Jonathan Archer's interest in exploration and taking humanity into the far reaches of space was encouraged from his youngest days. His father Henry Archer, the developer of the Warp 5 Engine and one of Earth's Space Pioneers constructed an engine he hoped would bring distant worlds a lot closer to the human race. As a child, having gained a huge interest in space exploration from his father, Jonathan spent most of his time in San Francisco constructing models of contemporary warp vessels. Such was his interest, that he learned by heart the famous speech made by Zefram Cochrane (The creator of the warp engine) at the dedication ceremony for the Warp Five Research Complex in the early 2120's.

Archer always knew he would join Starfleet when he was the right age. Once he did, he proceeded to carve an impressive career in the newborn organization. As a Commander he was part of the NX-Alpha Project and piloted the second NX-Alpha prototype during an unscheduled test flight. The flight achieved and held a speed of Warp 2.5.

Held in high esteem by Starfleet's highest-ranking officers, Jonathan Archer is chosen to command the first starship. Considerably more importantly, he will be commanding the first starship driven by a WARP 5 engine. An engine which was developed by his father, who dedicated his life to it. Archer seeks to bring some of his trusted colleagues aboard Enterprise as his crew. Among them, his friend from the NX-Alpha project ‘Trip’ Tucker. And of course 'man's best friend' - his dog 'Porthos'. Archer, however, is unappreciative of the Vulcan Science Officer that is 'placed' on his bridge. He feels she is there as a spy or to mind them as if they were children. He soon realizes however, that his preconceptions about Vulcans have been misplaced and he begins to respect and appreciate her assistance. Though, despite her constant objections and warnings Archer always follows his own adventurous heart when exploring space.

Very committed to his work, Archer exhibits a sense of wonder and excitement as well as a little trepidation about the strange things he encounters on his journey. He shows great pride in humanity's accomplishments which the Vulcans make little of. He speaks his mind, especially to the Vulcans whom he feels are consistently holding humanity back and he remains especially prejudiced about the fact that his father never got to see his Warp 5 engine in action before he died due to Vulcan interference. Although his dislike and distrust for the Vulcan has been openly apparent when approached by Shran the Andorian, Archer acted as a go between to create a Vulcan/Andorian Peace Treaty.

Archer has been kidnapped, tried for treason, contracted a disease that turned him into a species gone extinct and made contact with the past and future.  He is a man not afraid to get his own hands dirty never turns down an opportunity to lead an away mission despite the possible dangers to himself. He can take a lot of physical punishment and never shies away from a fight.

All of these things coupled with his keen sense of character worked together in his behalf when the Enterprise entered the Delphic Expanse after a Xindi probe left Earth devastated by a mere 'warning' attack.  Archer convinced Starfleet and The Vulcan council that he and his crew were up to the challenge.