10 best Star Trek characters (and the worst one that everyone loves to hate)

9. Worf

The only Klingon to don a Starfleet uniform, Worf clocks in at the ninth spot on my personal list. The back-and-forth between his warrior roots and his disciplined Starfleet upbringing is a rare show of emotional complexity for a Klingon about the struggle of blending two worlds that could not be more different. That inner game of tug-of-war delivers some of the best drama in the series.

But let’s not forget Worf’s ironclad sense of honor and loyalty. These aren’t just words he likes to claim, they’re the actual backbone of his persona. Whether it’s standing by his friends or coming to terms with tough moral decisions, Worf is always interesting and entertaining to watch. If you ever find yourself caught between a phaser and a hard place, this is the guy you’d want on your team.

8. Elim Garak

Elim Garak, the very interesting and fun Cardassian tailor from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, is often hailed as one of the franchise’s most intriguing characters, and for very good reasons.

Garak’s multi-layered character, perfectly brought to life by Andrew Robinson, is an ongoing existence made out of fun contradictions: he’s both charming and dangerous, honest and deceptive, vulnerable and resilient. While he often presents himself as a simple tailor, his history with the Cardassian intelligence and the demons that lurk in his past never truly leave him.

Garak’s interactions, especially with Dr. Julian Bashir, teach us a lesson about the nature of loyalty, identity, and the moral complexities of espionage. With a backstory as intense as any of the clothing he makes, Garak’s character tells a narrative that captivates fans, making him a standout in the vast Star Trek universe. Also, he’s hilarious.