Strongest female character in TNG?

[Lance]

Not nearly as easy to answer as it seems.

To begin with we have to acknowledge that even in 1986, Gene Roddenberry's outdated views of women informed his decisions in creating these characters. Gene believed, for better or worse, that although future society was one of equals, he also seen women as decorative. Gene was a flawed human being.

That said, let's look at this.

Doctor Bev was written as little more than a 'satellite character' to Picard and Wesley in the early days, and although she was forthright with her opinions sometimes she was often a soothing voice. Even later on she was more or less a inoffensive character but not an exceptional one. And she never truly lost that idea (enshrinred in the series bible, no less, which basically is a couple of lines describing her "strip tease" figure ) of basically just being there for the UST with Picard and a maternal figure to Wesley. She's supposedly a medical professional, but her *function* in stories beyond being an instrument of medical science was basically to fawn over her son and have UST with the captain.

Deanna was a counsellor. Her whole schtick was to be as inoffensive as possible and make other characters feel better about themselves (admittedly she started getting better after they remembered she was supposed to be a Lt Cmdr and wrote her some good material). Luckily she didn't ever quite just become 'Riker's girlfriend', but her role was often purely functional.

Tasha Yar was in theory a strong independent female, but in practice most times she was given little chance to show it and many times the kicking ass scenes in season one went to Worf while Tasha watched from the sidelines, even before her death. A notable example is Hide and Q, where her contribution is to be relegated to a literally purposeless role without so much as getting to throw a punch while Worf gets to stay planet side and fight the animal things. A lot of that is season one though, we can't imagine how much better she might've been written later had Crosby stuck around.

Doctor Kate almost gets my vote. She's unlike any other character in Next Gen. Strong, independent, forthright almost to the point of arrogance, but steadfastly comfortable in her own skin. She's a very strong character, albeit short-lived.

Ensign Ro, again only supporting cast, but supremely strong both in characterization and acting.

Guinan, well Whoopi had the chops and often acted other cast off the screen. She stands toe to toe with Sir Patrick several times and manages to hold her own admirably where others fell short. Her speeches in The Measure of a Man and Yesterday's Enterprise alone elevate her.

So for me, it's the non-regulars who got the best characters: Pulaski, Ro and Guinan. The three 'regular' female characters each had their moments, but more often felt held back from their full potential.

But what do you lot think?

 

[Marynator]

You can tell your female character is written in a sexist way if her agency revolves around her relationships (not always sexual!) with male characters. Like you're so totally right about Beverly, she's defined by her relationships with Wesley and Jean-Luc, and Deanna is mostly about Will and Jean-Luc. And like when you have women characters talking to each other, are they talking about a man? If so that's sexism, women don't revolve around men's needs and stories. Like so many times when Beverly and Deanna are talking to each other, they're talking about a man, in so many episodes, you see it all the time.

You also don't have to have women being powerful in a masculine sense to be strong characters, she just needs to act for her own agency and purpose for an arc that's all hers. Sort of, if you could remove all your male characters from your story, and your female character would be exactly the same and her story wouldn't change at all, you know you have a strong female character.

I do feel Tasha really was pretty strong, and it's such a shame she didn't have more opportunities, but I feel she did have many. I don't feel a problem really she didn't fight enough, I don't think that makes her strong, I feel she was very confident and understood her role to let Mr Worf, her subordinate, to do physical deeds because she was secure knowing he was stronger than her physically, but she was in charge. Like I don't feel Captain Picard is less of a captain because he let Commander Riker do most of his actual work, right? Tasha's story didn't revolve around any men, she had her own goals and dreams, and her background story and everything. And like in Naked Now when she had sex with Data, she drove that herself not being sexy to try to entice him, or please him or anything, but it's something she wanted (even if inebriated, lol).

And then like when she's in Yesterday's Enterprise, she did have a sort of romance with Richard Castillo, but that like totally didn't have a driving part on her story, and really her story would've still been the same without him, he just added flavor for her. She decided she wanted to go back with the Enterprise C not because of love or romance, but because she wanted control of her own destiny, because her own personal fate was important to her, right?

