<Tr> <Th> Partner </Th> <Td> Q </Td> </Tr> <P> Q is a fictional Deus ex machina character in Star Trek appearing in the Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager series, as well as in related media . In all of these programs, he is portrayed by John de Lancie . He is a being of unknown origin who is unconstrained by, and possesses immeasurable power over, normal human notions of time, space, the laws of physics, and even reality itself, being capable of violating or altering any or all of them in creatively unpredictable ways with a casual thought or hand gesture, limited only by his imagination . Despite his vast knowledge and experience spanning untold eons (and much to the exasperation of the object (s) of his obsession), he is not above practical jokes for his own personal amusement, for some otherwise unfathomably Machiavellian and manipulative purpose, or simply to prove a point . He is said to be nigh - omnipotent, and he is continually evasive regarding his true motivations . </P> <P> The name "Q" applies not only to the names of the individuals portrayed (all "male" and "female" characters refer to each other as "Q"), it also applies to the name of their race and to the Q Continuum itself--an alternate dimension accessible to only the Q and their "invited" guests . The true nature of the realm is said to be beyond the comprehension of "lesser beings" such as humans, therefore it is shown to humans only in ways they can understand . </P> <P> Beginning with the pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint" of The Next Generation, Q became a recurring character, with pronounced comedic and dramatic chemistry between Jean - Luc Picard and himself . He serves as a major antagonist throughout The Next Generation, playing a pivotal role in both the first and final episodes . Q is initially presented as a cosmic force judging humanity to see if it is becoming a brutal threat to the universe, but as the series progresses, his role morphs more into one of a teacher to Picard and the human race generally--albeit often in seemingly destructive or disruptive ways, subject to his own amusement . Other times, notably during "Deja Q" and Voyager, Q appears to the crew seeking assistance . </P>

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