10 Star Trek Characters With The Most Extreme Development
2. Nog
Aron Eisenberg's Nog had, arguably, the most surprising arc of any on this list. Appearing in Emissary, he was clearly identified as Quark's nephew, one caught by Odo trying to steal items from abandoned shops on the promenade. A lesser show might have forgotten him after this, but Nog, and of course his rather Rom, would go on to become major supporting characters over the course of Deep Space Nine.
Nog's striving to better himself, to push away from the expectations of Ferengi society, and join Starfleet, is one of the most emotional rides throughout the show. From his impassioned plea to Commander Sisko to sponsor his application to his struggles with his classmates, and attempts to gain the respect of the Klingons on the station, before facing the horrors of war - Nog was the everyman character who the audience could truly root for.
The loss of his leg, particularly so late in the game, was a shocking twist. Eisenberg delivered a masterclass in performance when the character returned in It's Only A Paper Moon, speaking for every person who ever faced terror and survived, only to bear those scars for the rest of their lives.
The loss of Aron was felt by so many because, with or without the lobes, he left an indelible mark on the audience. From a hissing thief in Odo's grasp to proudly bearing the rank of lieutenant in the finale, Nog's journey was one of comedy, grief, and catharsis - a beautiful thing for anyone to witness.