And like in All Good Things, I loved that scene where Captain Picard addresses Mr Worf for security things, I just loved how Tasha speaks up and corrects him, because she knew she was Chief of Security and she asserted her own role, and again like if everyone was female it would've been just the same. I don't feel for one second Jean-Luc was being sexist, he'd just been so used to Mr Worf being his security chief for like six years, right?

Oh and I just absolutely love Guinan, she's one of my favorite characters in Star Trek. I feel it was such a brilliant decision to make the show's wisest character female, someone whom our dear Captain Picard even looks up to and defers wisdom to, right? Whoopie Goldberg was just so wonderful and delightful, she totally stole every scene she was in.

I did like Ro Laren but sometimes I felt she was sort of like one of those rebels without a cause kind of thing, like when she drifted too far away from her Bajoran activism and was just sort of angry all the time at everyone, I felt it was like a little too forced at times? I also sort of thought her story could've finished better, like her decision to join with those Maquis to me seemed too much about that guy she was viewing like a father, if he hadn't been there her story would've been different, right? So while not romance she did kind of choose to join the Maquis because of her relationship with a man, which sort of hurts - I mean like that whole episode is sort of her choosing between him and Captain Picard, which man she wants to impress and live up to more?

I thought another well written guest female character was Dr Farallon in The Quality of Life, she had her own project and thoughts, and she had to deal with a threat she felt from recognizing the Exocomps, and like her story would've been completely the same had she been a male character, right? She was leader of her project and was at the center of this story, and her reasons for not wanting to recognize Exocomp sentience make perfect sense without making her evil, but she does grow through her story and advances her personal goals of making her science work. She becomes a friend to Geordi without any sexual tension, and he respects her as an engineer not just some woman he'd rather date than cooperate with professionally.

 

[Armus]

I think Dr. Crusher was a decent character when she was used as a strong moral voice in episodes that dealt with the Prime Directive. In Symbiosis she represented the emotional, compassionate side of the argument while Picard was the more detached side as to whether to let the drug addicted aliens know that they were being exploited.

That being said I agree that Pukaski was a stronger character and it's a pity she never returned.

 

[Stroudarian]

May I ask for clarification on what you mean by "strong"? Could you elaborate a little more on how you are defining "strong"? Do you mean mentally strong? Physically strong? Possessing strong emotion? I am not trying to be complicated, I am just curious.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

You can tell your female character is written in a sexist way if her agency revolves around her relationships (not always sexual!) with male characters.

Amen!

I did like Ro Laren but sometimes I felt she was sort of like one of those rebels without a cause kind of thing, like when she drifted too far away from her Bajoran activism and was just sort of angry all the time at everyone, I felt it was like a little too forced at times?

Perhaps a rebel without a cause. Mostly, I think of her as a survivor. She probably had what we call today Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She had to have been a really strong person not to have spent the rest of her life (after the refugee camps) curled up somewhere in fetal position.

 

[Armus]

May I ask for clarification on what you mean by "strong"? Could you elaborate a little more on how you are defining "strong"? Do you mean mentally strong? Physically strong? Possessing strong emotion? I am not trying to be complicated, I am just curious.

Pulaski had superior on screen presense and better chemistry with the other characters than Dr. Crusher, in my view. She seemed to play well off everyone, even Worf.

 

[Stroudarian]

I am still pondering the original question, and I will attempt to try to answer it after I give it more considerable thought.

As for Dr. Pulaski, I know that she was not well received by many fans of the series. While personally, I do not really feel one way or another about her, I would concur that she did have overall good chemistry and interaction with many of the other cast members.

 

[Marynator]

Pulaski had superior on screen presense and better chemistry with the other characters than Dr. Crusher, in my view. She seemed to play well off everyone, even Worf.

