Captain William Thomas Riker, played by Jonathan Frakes, is a fictional character in the Star Trek universe primarily appearing as a main character in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Frakes went to seven auditions over six weeks before being cast as Riker. Frakes stated: "I started with the cattle call, then the casting director, the producer, then other directors, to Gene Roddenberry, and then through the Paramount execs, including the vice-president himself and the heads of television." For the first two seasons, Riker is portrayed as bold and confident, an ambitious young officer, however over time Riker's character becomes more reserved, as experience teaches him the wisdom of a patient, careful approach.

He becomes comfortable on the Enterprise, repeatedly turning down offers of his own command, and he learns to cherish the company of his fellow officers. Nonetheless, Riker retains a willingness to occasionally disregard the chain of command. Riker is usually referred to as "Will", although in early first season episodes of TNG he is sometimes called "Bill" by Deanna Troi.

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