kirk, Spock, and the U.S.S. Enterprise crew. Set a century after their time, the intrepid crew of the Enterprise-D fearlessly embarked on new adventures.

The tremendous popularity of The Next Generation propelled the creation of additional spin-offs set in the same era, four movies showcasing the beloved Next Generation cast, and even a direct sequel called Star Trek: Picard. Consequently, the crew of the Enterprise-D achieved the same level of iconic status as their predecessors.

Star Trek: The Next Generation takes place approximately a century after the completion of Captain Kirk's 5-year expedition. Embarking on their unique quest to explore uncharted territories, a fresh cohort of Starfleet officers commences their journey aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D, determined to venture where no one has ever ventured before.

10. Lieutenant Tasha Yar

Played by Denise Crosby

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Denise Crosby played the role of Tasha Yar, a character whose life was marked by tragedy. She grew up on a planet plagued by violent gangs and tragically lost her parents at a young age. Seeking solace and a new purpose, Tasha left her distressing home planet and joined Starfleet. She eventually became the Chief of Security aboard the Enterprise. Sadly, her tenure on the starship was short-lived, as she met her untimely demise at the hands of the powerful alien Armus, less than a year into their mission.

9. Ensign Wesley Crusher

Yar's presence in just 24 episodes did not hinder her from proving herself as a dedicated and competent officer. Her influence on her fellow officers endured for many years, as Data fondly reminisced about their one-night romantic encounter nearly four decades later.

Played by Wil Wheaton

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Upon his arrival at the Enterprise alongside his mother, Wesley Crusher (played by Wil Wheaton) exhibited an impressive level of intellect as a precocious teenager. Due to his unwavering dedication to the ship, he was granted the role of Acting Ensign and eventually promoted to manning the helm through a field commission.

Wesley became a relatable character for numerous young Star Trek enthusiasts, serving as a point of view. Despite his geeky yet charming intelligence and enthusiasm, Wesley ultimately departed from the Enterprise to join the Travelers – a collective committed to safeguarding the fundamental structure of space and time.

8. Counselor Deanna Troi

Played by Marina Sirtis

Deanna Troi possessed empathic abilities due to her Betazoid lineage. These powers proved invaluable in her role, as she provided guidance to the crew during emotional challenges and served as a trusted advisor to Captain Picard. Alongside her professional responsibilities, Troi frequently grappled with her domineering mother and the complexities of her past romance with Commander Riker.

Troi's empathetic nature earned her the trust of the entire crew, making her a valued confidant. She showcased an array of unexpected qualities, such as her enthusiasm for assuming the role of the enigmatic, shotgun-wielding stranger Durango in Worf and his son's Western-themed Holodeck program. Additionally, Troi was not averse to indulging in revelry alongside Zephram Cochrane, the renowned creator of Warp Drive, by partaking in an evening of intoxication.

7. Lieutenant Commander Geordi LaForge

Played by LeVar Burton

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Geordi LaForge began his career on the Enterprise-D as a helmsman before swiftly climbing the ranks to become Chief Engineer. Despite being blind since birth, LaForge relied on a remarkable VISOR device that granted him the ability to perceive various spectrums, including infrared and ultraviolet. Data, his closest companion on the ship, often played the role of Watson to LaForge's Holmes during their adventures on the Holodeck.

LaForge's knowledge and familiarity with the intricacies of the Enterprise-D were unparalleled, demonstrated by his remarkable achievement of recreating the ship's crash after 25 years. Even Montgomery Scott, renowned for his engineering prowess, was impressed by LaForge's exceptional abilities in this field.

6. Lieutenant Worf

Played by Michael Dorn

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Worf, originally a Klingon orphan raised by Humans, served as a powerful symbol of the alliance between the Klingons and the Federation. Following the untimely demise of Yar, he stepped into her role as the Security Chief. However, Worf's unwavering commitment to Klingon customs often clashed with his Starfleet career, most notably when he took revenge against Duras, the perpetrator responsible for the assassination of Worf's beloved partner.