I liked both Dr Pulaski and Beverly Crusher, I felt both added something different. I did like Beverly's maternal presence in later seasons, I do feel it was a wonderful idea having a mother in their crew, and something might've been missing had she not been there?

 

[Qonundrum]

Guinan is my favorite as well. Pretty much Troi with the added dimension needed. Guinan not always telling the truth outright but letting other characters stumble into it, like with Geordi in "Galaxy's Child" about his "new VISOR" or how she advocated for Barclay in "Hollow Pursuits", etc. Dozens of examples. Extremely well-written and well-acted, she's reminiscent of Q in some ways (trying to get characters to think outside their boxes) but only good ones. Q is more a chaotic good in terms of Picard. Guinan is simply good.

Troi still had her moments, but Guinan had more of a focus from her introduction whereas Troi was reduced by the writers just to say the obvious (most of the time) thanks to "season 1 syndrome", where characters were either caricatures, stick figures, or pointlessly sexualized. Examples of great Troi moments would be in "Encounter at Farpoint" where she gets to communicate the emotions of a being that nobody else could relate to and Marina Sirtis nails it. She also has a great scene in "The Ensigns of Command" when discussing with Picard the nuances of communication. She has a natrural rapport with Barclay as well. The fact I'm only on the fence with "Face of the Enemy" (Would Troi really become alpha out of the blue? But it's Sirtis once again who manages to sell it.) She had other moments, but too often "I sense something captain, they're hiding something." That ranks right up there with "They'd listen to me if I were an adult!" from you-know-who.

Armus and Lance are right on the money - Dr Pulaski was a more developed, stronger-willed, and better-written character. More vocal, tried new things (Dr Crusher wouldn't do a ritual with Worf (with antidote) as camaraderie). She took active, big risks (e.g. "Unnatural Selection") whereas Crusher would just mewl over book procedures and complain about how real research needs time (while conveniently forgetting real research inevitably and invariably needs risk takers at some point too, even with their technological advancements, which the episode also tries to actively get around in order to sell its one-sided propaganda narrative to make Crusher look like the smart one, despite writing in Worf's willingness and-- ugh. Anyway, that was in a dreary and dreadfully loaded season 5 episode that I sincerely hope wasn't meant as being a special return episode for Pulaski.)

Pulaski was also quick to point out Data's rote abilities vs actual analytical thought ("Elementary Dear Data").

She knew modern AND ancient forms of medicine, which came in handy when the computer systems became erratic ("Contagion"). The only other one on the ship who might have such knowledge would be... Data.

And if you think I'm passionate about defending Pulaski as being the better Doctor so far, read the next paragraph:

It's also ironic, how lots of people pegged Dr Pulaski as "McCoy clone, naff, lame, h8 h8 h8 h8 h8" yet the same people then fawn over the EMH (and Phlox?) over being - you guessed it - far closer genuine McCoy ripoffs than Pulaski ever was seen to be or ever was. The only parallel they used as reasoning to hate on Pulaski was because Pulaski disliked Data the same way McCoy disliked Spock. And even then there are still sufficient differences. And even then there was character development for her as Pulaski, in later episodes, did warm up to Data and coached him on human emotions as well. "Peak Performance" quickly comes to mind. It's a great episode for a slew of reasons. And my guess is Ms. Muldar had good chemistry with the rest of the cast as well, certainly on-screen.

As for Yar... Showing her as being quick witted in combat as well as a tactician would have helped her far more in season 1. She gets some token fight scenes in a couple episodes, but her build doesn't look muscular compared to any number of opponents so it didn't look believable, even if she got the moves right (and Crosby had). She is from Turkana IV, a humanoid colony in disarray (or was it a collapsed human colony, I don't remember?), so it's very probable she has superior strength compared to a human of similar build. But Tasha wasn't often given anything of depth to do. Denise Crosby was perfectly cast, but it was the writing that let her down way too many times. Oh, her material in "Symbiosis" is rather good and one I will stand up for, regardless of the oft-told nitpick that "it feels like an after school special". And when seen after "Legacy", her dialogue in that "Symbiosis" episode (and even in the dreary "The Naked Now") now has a fair amount of gravitas to really make one empathize FOR Tasha. Not often does a show start out tacky but then doesn't merely not forget about the clunkers, it in-universe retcons them into something decent. That started with "The Measure of a Man", too...

