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{{Infobox | {{Infobox User | ||
|image = [[Image:Eleven Doctors.jpg|250px]]<br /><small>The eleven faces of the Doctor.</small> | |image = [[Image:Eleven Doctors.jpg|250px]]<br /><small>The eleven faces of the Doctor.</small> | ||
|individual name = The Doctor | |individual name = The Doctor | ||
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|actor = <ul><li>[[William Hartnell]] ([[First Doctor]])</li><li>[[Patrick Troughton]] ([[Second Doctor]])</li><li>[[Jon Pertwee]] ([[Third Doctor]])</li><li>[[Tom Baker]] ([[Fourth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Peter Davison]] ([[Fifth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Colin Baker]] ([[Sixth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Sylvester McCoy]] ([[Seventh Doctor]])</li><li>[[Paul McGann]] ([[Eighth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Christopher Eccleston]] ([[Ninth Doctor]])</li><li>[[David Tennant]] ([[Tenth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Matt Smith]] ([[Eleventh Doctor]]; announced only)</li> | |actor = <ul><li>[[William Hartnell]] ([[First Doctor]])</li><li>[[Patrick Troughton]] ([[Second Doctor]])</li><li>[[Jon Pertwee]] ([[Third Doctor]])</li><li>[[Tom Baker]] ([[Fourth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Peter Davison]] ([[Fifth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Colin Baker]] ([[Sixth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Sylvester McCoy]] ([[Seventh Doctor]])</li><li>[[Paul McGann]] ([[Eighth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Christopher Eccleston]] ([[Ninth Doctor]])</li><li>[[David Tennant]] ([[Tenth Doctor]])</li><li>[[Matt Smith]] ([[Eleventh Doctor]]; announced only)</li> | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''The Doctor''' was a [[renegade Time Lord]] from the [[planet]] [[Gallifrey]] who, as a voluntary exile from his homeworld fought injustice where he found it. Alone among the [[Time Lord]]s, he survived the [[Last Great Time War]] with the [[Dalek]]s. Throughout his life, he had a particular association and affinity with the [[planet]] [[Earth]] and its [[ | '''The Doctor''' was a [[renegade Time Lord]] from the [[planet]] [[Gallifrey]] who, as a voluntary exile from his homeworld fought injustice where he found it. Alone among the [[Time Lord]]s, he survived the [[Last Great Time War]] with the [[Dalek]]s. Throughout his life, he had a particular association and affinity with the [[planet]] [[Earth]] and its [[human]]s. | ||
==Profile== | ==Profile== | ||
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The Doctor left [[Gallifrey]] and became a hero who fought evil and injustice across the [[universe]], in violation of the [[Time Lord]]s' [[non-interference policy]]. He travelled with many [[companion]]s, beginning with [[Susan Foreman]] who also came from Gallifrey. | The Doctor left [[Gallifrey]] and became a hero who fought evil and injustice across the [[universe]], in violation of the [[Time Lord]]s' [[non-interference policy]]. He travelled with many [[companion]]s, beginning with [[Susan Foreman]] who also came from Gallifrey. | ||
Eventually, he was held to account for his crimes against the Time Lords during his second incarnation. The punishment was a forced regeneration and exile to Earth, as well as loss of the knowledge of how to control the TARDIS. ([[ | Eventually, he was held to account for his crimes against the Time Lords during his second incarnation. The punishment was a forced regeneration and exile to Earth, as well as loss of the knowledge of how to control the TARDIS. ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games]]''). This knowledge was restored to him after he helped to defeat [[Omega]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Three Doctors]]'') | ||
The Doctor fought in the [[Last Great Time War]] between the Time Lords and the [[Dalek]]s. He was ultimately responsible for ending the war, likely the act which resulted in the obliteration of Gallifrey, as well as the supposed extinction of both races, apart from the Doctor himself. ([[ | The Doctor fought in the [[Last Great Time War]] between the Time Lords and the [[Dalek]]s. He was ultimately responsible for ending the war, likely the act which resulted in the obliteration of Gallifrey, as well as the supposed extinction of both races, apart from the Doctor himself. ([[TV]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'') | ||
:''For details on the [[Last Great Time War]] and the survivors, see separate entry.'' | :''For details on the [[Last Great Time War]] and the survivors, see separate entry.'' | ||
