Much can be said about Daniel Jackson. Not only is he a remarkable archaeologist/anthropologist/linguist with God knows how many PhDs after his name, he is one if the most considerate and humanitarian people this side of the galaxy.
Though, life hasn't exactly returned the favor for Daniel. His run of luck hasn't necessarily been all that smooth. Orphaned at an early age, and ridiculed out of the academic world for theories that appeared to belong within the realm of science fiction, just to name a few.
Little did he know those very theories and his field of expertise were what grabbed the attention of Catherine Langford, who recruited him for a classified military project. A mysterious artifact was what he had to decifer. A massive circular hunk of unidentifiable metal. Dr. Daniel Jackson did in two weeks what a team of top notch military scientists couldn't do in two years. He figured out how the Stargate worked.
So, off he went with a team of military personel on a mission to another world via the Stargate. On that world he befriended non other than Colonel Jack O'Neill. Almost complete opposites Daniel and Jack were, but forged an unlikely friendship nonetheless. With both of their skills and the help of the rest of the team they destroyed a fromidable alien who was called Ra. This particular being was a member of an alien race called the Goauld, who often self proclaim themselves as 'Gods'.
Long story short, a team was created, lead by Jack O'Neill, to explore distant planets for the means of discovering new cultures, forging alliances, and finding new technology to aid in the protection of Earth and the destruction of the Goauld. Colonel Jack O'Neill, Dr. Daniel Jackson, Major Samantha Carter, and an alien, Tealc, make up what's known as the SGCs premier contact team, SG-1.
With Daniel's knowledge of cultures and his ability as a linguist he has become an asset to the SGC. Daniel has a brilliant mind, and is quick to make connections and solve problems. Smart doesn't come close to describing him. But what makes him Daniel is only partly based on intelligence. He's sympathetic, open-minded, and sincere. He tries to see just beyond face value and looks at things from not just one narrow minded point of view.
But he is also human, which means he's far from perfect. Daniel's temper often get's the best of him and he has somewhat of a reputation for throwing caution to the wind. These things, and some others, along with all of the good things about Daniel make him who he is.
Saying Sam Carter was a Major in the US Air Force would put her to shame. She is all that and more. Being a highly intelligent astrophysicist is what in part got her the job on SG-1. She is skilled in handling weapons and her technical capabilities are well beyond average. Plus, being a former host to a Goauld has given her the ability to handle their weaponry also, if not sporadically.
Though, this Goauld experience of hers has proved to be detrimental as well as beneficial. Residual memories from the Goauld, Jolinar, have plagued her mind since. But the firey inner strength and compassion she posseses helps her deal with her problems, as well as her teammates', effectively. And she does have problems.
Along with dealing with the memories of Jolinar, she's had to face other difficulties as well. The death of her mother when she was young, her father's cancer and his subsequent joining of the Tok'ra (an alien race that is supposedly fighting against the Goauld as well, but needs hosts just like their enemies), and all the other tribulations that come with the job of SG-1.
However much these hardships have caused her grief, she hasn't let them harden her or erase her sensitivity. All of the team has had their own share of unpleasant events, but each helps support another in their time of need.
Just like Daniel, she's not perfect. Being a friend before a Major or a scientist proves to be hard for her, and she often forgets when to act like which. She's not exactly touchy feely either and isn't quite open with her emotions. But that's not always true, and when it is, it's something that continually shapes her character.