That and "Symbiosis" is rather underrated as a story as well. It feels closer to proper Star Trek than any where the Enterprise-D is nothing more than a galactic taxi service going to known civilizations with known life-forms and known not-exotic worlds.

But I wish Yar had stayed on. Seasons 2 and 3 would have fine-tuned Yar's strengths and given her more focus.

It's a shame Shelby didn't stay on, but Ensign Ro grew on me more and it was saddening to see her largely absent in seasons 6 and 7.

But I still can't stand any aspect of that sappy exocomp episode. It is so utterly contrived (worse than "Ethics", in fact) ands about the 5000th time they went back to the (now dried-up) well of "The Measure of a Man" to reminds us that AI-driven microchips are just as emotive and human...

 

[JirinPanthosa]

I'd go with Beverly because she always asserted herself morally.

 

[Qonundrum]

I liked both Dr Pulaski and Beverly Crusher, I felt both added something different. I did like Beverly's maternal presence in later seasons, I do feel it was a wonderful idea having a mother in their crew, and something might've been missing had she not been there?

True, as much as I dissed Beverly above, she DID have moments of coolness and moral aptitude - even outspokenness at times. She was passionate in "Symbiosis" about wanting to find a decent way to stop the suffering of the addicts (and, yeah, Picard had already broken the prime directive by answering the distress call. Now he's likely made not one but two races of enemies that have far more depth than Shinzon ever would!) And in "The High Ground", trying not to take sides but then abducted. "When the Bough Breaks" had some memorable maternal moments (that I liked, anyway). Ditto for the one where the Romulans might be causing a threat and Wesley brings from the holodeck fake snow and a virus that almost kills the crew ("Angel One"?)... "Justice", which is as bad as Angel One was, still had a character moment of Beverly being maternal that worked or at least didn't not work... When she dealt with Wesley's angst in "Evolution", she reacted to his zinger about not being there far better than most 20th century moms would. And in the best possible way: "I'm here now, Wesley." That's a moment of great Trekness right there.

I ultimately did prefer her maternal side in her earlier years, when Wesley was around, but she had those and other great post-season 1 moments too. But her use was so variable. But that's due to the writing of the character, not how McFadden played her.

 

[Marynator]

But I still can't stand any aspect of that sappy exocomp episode. It is so utterly contrived (worse than "Ethics", in fact) ands about the 5000th time they went back to the (now dried-up) well of "The Measure of a Man" to reminds us that AI-driven microchips are just as emotive and human...

It's one of my favorite episodes.

 

[Stroudarian]

Well, Cutie McWhiskers took my answer. I would have to go with Guinan. I do want to point out though, that there are many redeeming and admirable qualities of every female character on the show.

 

[Marynator]

I feel another amazing female character was Mirasta Yale from "First Contact". Oh and I loved Rachel Garrett, she was really such an admirable captain, wasn't she? She was smart and strong willed, you could tell right away she was definitely an equal to Captain Picard. Her crew were so devoted to her they fully intended to carry out her wishes after her death, knowing they would all die, now that's a captain!