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====The ten incarnations of the Doctor==== | ====The ten incarnations of the Doctor==== | ||
<!---The Eleventh Doctor has not yet appeared on television so should not be referenced here yet--> | <!---The Eleventh Doctor has not yet appeared on television so should not be referenced here yet--> | ||
[[Image:Pertwj01.jpg|thumb|125px|The [[Third Doctor|Doctor's third incarnation]]. ([[ | [[Image:Pertwj01.jpg|thumb|125px|The [[Third Doctor|Doctor's third incarnation]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time Monster]]'')]] | ||
Despite the fact that the Doctor was essentially the same person, he has through the Time Lord power of [[regeneration]], changed personality and outer form. The Doctor continues to be a heroic figure, fighting the evils of the universe wherever he finds them, even if his values and motives are sometimes alien to [[ | Despite the fact that the Doctor was essentially the same person, he has through the Time Lord power of [[regeneration]], changed personality and outer form. The Doctor continues to be a heroic figure, fighting the evils of the universe wherever he finds them, even if his values and motives are sometimes alien to [[human]]kind. To date, the Doctor has had 10 incarnations: | ||
*The ''[[First Doctor]]'' was a somewhat unreadable, guarded figure, irascible, protective of young women who reminded him of his grand-daughter [[Susan Foreman|Susan]], a brilliant but often short-tempered scientist and a keen strategist. Though far from invulnerable, he usually ran rings around lesser intellects. | *The ''[[First Doctor]]'' was a somewhat unreadable, guarded figure, irascible, protective of young women who reminded him of his grand-daughter [[Susan Foreman|Susan]], a brilliant but often short-tempered scientist and a keen strategist. Though far from invulnerable, he usually ran rings around lesser intellects. | ||
*The ''[[Second Doctor]]'' was warm and wise, a sort of 'cosmic hobo', often as frightened of the alien menaces he faced as those around him. Often overtaken by events, he improvised his way out of trouble. But he also had a manipulative streak about him, too. | *The ''[[Second Doctor]]'' was warm and wise, a sort of 'cosmic hobo', often as frightened of the alien menaces he faced as those around him. Often overtaken by events, he improvised his way out of trouble. But he also had a manipulative streak about him, too. | ||
*The ''[[Third Doctor]]'' cut more of a dashing figure than his predecessors, a dandy with a penchant for gadgets and martial arts, particularly [[Venusian aikido]]. His difficult relationship with [[the Brigadier]] softened to an easy mutual trust. He had a personal arch-enemy, | *The ''[[Third Doctor]]'' cut more of a dashing figure than his predecessors, a dandy with a penchant for gadgets and martial arts, particularly [[Venusian aikido]]. His difficult relationship with [[the Brigadier]] softened to an easy mutual trust. He had a personal arch-enemy, {{Delgado}}. Due to his [[exile on Earth|exile by his own people]], he spent most of his life on [[Earth]]. | ||
*The ''[[Fourth Doctor]]'' was something of a cross between Willy Wonka and the Mad Hatter, rarely without his [[the Doctor's scarf|signature scarf of incredible length]]. He was perhaps the most eccentric incarnation and progressed from bohemian vagabond to manic scatterbrain to a more mature and sombre figure. | *The ''[[Fourth Doctor]]'' was something of a cross between Willy Wonka and the Mad Hatter, rarely without his [[the Doctor's scarf|signature scarf of incredible length]]. He was perhaps the most eccentric incarnation and progressed from bohemian vagabond to manic scatterbrain to a more mature and sombre figure. | ||
*The ''[[Fifth Doctor]]'' had a fondness for [[cricket]]. He was somewhat more nervous and less sure of himself than the two previous Doctors, though all the more heroic because of it. Like the Second Doctor, he often found himself backed into a corner and had to figure out way back once more. | *The ''[[Fifth Doctor]]'' had a fondness for [[cricket]]. He was somewhat more nervous and less sure of himself than the two previous Doctors, though all the more heroic because of it. Like the Second Doctor, he often found himself backed into a corner and had to figure out way back once more. | ||
