The Star Trek universe contains a diverse catalog of alien races, some terrifying and some benevolent. Originally intended to be the “big bads” of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the Ferengi’s less-than-imposing stature and focus on wealth accumulation quickly made them the comic relief of the series. In an aspect of the series that has not aged well, the Ferengi appear to portray negative stereotypes of Jewish people, however, they are still an important part of the series whose actions are worth considering.
Yet not every Ferengi that has appeared in Star Trek has been laughable. Some have actually been extremely dangerous, capable of dastardly acts that would make even a Cardassian shudder. And yet some have proven distinctly honorable, behaving in a morally upright and courageous manner akin to the bravest Starfleet officer.
Honorable: Zek, The Grand Nagus
The Grand Nagus is the head of the Ferengi Alliance. As such, he holds the financial prosperity of all Ferengi in his hands, determining which business contracts are viable and which aren’t.
The Nagus is a title, not a person, but on Deep Space Nine the Ferengi who was first introduced in this position was Zek, hilariously played by veteran character actor Wallace Shawn. Zek was originally depicted as a stereotypical, profit-hungry Ferengi with zero scruples, but as the series progressed, he turned his eye to reforming Ferengi business culture and increasing rights for Ferengi women.
Dastardly: Tog
The Ferengi were originally meant to be ominous and fear-inducing, but their comical first few appearances relegated them to comedy relief. Their pursuit of profit often led them to hostile acts, however, as evidenced in the TNG episode, “Ménage a Troi.”
Here, DaiMon Tog became infatuated with Lwaxana Troi. Hoping to use her telepathic prowess in his business deals and woo her at the same time, Tog kidnapped her, Counsellor Troi, and Commander Riker. Capturing a Federation ambassador and two of the flagship’s senior personnel was not the savviest move, and Tog quickly returned them after Captain Picard forcefully convinced him to.
Honorable: Moogie
Ferengi culture was notoriously misogynistic and this state of affairs was rife for change.
One of the biggest advocates for social change was Ishka, Quark, and Rom’s “moogie” (mother). Ishka revolted against the status quote and amassed her own fortune, parlaying her success into a series of social reforms that saw Ferengi women be able to engage in commerce and gain other rights.
Dastardly: Ferengi Pirates
In one of the less-inspired episodes of The Next Generation, Captain Picard, Keiko, Ensign Ro, and Guinan are reverted to childlike form due to a transporter malfunction. Even worse, a band of Ferengi pirates manages to take control of the Enterprise using two captured Klingon warbirds.
Under the command of DaiMon Lurin, the plan was for the Ferengi to sell the Federation flagship to the Romulan Empire and retire off the profit. Despicably, their strategy was to force an obviously uncooperative Commander Riker to give them the Enterprise’s access codes by threatening the ship’s children. Thankfully, they didn’t account for the resourcefulness of Starfleet personnel in children’s bodies!
Honorable: Quark
Arguably the most famous Ferengi in all of Trek, Quark was the resident bartender on Deep Space Nine. A perennial thorn in the side of the station’s constable, Odo, Quark was often at the center of small-time latinum-making schemes and petty grifts.
Although he’d like to think of himself as a shrewd, conniving, and cutthroat Ferengi businessman, the truth is that Quark is a lot more altruistic and honorable than he would like to admit. He worked to save his arch-nemesis when they were stranded on a planet alone together, aided a Klingon woman to retain her family honor, and helped the command crew of DS9 with their missions multiple times over.
Dastardly: Arridor and Kol
The Ferengi were never known specifically for their bravery, but they could be tenacious. That was the case with two Ferengi pioneers, Arridor and Kol, who passed through the Barzan wormhole and became stranded in the Delta Quadrant.
Further indulging their hubris, the pair decided to present themselves to a Bronze Age society as deities. Thankfully, a timely intervention by Captain Janeway and the crew of the Voyager ended the two Ferengi’s despicable practices.
Honorable: Rom
Quark was not the only Ferengi milling about Deep Space Nine. He also employed his brother, Rom, as a bartender, repairman, and general worker. Although he often fell victim to his brother’s attempts to take advantage of him, Rom always cared for his family above all else.
His engineering prowess allowed him to eventually leave Quark’s employ and join Chief O’Brien’s team. His technical capabilities, as well as his courage, were most evident during the Dominion War, where he managed to power down DS9’s weapons systems, allowing the Federation to capture it again. As Grand Nagus, Rom continued the sweeping reforms that had been instilled in him by his mother and his time working with humans.
Dastardly: Bok
As most ardent TNG fans know, Captain Picard commanded the USS Stargazer before the Enterprise. During that time, he engaged in a skirmish with a Ferengi vessel, and due to the implementation of the “Picard Manoeuvre,” he destroyed it.
Unbeknownst to Picard, his self-defense maneuver killed the son of DaiMon Bok, who swore revenge on Picard. Bok tried twice to destroy Picard’s life, each time using subterfuge and underhanded tactics. In the first instance, he used a mind-control device to attempt to rob Captain Picard of his sanity. In the second instance, he tricked Picard into thinking he had a son, who he planned to kill. Anyone who would stoop to such underhanded tactics for something as empty as revenge is a true villain.
Honorable: Nog
The first Ferengi in Starfleet, Nog didn’t begin his life on the best path. As a young teenager on Deep Space Nine, Nog was often involved in petty crimes and general mischief. As he matured and perhaps through the influence of his friendship with Jake Sisko, Nog dreamt of entering Starfleet Academy.
Commissioned around the time of the Dominion War, Ensign Nog served dutifully and fearlessly. Although Deep Space Nine ended before viewers could see Nog’s Starfleet career unfold, it must have been notable, as, in the far-flung future of the 32nd century, a ship in his name has been commissioned.
Dastardly: Brunt
Within Ferengi culture, none were more feared than the Liquidators, who were able to install bans on Ferengi businesses for various offenses. This position was rife with opportunities for corrupt individuals to take advantage of and intimidate other Ferengi, as Liquidator Brunt did on many occasions.
With an ax to grind against Quark, Brunt made his life a living hell by revoking his business license, threatening his mother, and even trying to have him killed. Brunt’s hatred for Quark stemmed from his devotion to Ferengi norms. As Brunt was an unscrupulous traditionalist, Quark and his family represented everything he hated and feared Ferengi society was becoming.