 

[Mojochi]

Just to draw attention to it, the OP left out Lwaxana. I don't necessarily think she's the strongest written character of all the females, but she does have a number of powerful qualities that get overlooked, not the least of which is her agency. She gets everybody marching to the beat of HER drums, & that includes Picard, Riker, Worf, foreign diplomats, kidnappers, you name it. She can get the upper hand on any of them, if need be

There's tough female characters, brilliant ones, independent ones, & most of them demonstrate strengths, despite it being a dated show, conceived by an even more dated creator, & struggling with the usual biases, but if I had to pick one that seems to stand out as a force of womanhood that doesn't get boxed into any kind of stereotype, & is truly maintaining ownership of herself, free from encumbrance... it's gotta be Guinan

When the lady puts up her dooks & aims them at an omnipotent creature, despite us having no evidence to support her having similar abilities, we all still feel like maybe... just maybe, some stuff's 'bout to go down here lol, & that's just one aspect of what is otherwise a wise, brilliant, patient & unique entity, who can both stand as advisor on the most dire of subjects or be a shoulder to lean on, but also be a welcoming & easy going presence, that can joke or muse at life. If someone's met Mark Twain, & Q in the course of their life, & god knows who else in between, That is a worldly person in the extreme

Honorable mention goes to K'Ehleyr

I liked both Dr Pulaski and Beverly Crusher, I felt both added something different. I did like Beverly's maternal presence in later seasons, I do feel it was a wonderful idea having a mother in their crew, and something might've been missing had she not been there?

Guinan & Lwaxana were both mothers as well, but not as prominent in the cast. So, you do have a point. Although, what I think works better for Guinan than for either Bev or Lwaxana, is that her character didn't need to be. Bev is a Starfleet doctor, & Lwaxana is an ambassador, but more than half the time they are defined by motherhood. Not so with Guinan. She's a mother many times more than the others, but it's not even a fraction of her whole worth as a character. It's damn near a footnote

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Lwaxana was also a strong female. Something that's occurring to me now just as I'm writing this post but isn't talked about a lot. She is a female who owns her own sexuality, sex positive without being ashamed of it. This is a big thing now, it's a shame in 1987 it was played for comedy only.

 

[Refuge]

Beverly.

No one lives in a vacuum we all gain strength and definition by our experiences and influences, it is a mistake to lose sight of that. Being a strong woman doesn't require her agency to be separate from other women or men. Relationships often shape us the most in life beyond the mechanics of 'roles' we fall into. For Beverly her Grandmother provided such a foundation for the woman and doctor she became.

I tend to think that strength comes from owning situations be they career or relationship. Beverly had a lot to be proud of. Accomplished Medical Doctor and Officer. Empathetic friend. Dare I say it - reasoned. Good dancer, lol. Wife. Widow. Mother. Survivor.

 

[Lance]

I am still pondering the original question, and I will attempt to try to answer it after I give it more considerable thought.

As for Dr. Pulaski, I know that she was not well received by many fans of the series. While personally, I do not really feel one way or another about her, I would concur that she did have overall good chemistry and interaction with many of the other cast members.

You've nailed what I meant -- strong in the sense of being good characters that stand well in their own right as well as bringing something to the ensemble. I only ask as I feel that Trek traditionally wrote its female characters weakly, as mere ornaments to the male characters at best, going all the way back to the original pilot episode. TOS wasn't alone in this kind of sexism, but TNG did occasionally rise above the mire of it as the replies in this thread attest, and DS9 and VOY both did well in the characterization of the female characters.

Good posts in this thread btw everyone, finding the perspectives interesting

 

[XCV330]

Guinan. She actually got in some kind of fighting stance against Q and seemed to be serious about it.

 

[Marynator]

Lwaxana was also a strong female. Something that's occurring to me now just as I'm writing this post but isn't talked about a lot. She is a female who owns her own sexuality, sex positive without being ashamed of it. This is a big thing now, it's a shame in 1987 it was played for comedy only.

I don't feel Lwaxana was really so strong, it's like her stories were so focused around her trying to find a husband, and trying to set up her daughter, that was like most of her identity. I never liked Lwaxana, I always felt she was vain and self indulgent, and didn't really care about how she made other people feel, obsessed only with her own pleasure, and thinking she (and Deanna) just needed to find the right man to fix her problems. lol it probably doesn't help I feel Deanna's relationship with Lwaxana mirrors very closely my own relationship with my mother, I guess I find her just a little triggering.