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*The ''[[Eighth Doctor]]'' showed a romantic and sensitive side not evident in the previous Doctors. More morally flexible than his predecessor, this Doctor suffered bouts of amnesia, first after his initial regeneration and again after the first destruction of [[Gallifrey]] following the [[the War]] with [[the Enemy]]. | *The ''[[Eighth Doctor]]'' showed a romantic and sensitive side not evident in the previous Doctors. More morally flexible than his predecessor, this Doctor suffered bouts of amnesia, first after his initial regeneration and again after the first destruction of [[Gallifrey]] following the [[the War]] with [[the Enemy]]. | ||
*The ''[[Ninth Doctor]]'', now a survivor of the [[Last Great Time War]], displayed much of the playfulness of the Fourth and early Seventh Doctors, but also displayed a pragmatism which could at times appear callous. This Doctor also seemed very conscious of the effects his actions had on those around him. His attire was also considerably more conservative and less conspicuous than those of his predecessors and his accent and attitude more working class. | *The ''[[Ninth Doctor]]'', now a survivor of the [[Last Great Time War]], displayed much of the playfulness of the Fourth and early Seventh Doctors, but also displayed a pragmatism which could at times appear callous. This Doctor also seemed very conscious of the effects his actions had on those around him. His attire was also considerably more conservative and less conspicuous than those of his predecessors and his accent and attitude more working class. | ||
* The ''[[Tenth Doctor]]'''s character was manic, that of an eccentric crackpot, a cross between the Fourth Doctor and the Ninth, with hints of the Seventh with the style of the Fifth and a fondness for [[ | * The ''[[Tenth Doctor]]'''s character was manic, that of an eccentric crackpot, a cross between the Fourth Doctor and the Ninth, with hints of the Seventh with the style of the Fifth and a fondness for [[human]] pop culture reference. He had a serious side, but quite often his other wins out. He can act with inhuman ruthlessness. | ||
<!---The Eleventh Doctor should not be included in this list until he is introduced in the series.--> | <!---The Eleventh Doctor should not be included in this list until he is introduced in the series.--> | ||
====Other incarnations==== | ====Other incarnations==== | ||
:''See | :''See Other incarnations of the Doctor.' | ||
===Personal information=== | ===Personal information=== | ||
====The Doctor's name==== | ====The Doctor's name==== | ||
The Doctor was an extremely enigmatic individual. Befitting this, his true name remains unknown to all but a very few individuals (of which only one, [[River Song]], has been confirmed ([[ | The Doctor was an extremely enigmatic individual. Befitting this, his true name remains unknown to all but a very few individuals (of which only one, [[River Song]], has been confirmed ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')). Apparently his real name is not even used by the Time Lords ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games]]'', ''[[The Trial of a Time Lord]]''). | ||
:''For a longer discussion of the mystery of the Doctor's true name and of his other aliases, see [[Aliases of the Doctor]].'' | :''For a longer discussion of the mystery of the Doctor's true name and of his other aliases, see [[Aliases of the Doctor]].'' | ||
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Although the Doctor visited many worlds, the planet [[Earth]] remains the one for which he had the closest affinity. He displayed immense knowledge and/or interest in Earth history and was either an observer or an active participant in countless major events in that history. As noted previously, he found himself exiled to Earth during his [[Third Doctor|third incarnation]], very much against his wishes. | Although the Doctor visited many worlds, the planet [[Earth]] remains the one for which he had the closest affinity. He displayed immense knowledge and/or interest in Earth history and was either an observer or an active participant in countless major events in that history. As noted previously, he found himself exiled to Earth during his [[Third Doctor|third incarnation]], very much against his wishes. | ||
However he also had, at times, an affinity for the place, and specifically for [[Great Britain]]. When [[Angus Goodman]] asked him if he was British, he replied that he wasn't, but thanked Gus for the compliment. ([[ | However he also had, at times, an affinity for the place, and specifically for [[Great Britain]]. When [[Angus Goodman]] asked him if he was British, he replied that he wasn't, but thanked Gus for the compliment. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[4-Dimensional Vistas (comic story)|4-Dimensional Vistas]]'') He considered himself to be British soon after his regeneration into his [[Eighth Doctor|eighth incarnation]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who: The TV Movie]]''). | ||
