Tom Paris was initially a passionate and committed member of Starfleet, serving aboard the USS Exeter and living up to expectations as the son of a Starfleet Admiral. But disillusioned and disgraced after lying about a fatal accident that killed three fellow officers, Paris went AWOL, becoming a member of the renegade faction the Maquis.

Paris proved himself a failure as a mercenary, being arrested on his first mission and imprisoned at a New Zealand penal colony. Grudgingly drafted on to Voyager by Captain Janeway, who needed his expertise in locating members of the Maquis, the character of Paris - played by Robert Duncan McNeill - was a key part of the package of dramatic tension brought to the premise of Voyager.

Despite showing signs of irritation at life onboard the starship, Paris has gradually become a vital member of the crew. His wisecracking, rebellious streak is offset by the loyalty he has shown to his crewmates, particularly Harry Kim. Captain Janeway obviously regards him with a kind of cautious affection, informing him on one occasion that his father - scandalised and depressed by his expulsion from Starfleet - would be deeply proud of his role on Voyager.

Paris has embarked on an inevitably tempestuous affair with Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres, which shows no signs of reaching a harmonious resolution. He has an uneasy but improving relationship with Commander Chakotay due to their former associations with the Maquis. Paris was obviously fond of the good life before he joined Starfleet and frequently visits an old-fashioned bar called Chez Sandrine on the holodeck.

The character of Paris is based on Nick Locarno, a similarly disgraced Starfleet cadet who Robert Duncan McNeill also played in 'The First Duty', a fifth season episode of the Next Generation.

A hot-head who has progressed from vigilante to dashing hero, it is obvious that Paris is destined for some serious rehabilitation in the eyes of Starfleet once Voyager gets home. Originally conceived as a pull for female viewers, Robert Duncan McNeill appears to have been usurped in this role by the endearingly tattooed Chakotay, played by Robert Beltran.

Key Tom Paris episodes: The First Duty (TNG), Caretaker (V), Threshold (V), Investigations (V), Before and After (V).

photo credit: [ KOBAL COLLECTION / PARAMOUNT ]