top of page

Quark from Star Trek DS9

  • Writer: Rohan Jay
    Rohan Jay
  • Apr 19, 2020
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 11, 2023



Quark is a fictional character from the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is a member of the Ferengi species, a race of aliens known for their love of profit and commerce. Quark is a recurring character throughout the series and is portrayed by actor Armin Shimerman. Quark is the owner and operator of Quark's Bar, Grill, Gaming House and Holosuite Arcade, a popular establishment located in the space station Deep Space Nine, which is the series' main setting. He is a shrewd businessman and is always looking for ways to make a profit, often through illegal or unethical means. He is also known for his lecherous tendencies, and has a knack for getting himself into trouble. Despite his greed and often selfish motives, Quark does have a sense of loyalty to his friends and family and he is not above risking his life to protect them. He also has a complex relationship with his brother, Rom, who often serves as a foil to Quark's more unscrupulous behavior. Quark's character serves as a humorous and light-hearted counterpoint to the show's more serious and dramatic moments and was a major recurring character throughout the series, providing comic relief to the story while also contributing to the show's exploration of themes such as greed, loyalty and morality. He was a well-liked character among the audience, and he was the comic relief of the series, playing off the high-stakes political and military conflicts that the series dealt with.


Quark's character was developed as a commentary on capitalism and the concept of profit motive. He is a representation of the excesses and the negative aspects of a capitalist society. His unending quest for profit often puts him in conflict with the other characters, particularly Commander Sisko and O'Brien, as well as many of the other characters on the station, who see his actions as greedy and unethical. He also had a number of recurring antagonists such as the Klingon and Ferengi rival, Brunt, who serves as the Financial advisor of the Ferengi Commerce Authority, and Grand Nagus Zek, the leader of the Ferengi Alliance. Through his interactions with them, the audience can learn more about the Ferengi society and culture, which is a satirical commentary on the idea of pure capitalism. Despite his flaws, Quark is also shown to have a softer side, and he is capable of compassion and loyalty. He forms a strong bond with many of the characters on the station, and he is often called upon to help out in difficult situations. In general, Quark serves as an interesting and complex character who adds depth and richness to the series. He is a representation of the complexities and contradictions of the human condition, and his actions and motivations are always motivated by his desire for profit.



Comments


Commenting on this post isn't available anymore. Contact the site owner for more info.

Don't miss the fun.

Thanks for submitting!

© 2020 by Star Trek Art.  

illustrations by DALL-E

bottom of page