I wish I could list ALL my favorite characters from TV, but here are a few. Most links lead to each actor’s IMDb link. 

• Lyta Alexander, Babylon 5 (Patricia Tallman). Lyta Alexander is one of Babylon 5’s most tragic and powerful figures, evolving from a hopeful, principled telepath into a hardened, almost messianic force. Her journey is one of exploitation and self-discovery, as she struggles against the Psi Corps, the Vorlons, and the immense power she gains at great personal cost. Unlike many characters, Lyta is never fully embraced by any faction, making her path deeply isolating yet compelling. Patricia Tallman is the only one of my favorites who I ever met. When she asked me to sign a copy of an anthology for her, I was a little star-struck, and I was surprised that she had read (and remembered) some of my stories. 
• The Doctor, Doctor Who (Tom Baker, David Tennant, Peter Capaldi). I can never decide which doctor I like best, but Tom Baker was the one who hooked my on the series.
• Kaylee Frye, Firefly & Serenity (Jewel Staite). Kaylee Frye is the heart of Firefly, a beacon of warmth, optimism, and ingenuity. As Serenity’s mechanic, she has an innate talent for keeping the ship flying and blending technical brilliance with an infectious, down-to-earth charm. Unlike many sci-fi heroes, Kaylee isn’t a fighter or a strategist—her strength lies in her kindness, joy, and unwavering belief in the good in people. Jewel Staite’s performance brings her to life with an effortless mix of playfulness and sincerity, making Kaylee not just the crew’s mechanic but its soul. (P.S. We named our cat … Kaylee!)
• Captain James T. Kirk, Star Trek (William Shatner). When I was 12, I used to run home from school so that I could catch re-runs of the original Star Trek series. This was also the age when someone gave me my first science fiction book. What a great way to escape reality! And I learned a lot about leadership from Kirk’s (usually) decisive command style.
• Delenn, Babylon 5 (Mira Furlan). Delenn is a character of profound transformation, both physically and spiritually, as she bridges the divide between Minbari and Human, embodying themes of identity, sacrifice, and change. Her journey is one of wisdom, strength, and compassion, balancing diplomacy with an unshakable resolve when faced with injustice. Mira Furlan brought such grace and depth to the role. Delenn’s way of speaking, her poise, and her ability to shift from serene wisdom to righteous fury make her captivating to watch.
• Jack O’Neill, Stargate SG-1 (Richard Dean Anderson). Colonel Jack O’Neill is the heart and wit of Stargate SG-1, blending battle-hardened leadership with dry humor and a deep, often unspoken, sense of loyalty. A seasoned soldier with a tragic past, he masks his pain with sarcasm, yet his dedication to his team and the greater good is unwavering. O’Neill’s pragmatic approach contrasts with the scientific and diplomatic minds around him, making him both a grounding force and an unpredictable wildcard. Richard Dean Anderson’s performance infuses the character with charm, sharp comedic timing, and surprising emotional depth.
• Clara Oswald, Doctor Who (Jenna Coleman). Clara Oswald is one of Doctor Who’s most enigmatic and dynamic companions, evolving from the “Impossible Girl” into a bold, independent adventurer. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she transitions from a mystery to be solved into a woman who shapes her own fate, standing toe-to-toe with the Doctor in both wit and will. Clara is fiercely compassionate yet reckless, often pushing the limits of heroism and hubris in her pursuit to do what’s right. Jenna Coleman’s performance brings both charm and emotional depth to the role, making Clara a companion who is not just defined by the Doctor but one who ultimately walks her own path—right to the edge of time itself.
• Amy Pond, Doctor Who (Karen Gillan). Amy Pond is one of Doctor Who’s most iconic companions, whose fiery spirit and deep bond with the Doctor create one of the show’s most compelling dynamics. Starting as a young girl with a fantastical story, Amy grows into a fearless, fiercely loyal woman who challenges the Doctor and helps him face the complexities of time and destiny. She’s both strong and vulnerable, navigating the tension between her life as a wife, mother, and adventurer in the Doctor’s unpredictable universe. Karen Gillan’s portrayal captures Amy’s charm, wit, and emotional depth, making her a complex, memorable character whose love for the Doctor is as boundless as her own personal journey through time.