His incarnations have adopted accents based upon different regions of the UK, most notably his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh incarnation]] (who had a [[Scotland|Scottish]] accent) and his ninth, whose accent resembled that of the north of England (though he tried to pass it off by claiming "lots of planets have a North!" ([[ | His incarnations have adopted accents based upon different regions of the UK, most notably his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh incarnation]] (who had a [[Scotland|Scottish]] accent) and his ninth, whose accent resembled that of the north of England (though he tried to pass it off by claiming "lots of planets have a North!" ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')). His [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]] also adopted a convincing Scottish accent as part of a disguise once (this was David Tennant's own nature accent) ([[TV]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]''). | ||
The vast majority of the Doctor's known companions have been humans hailing from various points in the planet's history. His [[Ninth Doctor|ninth]] and [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]]s developed a network of friends and former companions at one point referred to as the Doctor's secret Army or the Children of Time ([[ | The vast majority of the Doctor's known companions have been humans hailing from various points in the planet's history. His [[Ninth Doctor|ninth]] and [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]]s developed a network of friends and former companions at one point referred to as the Doctor's secret Army or the Children of Time ([[TV]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'', ''[[Journey's End]]''). | ||
====Family==== | ====Family==== | ||
=====On Gallifrey===== | =====On Gallifrey===== | ||
On Gallifrey, the Doctor was one of the forty-five cousins created by a [[Loom]] to the [[House of Lungbarrow]]. When the House disowned, he replied that he had "other families" ([[ | On Gallifrey, the Doctor was one of the forty-five cousins created by a [[Loom]] to the [[House of Lungbarrow]]. When the House disowned, he replied that he had "other families" ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Lungbarrow]]''). | ||
These would somehow seem to include parents ([[ | These would somehow seem to include parents ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who: The TV Movie]]'') and a spouse ([[TV]]: ''[[Blink]]'', [[PROSE]]: ''[[Cold Fusion (novel)|Cold Fusion]]''), probably [[Patience (Cold Fusion)|Patience]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Infinity Doctors]]'') and at least one child ([[TV]]: ''[[Fear Her]]''). He had a (probably adopted) grand-daughter, [[Susan Foreman]] though there have been no on-screen mentions of any adoption. All are believed lost by the Doctor, either killed during the [[Last Great Time War]] or having died long before it ([[TV]]: ''[[The Tomb of the Cybermen]]''). When one person asked him what had happened to his family, he replied, with seemingly real lack of knowledge that he didn't know. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Curse of Fenric]]'') | ||
:''He had not, however, at that point, returned to the [[House of Lungbarrow]]. As far as the Doctor's adoption of Susan, contradictory statements describe the circumstances under which he adopted her - or if he did - though both identify her as originally a native of Gallifrey. Her later fate, unless she died in the [[Last Great Time War]], remains unknown.'' | :''He had not, however, at that point, returned to the [[House of Lungbarrow]]. As far as the Doctor's adoption of Susan, contradictory statements describe the circumstances under which he adopted her - or if he did - though both identify her as originally a native of Gallifrey. Her later fate, unless she died in the [[Last Great Time War]], remains unknown.'' | ||
He had at least one brother ([[ | He had at least one brother ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'', possibly the Time Lord [[Irving Braxiatel]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Tears of the Oracle]]'') | ||
=====After the [[Last Great Time War]]===== | =====After the [[Last Great Time War]]===== | ||
