Duras is a politically ambitious Klingon whose father, Ja'rod, is discovered to have betrayed the Khitomer colony to the Romulan Star Empire, resulting in a massacre of four thousand Klingons. Duras connives to have this treachery blamed on Worf's father, Mogh, instead, bringing dishonor to his house.Ambassador K'Ehleyr, Worf's one time mate, later investigates these events.Later, Duras' illigetimate son Toral becomes one of two Klingons vying to become the new chancellor after K'mpec falls ill under suspicious circumstances. Duras' sisters Lursa and B'Etor scheme to have him installed in the position, which Captain Jean-Luc Picard is tasked with assigning as Arbiter of Succession.