Ensign Chekov

One of the first statements of the young Pavel Chekov when joining the bridge crew in the second season is "I'm not that green." Indeed Chekov, despite his youth, is an officer confident in his duties and extremely loyal to his captain and ship.

Although he is positioned as Navigator, Chekov is also competent in the field of science. Mr. Spock educates the officer in scientific duties. Able to think with both his reason and his heart, Chekov possesses some of the best qualities of both Spock and Dr. McCoy, who each worry that the other is contaminating Chekov. In the Star Trek films, he has switched to the field of security. Chekov proves handy on away missions because of his keen mind and hand-to-hand combat skills. Unfortunately, the ensign is usually the one to be attacked by whatever forces of evil are lurking around in the episode or film (if there aren't any redshirts around).

Chekov is Russian, as one can note from his distinct accent and frequent references to his culture. One the original series's many running jokes is Chekov's "Such and such was invented by a Russian," even though it usually wasn't. Asides from this gag, Chekov provides quite a bit of humor in the series, making quirky remarks to help him cope with the unusual situations the Enterprise encounters each day.

Chekov has a several romances throughout the series. A brief relationship with Yeoman Martha Landon is shown in "The Apple." In "The Way to Eden," Chekov meets up with an old flame, Irina Galliun, who has joined a group of radicals who reject the technological world of the 23rd century. Bound by his duties to Starfleet, he cannot join Irina despite his affection for her. In "Spectre of the Gun," Chekov falls for Sylvia, but believes her to be, like the rest of the Old West in this episode, an illusion. Nevertheless, he's not afraid of fighting to defend her.

A woman is not the only thing Chekov fights to defend. When the Klingon commander insults his captain and his ship in "The Trouble With Tribbles," Chekov's ready to go at him (Scotty holds him back however, only seconds later to start a brawl himself). Chekov is always brave in the face of danger (screaming excepted) and has no reservations about tackling enemies twice his size.

It is clear that the young Chekov is a loyal, brave, and competent officer.