5. Doctor Beverly Crusher

Worf's unwavering sense of honor led to the development of a close relationship with Deanna, despite his prickly demeanor. Additionally, he briefly engaged in a romantic relationship with her. Throughout his time on the Enterprise-D and later on Deep Space Nine, Worf earned deep respect from both crews.

Played by Gates McFadden

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Beverly Crusher held the position of Chief Medical Officer aboard the Enterprise. As the late best friend's widow, she carried an unaddressed romantic tension with Picard throughout their tenure. In addition to her role as a dedicated single parent to her exceptionally intelligent child, Wesley, Crusher faced the challenges of tending to the various medical ailments of the crew. Notably, she played a vital role in rescuing Picard from the Borg. Furthermore, Crusher assumed the responsibility of a night officer on the bridge, serving as one of Picard's trusted confidants among the crew.

4. Guinan

Played by Whoopi Goldberg

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Guinan, the bartender in Ten Forward, was an El-Aurian who had lived for centuries. Her connection with Picard began when she encountered the time-traveling Captain in 19th-century San Francisco. Due to her extensive lifespan, Guinan provided the crew with a unique and valuable viewpoint.

3. Commander William Riker

Guinan's character was intricate. In spite of her outwardly serene demeanor, her intense aversion towards Q and the Borg strongly influenced her decisions. Although she held the official role of a bartender onboard the ship, her wise counsel was highly regarded in all matters, be it addressing the Borg threat or grappling with the trial concerning Data's humanity.

Played by Jonathan Frakes

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William Riker effortlessly embodied the role of the daring and charming adventurer, much like Kirk. With a deep appreciation for jazz and the fairer sex, Riker had a remarkably warm rapport with the crew, in stark contrast to the reserved nature of Picard. As a loyal First Officer, he declined numerous opportunities for promotion to the rank of Captain, unwilling to settle for a vessel he deemed inferior to the esteemed Enterprise.

The Earth owes much to Riker's indomitable leadership, as it was his unwavering determination that prevented the Borg from conquering our planet. Had it not been for his invaluable contributions, Picard's assimilation by the Borg would have been permanent. Riker's presence was so formidable that it transcended the boundaries of a single individual, resulting in the emergence of an identical duplicate named Thomas following a transporter mishap.

2. Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Played by Patrick Stewart

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Renowned as a diplomat, scholar, and explorer, Jean-Luc Picard stemmed from a lineage of esteemed French winemakers. Although the path of archeology beckoned, his fascination with the cosmos propelled him to embrace a stellar voyage. Despite his occasionally reserved demeanor, particularly towards children, Picard commanded unwavering respect from his crew and forged meaningful connections with each member.

Picard's exceptional captaincy would elevate him to the status of a renowned figure, akin to Captain Kirk's legendary reputation. Leading his crew through countless treacherous clashes and initial encounters with extraterrestrial civilizations, Picard's adeptness resulted in his crew's remarkable accomplishments.

1. Lieutenant Commander Data

Played by Brent Spiner

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Content Data, the most advanced android ever created, possessed an exceptional positronic brain that proved invaluable to the Enterprise. However, his quest to comprehend humanity consumed a significant portion of his existence. Hindered by his inability to experience emotions, Data grappled with comprehending the sentient beings surrounding him.

In a battle for recognition as an individual, Data confronted Starfleet's assertion that he was their possession. He fiercely confronted and neutralized his malevolent duplicate, Lore. Eventually, he made the ultimate sacrifice, rescuing the entire Enterprise crew.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I grew up watching reruns of Star Trek: The Next Generation with my parents. I loved the show's optimistic vision of the future, and I was inspired by the characters' courage and dedication to their mission.

My favorite character was Data, the android who was trying to understand what it means to be human. I found his journey relatable, as I was also trying to figure out my place in the world. I also loved the character of Seven of Nine, who was a former Borg drone who was trying to reconnect with her humanity. I thought her story was a powerful reminder that even the most damaged people can be redeemed.

Overall, I think Star Trek: The Next Generation is a great show that has a lot to offer viewers of all ages. It's a show about hope, courage, and the power of friendship. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to grow up watching it.