• Captain Malcolm Reynolds, Firefly & Serenity (Nathan Fillion). Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds is the heart and soul of Firefly, a complex and layered leader whose charm is only matched by his moral code and fierce independence. A war veteran turned rogue, Mal is a man of contradictions: cynical yet loyal, pragmatic yet idealistic, always willing to stand up for what he believes in—even if that means going against the odds. His dry wit and sharp tongue mask a deep sense of responsibility for his crew, whom he treats like family, despite the chaos of their lives. Nathan Fillion’s portrayal gives Mal a perfect mix of swagger, vulnerability, and moral ambiguity, making him both a reluctant hero and a true leader—a man trying to find his place in a world that doesn’t quite fit him.
• Romana II, Doctor Who (Lalla Ward). Romana II is one of Doctor Who’s most intelligent and formidable companions, a Time Lady who possesses the same wit and resourcefulness as the Doctor, yet with her own distinct brand of competence and grace. Unlike many companions, Romana is a fellow Time Lord, which allows her to be an equal partner to the Doctor, often solving problems and navigating complex situations with ease. She’s confident, practical, and determined, yet not without her moments of curiosity and humanity. Played by Lalla Ward, Romana II’s elegance, intelligence, and chemistry with the Fourth Doctor create a dynamic that elevates both characters, as she challenges and complements the Doctor in ways that no one else could.
• Captain John Sheridan, Babylon 5 (Bruce Boxleitner). Captain John Sheridan is a complex and charismatic leader at the heart of Babylon 5, evolving from a seasoned military officer to a key figure in the galaxy’s fight for freedom and peace. A man of strong moral conviction, Sheridan often finds himself in the eye of political and interstellar storms, balancing diplomacy with a willingness to take action when the stakes are high. His journey is one of personal growth, as he moves from a somewhat reluctant commander to a symbol of hope and resistance, especially when facing the darker forces in the galaxy. Bruce Boxleitner’s portrayal brings Sheridan to life with a mix of determination, wit, and vulnerability, making him one of science fiction’s most compelling and relatable leaders.
• River Song, Doctor Who (Alex Kingston). River Song is one of Doctor Who’s most intriguing and mysterious characters, a woman whose life and relationship with the Doctor are as twisted and complex as time itself. A brilliant archaeologist, fighter, and time traveler, River’s fate is intricately tied to the Doctor’s in ways that are revealed in pieces across time. She is confident, resourceful, and unapologetically bold, but her deep love for the Doctor is at the core of her character, even as their timelines intertwine in confusing and often heartbreaking ways. Played by Alex Kingston, River’s charm lies in her ability to be both enigmatic and fiercely passionate, a woman who knows the Doctor better than anyone, yet has a past that is as full of secrets as her future is uncertain.
• Spock, Star Trek (Leonard Nimoy). Spock is the quintessential Star Trek character, embodying the struggle between logic and emotion, reason and humanity. As a Vulcan-Human hybrid, Spock’s internal conflict shapes much of his character: his dedication to logic often comes at the cost of suppressing his human emotions, creating a tension that adds depth to his interactions with the crew. His brilliance, calm demeanor, and loyalty to the mission make him an invaluable member of the Enterprise, while his struggle with his Vulcan heritage and human side adds a layer of vulnerability. Leonard Nimoy’s portrayal of Spock is legendary, bringing a stoic yet deeply empathetic presence to the character, making him one of the most iconic figures in science fiction and pop culture.
• Hoban “Wash” Washburn, Firefly & Serenity (Alan Tudyk). Hoban “Wash” Washburne is the lovable, laid-back pilot of Firefly, bringing much-needed humor and heart to the often tense, unpredictable world of the Serenity crew. A skilled pilot with a sharp wit, Wash is as quick with a quip as he is with his flying skills, often lightening the mood during dire situations. Beneath his easygoing exterior, however, is a deeply caring and loyal man, especially when it comes to his wife, Zoe, and the crew he considers family. Alan Tudyk’s performance adds depth to Wash, infusing him with a perfect balance of playful charm, vulnerability, and warmth, making him a character whose humor masks a deep emotional core. His tragic fate only amplifies the impact of his character, cementing him as one of the show’s most beloved figures.

I’d love to hear your feelings about these characters or about any sci-fi or fantasy character you love!