Genetic material from the Doctor in his [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]] did create a child of sorts, [[Jenny]]. The Doctor believed Jenny to have been recently murdered; although unknown to him she underwent a partial regeneration and survived. ([[ | Genetic material from the Doctor in his [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]] did create a child of sorts, [[Jenny (The Doctor's Daughter)|Jenny]]. The Doctor believed Jenny to have been recently murdered; although unknown to him she underwent a partial regeneration and survived. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor's Daughter]]'') | ||
During the event in which the Earth was relocated to the [[Medusa Cascade]], a [[Meta-Crisis Tenth Doctor|clone of the Doctor]] was created; this clone later was exiled by the Doctor to [[Pete's World]]; technically, however, the clone can be considered a relative of the Doctor's, after a fashion. ([[ | During the event in which the Earth was relocated to the [[Medusa Cascade]], a [[Meta-Crisis Tenth Doctor|clone of the Doctor]] was created; this clone later was exiled by the Doctor to [[Pete's World]]; technically, however, the clone can be considered a relative of the Doctor's, after a fashion. ([[TV]]: ''[[Journey's End]]'') | ||
===Influence=== | ===Influence=== | ||
The Doctor belonged to the [[Prydonian Chapter]], the most important chapter of Time Lord society ([[ | The Doctor belonged to the [[Prydonian Chapter]], the most important chapter of Time Lord society ([[TV]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]''). He had a profound influence on many worlds and been written into their history ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]''); as a result he has been the recipient of many honours including being made a noble of [[Draconia]] and a knight of the [[British Empire]] ([[TV]]:''[[Frontier in Space]]'', ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]''). | ||
Having broken the Time Lord's [[non-interference policy]], in his [[Second Doctor|second incarnation]], he was put on trial as a [[Renegade Time Lord|renegade]] ([[ | Having broken the Time Lord's [[non-interference policy]], in his [[Second Doctor|second incarnation]], he was put on trial as a [[Renegade Time Lord|renegade]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games]]''). Subsequently, for a time, he acted as agent of the Time Lord's [[Celestial Intervention Agency]] before the beginning of his sentence on [[20th century]] [[Earth]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Players (novel)|Players]]'', ''[[World Game]]''). Folllowing his defeat of [[Omega]], which saved Gallifrey he was given a pardon and granted freedom ([[TV]]: ''[[The Three Doctors]]''). | ||
In his [[Fourth Doctor|fourth incarnation]], as part of a ploy to outwit invaders to Gallifrey, he applied for the position of [[Lord President]] of the [[High Council]] ([[ | In his [[Fourth Doctor|fourth incarnation]], as part of a ploy to outwit invaders to Gallifrey, he applied for the position of [[Lord President]] of the [[High Council]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Invasion of Time]]''). In his [[Fifth Doctor|fifth incarnation]], he was put on trial again for recklessness ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Stockbridge Horror (comic story)|The Stockbridge Horror]]''). He was later given the title of Lord President again by Councillor [[Flavia]], against his wishes. He pretended to accept the office but ran away in [[the Doctor's TARDIS|his TARDIS]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Five Doctors (TV story)|The Five Doctors]]''). Prior to the Doctor's trial during his [[Sixth Doctor|sixth incarnation]], he was deposed in absentia and put on trial for breaking the non-interference policy and, later in the same trial, for [[genocide]], although the validity of the trial was called into question when it was discovered that it had been orchestrated by an evil future manifestation of the Doctor, [[the Valeyard]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Trial of a Time Lord]]''). | ||
===Languages=== | ===Languages=== | ||
{{quote|No bo ho so ko ro toe so. Bo-ko-do-zo-go-bo-fo-po-jo! Ma ho.|The Tenth Doctor|The Stolen Earth}} | {{quote|No bo ho so ko ro toe so. Bo-ko-do-zo-go-bo-fo-po-jo! Ma ho.|The Tenth Doctor|The Stolen Earth}} | ||
The Doctor can speak 5 billion languages ([[ | The Doctor can speak 5 billion languages ([[TV]]:[[The Parting of the Ways]]), though it is likely he can only do so with help from the TARDIS's telepathic [[translation circuit]]s. His native language is probably [[Gallifreyan (language)|Modern Gallifreyan]], but he seems to prefer speaking British English. He can read and write [[Old High Gallifreyan]], an unusual skill even among Time Lords ([[TV]]:[[The Five Doctors (TV story)|The Five Doctors]]). | ||
