Michael Burnham Michael Burnham (portrayed by
Sonequa Martin-Green) is a science specialist aboard the USS
Discovery. Burnham was first officer of the USS
Shenzhou, where she was referred to as "number one", Before the events of "
Context Is for Kings", Saru becomes first officer on the USS
Discovery. In the
Star Trek: Short Treks episode "The Brightest Star", it is revealed that Saru adapted a communication device left behind by the pre-warp Kelpien's oppressors (the Ba'ul), eventually connecting with a young Starfleet officer—Lt. Philippa Georgiou—who obtained permission to "rescue" him from his planet. Jones was cast as Saru in November 2016.
Gabriel Lorca Gabriel Lorca (portrayed by
Jason Isaacs) is captain of the
Discovery in the first season,
Christopher Pike Christopher Pike (portrayed by
Anson Mount) is captain of the
USS Enterprise. After the first season concluded with the
Discovery receiving a distress call from the
Enterprise, specifically from Pike, Harberts expressed interest in exploring that character in the second season, feeling that he had not been seen much in
Star Trek previously and so "there's an interesting opportunity that we might have to delve into and flesh out a character who I think is a pretty darn heroic and selfless captain."
Cleveland "Book" Booker Cleveland "Book" Booker (portrayed by
David Ajala) is a character introduced in the third season of
Star Trek: Discovery. A resident of the new future created after Control's defeat, he becomes Michael's companion when she goes to the future before the
Discovery itself, and her new love interest. He is also shown to own a
cat named Grudge.
Nhan Commander Nhan (portrayed by Rachael Ancheril) is an engineer and security officer. She initially serves on board the
Enterprise but later transfers to the
Discovery along with two of her crewmates. Nhan is later appointed chief of security aboard the
Discovery. After arriving in the 32nd century, she begins working for Starfleet Security and leaves
Discovery, although she occasionally returns to help her old friends in her new role.
Jett Reno Jett Reno (portrayed by
Tig Notaro) is the chief engineer of the USS
Hiawatha.
Adira Tal Adira Tal (portrayed by
Blu del Barrio) is an ensign aboard the USS
Discovery. Adira is Star Trek’s first non‑binary character and the first human to remain bonded with a Trill symbiont for an extended period. Upon introduction, Adira serves in the United Earth Defense Force but later remains on the USS
Discovery, where memory recovery becomes possible. Stamets and Culber eventually take Adira under their wing. During season three, Adira is the only individual able to see Gray Tal, Adira’s boyfriend and the former host of the Tal symbiont. In season four, Adira receives a promotion to ensign on the
Discovery and contributes to calculations related to the DMA crisis. Adira uses
they/them pronouns.
Gray Tal Gray Tal (portrayed by Ian Alexander) is a Trill character introduced in season three of Star Trek Discovery. Gray is the former host of the Tal symbiont, which was given to Adira upon his death. During the third season, he appears only to Adira as a separate entity not visible to others. He is later incorporated into a new android body during the fourth season using the same process that had resurrected
Jean-Luc Picard, in which he returns to Trill to begin training to be a Trill guardian. Gray eventually breaks up with Adira due to their separate paths and they stay friends. ==Recurring characters==