Since its debut in 1966, Star Trek has singlehandedly redefined the sci-fi genre by introducing audiences to a myriad of memorable and dynamic characters from across the galaxy. From the most menacing aliens, like the Klingons, to the most humble humans, like Captain Janeway, Star Trek has created a handful of fun, diverse, and even respected characters over its various seasons.
In a world full of countless Starfleet captains and Federation leaders, gaining respect is not an easy task, yet some characters have gone above and beyond, gaining respect not only from within the universe but from fans as well.
10 Worf was the first Klingon to join Starfleet
Since Worf's debut, he's been a pariah both as a Starfleet officer and as a Klingon warrior. But it is for this reason that he is so respected by the Federation and, to an extent, by the Klingons. He was the first Klingon to join Starfleet, setting a precedent for future Klingons and other aliens to join.
As an officer, he's made a distinguished career for himself, ascending to the rank of lieutenant commander. But as a Starfleet officer, he's tried to infuse his Klingon heritage and customs into his work, balancing his past with his present. Though puzzling at times, his fellow Klingon and Starfleet personnel value his commitment toward bridging the gap between the two cultures.
9 Kirk performed many historical & perilous deeds throughout his time as captain
Although Kirk wasn't as great of a captain as some others, his adventures, deeds, and commitment to the Federation have earned him much respect. Simply put, he's done some great things for the Federation as a Starfleet captain.
He's made first contact with countless new and strange aliens while commanding the Enterprise, he's stood toe to toe with many hostile aliens, including the Romulans and the Klingons, and he's overseen some very important events (in some cases even caused them, like being the first person to pass the Kobayashi Maru test). Most captains could only ever dream of having the career that Kirk had.
8 Seven of Nine readjusted to her new life away from the Borg collective
Seven of Nine was a human who was assimilated into the Borg collective at the age of six. Up until she was freed from the collective by the USS Voyager, she had no memory nor connection to her life as a human; she had never even seen Earth before. But despite this, she decided to join the USS Voyager's crew and assist them with their journey back to Earth.
Adjusting to a new and foreign life is not an easy task, but Seven of Nine faced these challenges head-on. Her determination and will to try to re-assimilate into the humanoid world has gained her much respect from the Voyager crew and from the Federation back on Earth.
7 Jadzia Dax has gained a notable reputation in her previous lives amongst both the Klingons & the Federation
Jadzia Dax was a trill who was the Dax symbiont's eighth host. Because of her previous lives, she's retained all the memories, skills, and notoriety of all her previous hosts. Her past hosts had great, fulfilling, and notable lives, but Curzon (the previous host) helped Jadzia gain much respect, particularly from Starfleet and from the Klingons.
Curzon worked as a reputable ambassador for the Federation, dealing mostly with the Klingons. As an ambassador, he became well versed in Klingon culture and many Klingons soon came to respect the old man.
6 Sarek had a very successful career in the Federation as an ambassador
Sarek, better known as Sybok and Spock's father, was a Vulcan ambassador for the Federation; he was also a representative on the Federation council. Throughout his career, Sarek strived to promote peace throughout the galaxy by hosting peace events, debates, and gatherings between many different aliens species.
Although he and Spock never saw eye to eye on many things, he deeply loved and respected his son and wished to make amends with him later in his life. Though this effort was only really noticed by his wife and Picard (who had mind-melded with), this act alone shows how honorable and respectable Sarek was as a Vulcan, a mediator, and a father.
5 Benjamin Sisko was the Emissary of the Prophets to the Bajoran people
In DS9's premiere episode, Benjamin Sisko is told that he is the Emissary of the Prophets by Kai Opaka. The Emissary is a religious leader who has the ability to communicate directly with the Bajoran gods. And according to Bajoran religious texts, the Emissary would be the one to save the Bajoran people, and Bajor, from the Cardassians by finding the Celestial Temple.
Although reluctant to accept the title, he takes on the role of Emissary, gaining much respect from the Bajoran people, as they consider him a messenger and sacrificial lamb. Sisko also gains much respect from Starfleet and the Federation as he is DS9's commander, the stronghold which protects the tactically significant Bajoran wormhole. Sisko's job was never easy, but he was able to handle the task honorably and diligently.
4 Data's sheer existence has gained him a renowned status across the galaxy
Data was one of the most unique creatures in the universe as he was a sentient android capable of processing countless calculations within seconds. Everything about his design was nearly flawless. But besides being a walking-talking supercomputer, his body was created with polyalloys and metallic substances, making him sturdier and stronger than most other androids.
He was a valuable member of Starfleet and a quintessential officer aboard the Enterprise. Though he can be quite de-attached at times, his loyalty and curiosity have earned him much respect from his fellow crewmates. His deeds, achievements, and capabilities have even earned him respect from the Klingons, as seen in "The Chase."
3 Christopher Pike is perhaps one of the most distinguished, noble, & honorable officers in all of Starfleet
Pike had two notable identifiers. First, he was the Enterprise's captain before Kirk took over, and second, after a terrible accident, he was left disfigured and seemingly confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. What made Pike so likable was that he was essentially a better version of Kirk. He was thoughtful and cared deeply about his crew, he wasn't perfect and often reflected on his experiences, plus he strived to do his best to help others.
Because of these traits, he became a distinguished captain, and later fleet captain, in Starfleet. He earned so much respect from others that even Spock, his former science officer, risked his own life to get Pike to Talos IV.
2 Picard had a remarkable career in Starfleet
Picard had a remarkable career in Starfleet that was unpredictable, exciting, and to an extent, tragic. Originally from France, he left his family vineyard to join Starfleet. While in Starfleet, Picard quickly ascended the ranks due to his bravery, loyalty, and his tendency to take risks. He was also one of the youngest to gain the rank of captain.
But besides Starfleet, Picard has also dealt with many tragedies in his life. From witnessing the death of Jack Crusher to becoming assimilated into the Borg collective, Picard's life is far from perfect. But despite it all, Picard still manages to persevere, gaining much respect from those around him.
1 Spock was a legendary figure in the Star Trek Universe
Spock has really become the sole symbol of the Star Trek universe and it seems as though the entire franchise revolves around him, and for good reason. Not only is he an amazing Starfleet officer but he's a great character with some great development. He started off as a quiet logic-minded officer but soon turned into a loyal and trustworthy ambassador for the Federation.
Additionally, what fans and other characters love so much about Spock is his relatability. Though not everyone is as logic-minded as him, everyone understands him, his struggles, and his goals. The need to fit into a culture/society, the urge to explore, and the desire to make a meaningful life for oneself are things that many, fictional or not, strive towards.