10 Unmistakable Dr. McCoy Character Traits In Star Trek

Doctor Leonard McCoy remains one of the most beloved characters in all of Star Trek, thanks to a particular set of personality traits that helped define him. Throughout the series, McCoy has been a hero, a role model, and a voice of unending comic relief for Trekkers, and casual fans alike.

These particular traits were instrumental in crafting a character who worked alongside Captain Kirk and Spock as one part of an eclectic triumvirate. As the voice of passion, emotion and reason, he probably helped save the galaxy just as many times as Kirk and Spock did, due entirely to his views and influence.

His Short Temper

Leonard McCoy was fiery and passionate, and with those qualities came a rather short temper that spared neither dignitary, nor fellow crew member. He would voice his opinions boldly and without hesitation, regardless of what the receiving end thought of them. In moments of heated anger, McCoy could effectively shift the dynamic of a conversation.

While this trait didn’t earn him any awards for his personality, it was sometimes necessary in order to guide people back in line. McCoy rarely got angry for no good reason, and in fact, he was arguably right most of the time. When proven wrong, he was not above issuing an apology, which acted as a counterweight to this semi-character flaw.

“I’m A Doctor, Not A…” Lines

One of McCoy’s most recognizable traits is his dialogue, particularly when he’s asked to do things that are beyond his skill level. He frequently directs this ire towards Captain Kirk, beginning with “Dammit Jim, I’m a Doctor, not a…” before tacking on a humorous modifier at the end.

This would be a recurring element of McCoy’s character throughout the TV show, though it took a backseat when the Enterprise crew moved into the realm of Hollywood movies. It’s forever been associated with the good Doctor, which would surely have annoyed him.

His Feuds With Spock

Spock and McCoy were two sides of the same coin, with the former representing the emotional and passionate, and the latter representing cold, infallible logic. When mixed together, it frequently led to confrontation and personal jabs at each other’s character flaws.

In truth, Spock and McCoy respected each other greatly, even if they were prone to incessant bickering. The two became more close than ever following Spock’s death, and the transfer of his spirit into McCoy’s mind, which was expanded on during the oft-confusing Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.

His Dedication To His Work

McCoy is so dedicated to his role as a physician that he often forgets his own Starfleet rank. Indeed, McCoy himself has stated that he views himself as a Doctor first, and a Starfleet officer second. This is evident in almost every episode of the original TV show, as well as the movies.

Rarely, if ever, does McCoy pull rank. He’s far more concerned with doing his duties, and exercising his skills to help others. Therefore, it would be extremely difficult to gauge McCoy’s performance if he were ever to take charge during a crisis situation.

His Religious Views

Though never explicitly stated, Leonard McCoy does appear to be a man of faith. In the original Star Trek episode “The Man Trap,” McCoy utters the words “Lord, forgive me,” before killing a sentient life form.

In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, McCoy makes a direct reference to the Bible when he witnesses the technological power of the Genesis device. His rebuke comes swiftly towards the scientists who, in his view, were playing God, with potentially disastrous consequences. It turns out that he was right.

His Hatred Of Technology

One of Dr. McCoy’s more humorous personality traits was his distrust/dislike of technology, which was ironic, given the time period he was living in. Whenever possible, McCoy would revert to traditional methods of treatment, unless a more effective solution was at hand.

He greatly distrusted the transporter in particular, despite having used it countless times during his career in Starfleet. McCoy’s hatred of technology seemed to grow in his later years, suggesting that he was becoming stuck in his ways, and resentful of change.

His Crabby Personality

Doctor McCoy was a difficult guy to know, particularly because of his abrasive personality. He lacked diplomacy and tact, which caused him to alienate people with whom he otherwise shared a kinship with. Though not a wicked man, it took a special approach in order to get to know him.

Despite his lack of diplomacy, McCoy was quite a charmer with women. His entire disposition changed the moment a romantic opportunity presented itself, proving that McCoy was capable of pushing the right buttons, provided the incentive structure was right.

His Respect For All Life

McCoy hated the idea of any form of life being extinguished, even if it were necessary. Throughout numerous instances on the original Star Trek TV show, McCoy expressed remorse at having to kill anyone, human or alien alike, which spoke to his character as a Doctor.

This makes a lot of sense, seeing as how McCoy chose a career in Starfleet, who’s express goal was to seek out new life, and new civilizations. The wonders of the galaxy were not lost on him, even if he understood that many of them would prove hostile, and need to be dealt with.

His Love Of Liquor

It isn’t shown much, but McCoy was fond of liquor, in many forms. He has been shown favoring whiskey, brandy and bourbon, perhaps because of his Georgia heritage, which is a little-known fact about McCoy’s character. He was even known to pour whiskey into his famed Southern baked beans, a recipe passed down through his family line.

Though certainly not a chronic boozer, McCoy’s fondness for the drink was an integral part of his character, showing that he was capable of kicking back and letting loose. He even went so far as to illegally procure Romulan Ale for, as he called it, “medicinal purposes,” which was obviously suspect.

His Role As Kirk’s Conscience

Kirk, Spock and McCoy were a dynamic trio of minds that each represented a particular facet of the Star Trek universe. Kirk was duty-bound, Spock relied entirely on logic, and McCoy balanced them both out with sheer gut instinct and a reliance on emotion.

As such, he was often the voice of conscience for Kirk when it came to making tough decisions. He had an uncanny knack for figuring out what Kirk was thinking, and McCoy’s recommendations and observations helped guide him towards a positive outcome. Unfortunately, Kirk ended up making some questionable and poor decisions over his career, regardless.

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