James Kirk is a fictional character and the main protagonist in the Star Trek franchise. He is best known as the captain of the USS Enterprise, a starship exploring space in the 23rd century. Created by writer Gene Roddenberry, Kirk is portrayed as a charismatic and decisive leader, often facing moral dilemmas and complex challenges. Kirk first appeared in the original Star Trek television series, which aired from 1966 to 1969. He has been portrayed by several actors, most notably William Shatner in the original series and Chris Pine in the reboot films. Kirk's character embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure, making him an iconic figure in science fiction.