Klyden

Lore & Background

Klyden is introduced as the mate of Bortus, a Moclan officer aboard the USS Orville. As a Moclan, Klyden adheres to the strict gender norms of his homeworld, Moclus, where only one gender is recognized. This creates tension when Bortus and Klyden's child, Topa, is born female—a rarity on Moclus. Klyden initially supports the Moclan practice of assigning the child male, leading to conflict with Bortus and the Orville crew. The season revisits Moclus, where Klyden's traditionalist views are further explored, particularly in episodes dealing with Moclan customs and the couple's evolving relationship.

In Their Own Story

Klyden's story in the second season is deeply tied to his family and Moclan culture. When Topa is born female, Klyden insists on following Moclan law by having the child undergo a sex reassignment procedure, a decision that strains his marriage to Bortus. The crew of the Orville, especially Dr. Claire Finn, intervenes to protect Topa's rights, leading to a custody battle. Klyden ultimately relents, allowing Topa to remain female, but the experience highlights the clash between Moclan tradition and the more progressive values of the Union. Later, Klyden and Bortus revisit Moclus, where they confront the planet's rigid societal expectations. Klyden's loyalty to his heritage is tested, but he remains a steadfast, if sometimes conflicted, presence in Bortus's life.

Reader's Guide

Klyden appears in multiple episodes of the second season, primarily in storylines involving Moclan culture and family dynamics. His key episodes include those dealing with Topa's birth and the subsequent custody dispute, as well as the crew's return to Moclus. Klyden is portrayed as a traditionalist who values Moclan customs, but he is also shown to care deeply for his family. His relationship with Bortus evolves as they navigate parenthood and cultural expectations. Chad L. Coleman's performance brings a stern yet vulnerable quality to the character, making Klyden a complex figure who challenges both the Orville crew and the audience to consider the weight of tradition versus individual rights.

Did You Know?

• Klyden is voiced by Chad L. Coleman, who also played Tyreese in *The Walking Dead*.
• Klyden is the husband of Lieutenant Commander Bortus, a main character on *The Orville*.
• Klyden and Bortus have a child named Topa, who is born female on the all-male Moclan homeworld.
• The character's traditionalist views on Moclan gender norms create central conflict in the second season.
• Klyden appears in episodes that revisit the planet Moclus, exploring its culture and laws.