Star Trek: The Next Generation - Ranking Every Major Character Worst To Best

We all like to think that if we got our chance at Starfleet Academy we’d come out resembling Riker or Picard. But, really, most of us would be more like Barclay. And that’s what makes Barclay such a great character!

Barclay is a basket-case. He has no confidence, he’s afraid of his own shadow, and he’s crippled by neurosis. Barclay doesn’t belong anywhere near a Federation Starship. And, yet there he is. Working with La Forge and Data. Being talked down to by Wesely, a literal child.

But, he holds his own. He even saves the day a few times. As a character, he represents a struggle we all have to deal with- self-doubt. And, he overcomes it. Barclay proves we don't have to be a hero to make a difference.

And, there was that one time he turned into a spider. If that doesn’t get him in the top five, I don’t know what does.