Riva (Star Trek)

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Riva is a character from the TV show Star Trek: The Next Generation. He appeared in the episode Loud as a Whisper, played by Howie Seago.

Riva was born into the ruling family of Ramatis III and, because of genetic reasons, is completely deaf. Riva is a skilled and experienced diplomat, specialising in mediating conflicts. To make up for his lack of hearing, he is aided by a "chorus" of three members, two men and a woman, with whom he communicates telepathically. Each chorus member represents a different aspect of his personality: One man represents his scholarly and artistic side, the other man represents his warlike and passionate side, and the woman acts as a balance between the two.

The chorus was accidentally killed by a stray shot when Riva was resolving a conflict on Solais V. Riva almost gave up on his diplomatic career, but the crew of the USS Enterprise-D was able to convince him into continuing, using a sign language.

Actor Howie Seago, who played Riva, is deaf in real life. The character Riva was invented at his suggestion.