He was fluent in the language of the [[Judoon]] ([[ | He was fluent in the language of the [[Judoon]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]''), [[Delphon]] (a language "spoken" using only eyebrow movements) ([[TV]]: ''[[Spearhead from Space]]''), several [[China|Chinese]] languages ([[TV]]: [[The Mind of Evil (TV story)|The Mind of Evil]], [[The Talons of Weng-Chiang]]), and many other Human and alien languages. He did not seem to understand [[France|French]] in his [[Second Doctor|second incarnation]] ([[TV]]: [[The War Games]]), but later became fluent. | ||
==Companions== | ==Companions== | ||
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: ''Main article: [[Companion]]'' | : ''Main article: [[Companion]]'' | ||
Throughout much of his life, the Doctor has chosen (or been forced) to share his travels with an array of individuals, occasionally referred to in official terms as companions ([[ | Throughout much of his life, the Doctor has chosen (or been forced) to share his travels with an array of individuals, occasionally referred to in official terms as companions ([[TV]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]''). Usually humanoid and female, these platonic relationships have provided the Doctor with company and, occasionally, a means to control his actions ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]''). On rare occasions the Doctor has developed a relationship with a companion that could be said to move away from platonic ([[Grace Holloway]], [[Rose Tyler]], [[River Song]]). At least one "family member", [[Susan Foreman]], also travelled as a companion to the Doctor for a time. | ||
==Behind the Scenes== | ==Behind the Scenes== | ||
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The use of the name "Doctor Who" when referring to the Doctor is disapproved of by most fans. Despite this, the ending credits for [[Doctor Who|the series]] usually have given his name as "Doctor" or "Dr. Who", until [[Producer]] [[John Nathan-Turner]] changed the policy, making his name in the end credits now the "the Doctor". [[Executive Producer]] [[Russell T Davies]] also preferred "Doctor Who", but [[Tenth Doctor]] actor [[David Tennant]] asked him to change it back to "the Doctor". | The use of the name "Doctor Who" when referring to the Doctor is disapproved of by most fans. Despite this, the ending credits for [[Doctor Who|the series]] usually have given his name as "Doctor" or "Dr. Who", until [[Producer]] [[John Nathan-Turner]] changed the policy, making his name in the end credits now the "the Doctor". [[Executive Producer]] [[Russell T Davies]] also preferred "Doctor Who", but [[Tenth Doctor]] actor [[David Tennant]] asked him to change it back to "the Doctor". | ||
In the series, only one character, [[WOTAN]] in [[1966]]'s ''[[The War Machines]]'' has ever directly referred to him by this name, a scene fans. Other media, [[1960s]] and early [[1970s]] ''[[Doctor Who | In the series, only one character, [[WOTAN]] in [[1966]]'s ''[[The War Machines]]'' has ever directly referred to him by this name, a scene fans. Other media, [[1960s]] and early [[1970s]] ''[[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annual]]'', comics and [[Target Books]] (most notably the ''[[Doctor Who and the Zarbi]]'', not technically a Target Books novelisation, but reprinted by them) have called the Doctor "Doctor Who". Even then, dialogue between characters usually referred to him as "the Doctor". | ||
===Casting=== | ===Casting=== | ||
| Line 105: | Line 105: | ||
===Analogous characters in other media=== | ===Analogous characters in other media=== | ||
:''See [[pastiches of the Doctor]].'' | :''See [[Doctor Who pastiches#Pastiches of the Doctor|Pastiches of the Doctor]].'' | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
| Line 112: | Line 112: | ||
*[http://www.whoniverse.org/biography/gallifrey.php Detailed Biography of the Doctor] | *[http://www.whoniverse.org/biography/gallifrey.php Detailed Biography of the Doctor] | ||
{{doctors}} | {{doctors}} | ||
Latest revision as of 17:48, 3 November 2024
The Doctor was a renegade Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who, as a voluntary exile from his homeworld fought injustice where he found it. Alone among the Time Lords, he survived the Last Great Time War with the Daleks. Throughout his life, he had a particular association and affinity with the planet Earth and its humans.
