Star Trek Guide for Newbies Part 3

Part one of my guide focused on an overview of the five series as well as a small dictionary of common terms specific to the Star Trek Universe. In the second installment I explained some of the commonly occurring species that populate the Star Trek universe.

In this third installment I will give you a brief overview of some of the main characters in two of the five Star Trek series: Enterprise and the Next Generation.

Enterprise

Captain archer: Captain of the first starship Enterprise. A major player in the development of the warp 5 program (the first speed that makes deep space travel worthwhile.) His father was fundamental in the development of warp travel in general.

Sub-commander T'Pol: A Vulcan advisor assigned to Enterprise. In this Era there is quite a bit of tension between the Vulcans and the Humans so her assignment is originally not well accepted. Over time T'Pol adjusts to her assignment and eventually becomes an integral and well liked part of the crew.

Lieutenant Reed: Enterprises's armory/tactical officer. He is British in origin and comes from a long line of Royal Navy officers.

Ensign Mayweather: Enterprise's pilot. Before joining Star Fleet he worked/lived on a transport vessel owned and run by his family.

Commander Tran: A recurring alien character. Sometimes he is an enemy, sometimes he is a friend, and sometimes it's not clear.

The Next Generation

Captain Picard: Captain of the Enterprise. A skilled diplomat, scientist, and archeologist as well as an excellent military leader.

Commander Riker: The first officer of this eras Enterprise. Friendly, out going, and quite a ladies man. Also known for his love of poker.

Data: An android who, despite all his awesome abilities, spends much of his time trying to be more human. Close friends with Geordi La Forge

Beverly Crusher: The Enterprise's chief medical officer. She is also Captain Picard's close friend and on again off again love interest as well as Wesley Crusher's mother.

Wesley Crusher: A teenage boy living/working on the Enterprise. His intelligence and creativity is most notable in the fact that he repeatedly outshines most of the older, more experienced officers.

Geordi La Forge: The Enterprise's chief engineer. Born blind, he requires a device called a VISOR to see.

Councilor Troy: The Enterprises head councilor/therapist. Since she is half human and half betazoid she posses some degree empathic telepathy (the ability to sense other people's emotions)

Worf: A Klingon raised by humans, Worf is the Enterprises security/tactical officer. Worf is often caught between two worlds as he lives and works with humans while still trying to retain his Klingon Heritage.