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

As a character, Data has the most room to grow at the beginning of the series. He is an android who is striving to become human. He’s Pinocchio! Sure, it’s an old trope, but it’s played to perfection throughout the series.

Like Worf, Data is constantly trying to find his place in the world. However, Data is lacking any cultural touchstones to guide him. Besides Lore, who’s a maniac, Data is the only member of his species. So, he has to make up his culture as he goes.

Despite having no emotion, Data is the most creative character on the show. He’s an excellent painter, musician, and a so-so poet. (see Ode to Spot)

Much of Data’s story is a constant journey to grow and become more human. Yet, in a lot of instances, Data displays some of the most human characteristics on the show. He’s curious, he has a desire to create and explore, and he’s constantly striving for self-improvement.

All that plus Data is at the center of some of the best episodes in the series. An especially good one is when Data loses his memory and is stranded on a planet with an Iron Age society. Data spends most of the time schooling villagers on the scientific method. Then, he sacrifices himself to save the village from radiation poisoning.

The crew of the Enterprise rescues and revives him, but this is just a window into Data’s character. He’s always willing to sacrifice for the greater good. He represents the highest aspirations of what it means to be a Starfleet officer.