The crew of the original Enterprise set the groundwork for the kind of deep space exploration into uncharted territory that would become a staple of the entire Star Trek franchise. With so much pressure as they ventured into regions unknown and encountered new forms of life, the team had to be at the top of their game.
Thankfully, each crew member of the Enterprise came with his or her own distinct Myers-Briggs® personality type in tow, and the combination helped diversify the talent pool to such a degree that there was no problem they couldn't solve as a team. Here's a breakdown of the personality types for each Enterprise crew member from the original Star Trek.
Captain James T. Kirk - ENTJ (The Commander)
Captain Kirk made a career out of defying the norm and devising solutions to difficult problems. Proof of his ENTJ personality can be seen in how he handled Starfleet's infamous no-win scenario, for which he won a commendation for creative problem-solving.
Kirk has no problem assuming command. In fact, it's his calling in life, and he knows the value that such a position can bring to the galaxy. His quick thinking and reasoning skills have helped "turn death into a fighting chance to live" multiple times, as Dr. McCoy once said.
Dr. Leonard McCoy - INFP (The Healer)
Despite his gruff demeanor and short temper, Leonard McCoy is an INFP right down to his bones (no pun intended). His commitment to medicine and the Hippocratic oath is unwavering, even if it means treating enemies who are suffering from afflictions or traumatic wounds.
McCoy is also for the pursuit of a better future for all, and he actively encourages open debate about how to get there. However, his INFP traits slip when he becomes passionate about a particular course of action, and will push boldly to get his point across, even if he doesn't require that view to be embraced by others.
Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott - ISTP (The Craftsman)
Mister Scott was born with a genius mind and the willingness to put it to good use. As Chief Engineer onboard the Enterprise, he was responsible for saving the day on more than one occasion, thanks to his intimate knowledge of the ship's mechanical workings and how they related to the universe at large.
Scott was independent enough to work without supervision and confident enough to take command when the bridge crew went on away missions. ISTPs tend to handle high pressure/crisis situations particularly well, and few have stared death in the face more times than Montgomery Scott!
Science Officer Spock - INTP (The Architect)
Spock's INTP personality type is defined largely by his dominant half-Vulcan heritage. A man of philosophy, deep thought and (of course) logic, Spock would rather seek out the mysteries of the universe than spend time gallivanting across the galaxy in search of new adventures. To him, the need to understand is his primary driving force.
INTPs often display an analytical approach to life, and their personal relationships can appear detached, as a result. Spock is no exception. He's difficult to know, primarily because his focus is elsewhere. Yet, his sense of duty and honor are outmatched among Starfleet's finest.
Lieutenant Nyota Uhura - ESTJ (The Supervisor)
As a communications officer, Lieutenant Uhura needed to rely on her ESTJ traits to keep things organized and moving in the right direction. Lives frequently depended on it. ESTJs tend to be very hard-working people with a traditional view when it comes to work ethic, punctuality and efficiency.
Uhura demonstrates all these traits by adhering to structure and identifying any gaps in guidelines or procedures. She knows the importance of her position and how it affects the chain of command, making her a vital cog in the machine.
Ensign Hikaru Sulu - ENTP (The Visionary)
Sulu had many things going for him, including a friendly personality, a rigid sense of duty, and honorable dedication to his Starfleet career. He was also a visionary who understood the way things worked onboard the Enterprise and the people who drove it. By identifying his fellow crew members, Sulu was able to better understand their roles and personalities.
He was also quick to make fun of others in a good-natured manner for the sake of breaking the ice and easing tensions, as well as establishing himself as an officer to watch out for! Sulu was a very clever officer who's understated personality helped him rise from Ensign to the rank of Captain, right under everyone's noses.
Ensign Pavel Chekov - ESFJ (The Provider)
Chekov was one of the youngest members of the Enterprise crew, and his timid personality would take years to fully recede to the point where he became a much more bold and confident officer. As an ESFJ, Chekov was sensitive to the feelings of others, while also taking into account his own. His friendliness and ability to attune himself to the people within his surroundings were key factors in getting others to like him.
ESFJs are very loyal, and their relations with friends and family members runs strong. This is paramount to having a fruitful career in Starfleet, and Chekov would eventually reap the rewards. His life experiences only enhanced him for the better, turning him into a well-rounded and capable officer who could easily take command, while still inspiring others and gaining their trust.
Nurse Christine Chapel - INFP (The Healer)
Both Christine Chapel and Leonard McCoy bear all the marks of an INFP personality type, but Chapel even more so. Her fierce dedication to helping the sick and standing up for what's right wasn't greater than McCoy's - just different. As such, her viewpoints made her unpopular with McCoy who wished she'd take his medical diagnosis instead of arguing with him all the time.
Chapel would eventually rise to the rank of Doctor after the five-year mission had expired, and continued her service in Starfleet with the express intention of healing the sick and unwell. She promoted the strongest and purest facets of the INFP personality.
Yeoman Janice Rand - ISFJ (The Protector)
Yeoman Rand started out as little more than a personal assistant for Captain Kirk during the early days of the Enterprise's five-year mission, but she took to her job with commitment and enthusiasm. She displayed unbridled affection for her crewmates, acting as a surrogate mother in times of distress.
She enjoyed working within the Enterprise's team system, a common facet of ISFJ types. They are also highly committed to their duties, strive to be viewed as reliable, and are highly methodical in their tasks. These qualities would eventually land her several promotions, including a tenure at Starfleet Headquarters.
Lieutenant Leslie - ESTP (The Dynamo)
While the character of Lieutenant Leslie might have been created for the sake of cutting down on the number of actors required to play different parts, that didn't stop him from being a noted crew member. This jack of all trades officer never saw a job he didn't like, perhaps in due to his ESTP personality.
ESTPs are problem solvers and love to be an active part of the solution. By assessing situations and adapting quickly, they make themselves integral members of a team. Lieutenant Leslie also displays the social, yet lighthearted traits of an ESTP, and is able to work with different departments easily. Truly an unsung hero.