Captain James T. Kirk

Captain James Tiberius Kirk is the classic definition of 'hero.' He is courageous, intelligent, loyal to his friends, ship, and crew, and isn't afraid to defy authority and take matters into his own hands. He does have a sensitive side, and displays a great sense of compassion and understanding on many occasions.

Sporting one of his infamous ripped shirts. Kirk's bravery and skill in battle is demonstrated on many occasions, whether commanding his ship, formulating plans, or fighting hand-to-hand. In episodes such as "The Corbomite Maneuver" and "Balance of Terror", the Enterprise is victorious in battle mainly due to Kirk's skilled command. His intelligence allows him to outwit formidable opponents such as the Klingon dictator Kor in "Errand of Mercy" and the genetically engineered superhuman Khan in "Space Seed" and again in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. He even outsmarts computers like Landru and M5. Kirk goes all out in hand-to-hand combat, which occurs frequently and usually results in an unconscious opponent and a ripped shirt.

As the captain of a Federation flagship, it is Kirk's duty to represent the United Federation of Planets and carry out their orders. He is prepared to make sacrifices for his duty, but he will defy the institution if he finds his orders morally objectionable. Unafraid to fight for the greater good, Kirk liberates civilizations from the control of supercomputers, evil dictators, and mind-altering spores.

However, Kirk's major instances of defiance often spring from his loyalty to his friends. In "Amok Time", Kirk takes Spock to Vulcan hoping to save his life, thus defying orders to be present at ceremony on Altar VI. His biggest sacrifice is made in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock when he risks not only himself and his career in Starfleet but his ship, his crew, and his son's life for the glimmer of hope that Spock might still be alive.

Kirk often acts as a mediator between the cool, rational Spock and the easy-going, sentimental McCoy. He is close friends with both of them, and can appreciate their unique qualities.

A sense of humor helps Kirk cope with the pressures of command. Relationships seem to have been formed with a number of women as well. Contrary to popular belief, Kirk doesn't get involved with a woman in every episode. This only occurs every second episode or so. He is married for one episode. Kirk is quite the charmer, but he shows a degree of understanding and respect towards woman. His relationship with Carol Marcus, who appears in the second film, is not previously shown. One can assume they were quite involved because of the existence of Kirk's son David. Even though he could not emotionally support his son during the boy's upbringing, Kirk does avenge David's death in Search for Spock.

As great a captain as he is, Kirk's position often puts a strain on his personal life. He sometimes feels he'll never know true love for a woman because of his devotion for his ship, as seen in The Naked Time. Kirk indeed has vulnerabilities, but Bones and Spock are there to give emotional support on occasions when Kirk finds himself doubting his abilities and decisions.

As a commander, friend, lover, and father, Kirk constantly rises to nearly impossible challenges and does it with passion and enthusiasm.