Profile[[edit] | [edit source]]
Biography[[edit] | [edit source]]
- For more detailed biographical information see articles for individual incarnations. For information on the Doctor's earliest life, see First Doctor.
The Doctor left Gallifrey and became a hero who fought evil and injustice across the universe, in violation of the Time Lords' non-interference policy. He travelled with many companions, beginning with Susan Foreman who also came from Gallifrey.
Eventually, he was held to account for his crimes against the Time Lords during his second incarnation. The punishment was a forced regeneration and exile to Earth, as well as loss of the knowledge of how to control the TARDIS. (TV: The War Games). This knowledge was restored to him after he helped to defeat Omega. (TV: The Three Doctors)
The Doctor fought in the Last Great Time War between the Time Lords and the Daleks. He was ultimately responsible for ending the war, likely the act which resulted in the obliteration of Gallifrey, as well as the supposed extinction of both races, apart from the Doctor himself. (TV: Dalek)
- For details on the Last Great Time War and the survivors, see separate entry.
The Doctor's incarnations[[edit] | [edit source]]
The ten incarnations of the Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]
Despite the fact that the Doctor was essentially the same person, he has through the Time Lord power of regeneration, changed personality and outer form. The Doctor continues to be a heroic figure, fighting the evils of the universe wherever he finds them, even if his values and motives are sometimes alien to humankind. To date, the Doctor has had 10 incarnations:
- The First Doctor was a somewhat unreadable, guarded figure, irascible, protective of young women who reminded him of his grand-daughter Susan, a brilliant but often short-tempered scientist and a keen strategist. Though far from invulnerable, he usually ran rings around lesser intellects.
- The Second Doctor was warm and wise, a sort of 'cosmic hobo', often as frightened of the alien menaces he faced as those around him. Often overtaken by events, he improvised his way out of trouble. But he also had a manipulative streak about him, too.
- The Third Doctor cut more of a dashing figure than his predecessors, a dandy with a penchant for gadgets and martial arts, particularly Venusian aikido. His difficult relationship with the Brigadier softened to an easy mutual trust. He had a personal arch-enemy, the Master. Due to his exile by his own people, he spent most of his life on Earth.
- The Fourth Doctor was something of a cross between Willy Wonka and the Mad Hatter, rarely without his signature scarf of incredible length. He was perhaps the most eccentric incarnation and progressed from bohemian vagabond to manic scatterbrain to a more mature and sombre figure.
- The Fifth Doctor had a fondness for cricket. He was somewhat more nervous and less sure of himself than the two previous Doctors, though all the more heroic because of it. Like the Second Doctor, he often found himself backed into a corner and had to figure out way back once more.
- The Sixth Doctor, grandiose and eloquent, sported a multi-hued wardrobe that looked as if designed by Christian Lacroix, had a manic personality and an acerbic wit which could shade into moral passion. He loved a good quote and rarely got caught off-guard by an enemy.
- The Seventh Doctor, his voice touched by a Scottish burr, combined the vagabond nature of the Second and Fourth Doctors with the scientific brilliance of the First and Third incarnations. Armed with a keenly tactical mind, his personality deepened and darkened. He seemed, often, a demi-god walking amongst lesser beings, letting his companions know little, an avenging angel driven to eradicate evil at any cost. Of all the Doctors, he had arguably the most complex personality.
- The Eighth Doctor showed a romantic and sensitive side not evident in the previous Doctors. More morally flexible than his predecessor, this Doctor suffered bouts of amnesia, first after his initial regeneration and again after the first destruction of Gallifrey following the the War with the Enemy.
- The Ninth Doctor, now a survivor of the Last Great Time War, displayed much of the playfulness of the Fourth and early Seventh Doctors, but also displayed a pragmatism which could at times appear callous. This Doctor also seemed very conscious of the effects his actions had on those around him. His attire was also considerably more conservative and less conspicuous than those of his predecessors and his accent and attitude more working class.
