RIVA (STAR TREK)

'Riva' is a character from the TV show ''. 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.