Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Ranking Every Major Character Worst To Best

Colonel Kira Nerys was the second in command of Deep Space Nine under Captain Sisko, taking over command after Sisko was lost. In seven seasons, she went from a struggling former terrorist to a leader with calm, gravitas and ultimate control.

Kira's journey is the true spine of Deep Space Nine. The show was built on the fact that Bajor was being tested for entry into the Federation. Kira was vehemently against this at the beginning, unable to reconcile the fact that Starfleet may simply be the latest version of the Cardassians, coming back to take their freedom from them.

Her gradual acceptance of Starfleet came in stages. When Sisko struggled to understand the position of the Maquis, Kira slapped him in the face with reality. They later spoke of their difficulty in accepting each other as Sisko was a religious icon in Kira's faith, one that left her uncomfortable around him.

Watching Nana Visitor take this role and build it into one of the strongest examples of female characterization in the franchise, while losing none of the vulnerability that she brought to the role is truly staggering. She acts each scene as a professional, bringing a maturity and grace to the role.

The show never shies away from the fact that Kira is a former terrorist, delving deep into the responsibilities for her crimes. She is held to task on more than one occasion, showing no remorse for doing what had to be done. This was a risky move for a television show in the '90s - and it paid off perfectly.