- The Tenth Doctor's character was manic, that of an eccentric crackpot, a cross between the Fourth Doctor and the Ninth, with hints of the Seventh with the style of the Fifth and a fondness for human pop culture reference. He had a serious side, but quite often his other wins out. He can act with inhuman ruthlessness.
Other incarnations[[edit] | [edit source]]
- See Other incarnations of the Doctor.'
Personal information[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Doctor's name[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Doctor was an extremely enigmatic individual. Befitting this, his true name remains unknown to all but a very few individuals (of which only one, River Song, has been confirmed (TV: Forest of the Dead)). Apparently his real name is not even used by the Time Lords (TV: The War Games, The Trial of a Time Lord).
- For a longer discussion of the mystery of the Doctor's true name and of his other aliases, see Aliases of the Doctor.
The Doctor's age[[edit] | [edit source]]
- See separate article.
Connections with Earth[[edit] | [edit source]]
Although the Doctor visited many worlds, the planet Earth remains the one for which he had the closest affinity. He displayed immense knowledge and/or interest in Earth history and was either an observer or an active participant in countless major events in that history. As noted previously, he found himself exiled to Earth during his third incarnation, very much against his wishes.
However he also had, at times, an affinity for the place, and specifically for Great Britain. When Angus Goodman asked him if he was British, he replied that he wasn't, but thanked Gus for the compliment. (COMIC: 4-Dimensional Vistas) He considered himself to be British soon after his regeneration into his eighth incarnation (TV: Doctor Who: The TV Movie).
His incarnations have adopted accents based upon different regions of the UK, most notably his seventh incarnation (who had a Scottish accent) and his ninth, whose accent resembled that of the north of England (though he tried to pass it off by claiming "lots of planets have a North!" (TV: Rose)). His tenth incarnation also adopted a convincing Scottish accent as part of a disguise once (this was David Tennant's own nature accent) (TV: Tooth and Claw).
The vast majority of the Doctor's known companions have been humans hailing from various points in the planet's history. His ninth and tenth incarnations developed a network of friends and former companions at one point referred to as the Doctor's secret Army or the Children of Time (TV: The Stolen Earth, Journey's End).
Family[[edit] | [edit source]]
On Gallifrey[[edit] | [edit source]]
On Gallifrey, the Doctor was one of the forty-five cousins created by a Loom to the House of Lungbarrow. When the House disowned, he replied that he had "other families" (PROSE: Lungbarrow).
These would somehow seem to include parents (TV: Doctor Who: The TV Movie) and a spouse (TV: Blink, PROSE: Cold Fusion), probably Patience (PROSE: The Infinity Doctors) and at least one child (TV: Fear Her). He had a (probably adopted) grand-daughter, Susan Foreman though there have been no on-screen mentions of any adoption. All are believed lost by the Doctor, either killed during the Last Great Time War or having died long before it (TV: The Tomb of the Cybermen). When one person asked him what had happened to his family, he replied, with seemingly real lack of knowledge that he didn't know. (TV: The Curse of Fenric)
- He had not, however, at that point, returned to the House of Lungbarrow. As far as the Doctor's adoption of Susan, contradictory statements describe the circumstances under which he adopted her - or if he did - though both identify her as originally a native of Gallifrey. Her later fate, unless she died in the Last Great Time War, remains unknown.
He had at least one brother (TV: Smith and Jones, possibly the Time Lord Irving Braxiatel (PROSE: Tears of the Oracle)
After the Last Great Time War[[edit] | [edit source]]
Genetic material from the Doctor in his tenth incarnation did create a child of sorts, Jenny. The Doctor believed Jenny to have been recently murdered; although unknown to him she underwent a partial regeneration and survived. (TV: The Doctor's Daughter)
During the event in which the Earth was relocated to the Medusa Cascade, a clone of the Doctor was created; this clone later was exiled by the Doctor to Pete's World; technically, however, the clone can be considered a relative of the Doctor's, after a fashion. (TV: Journey's End)
Influence[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Doctor belonged to the Prydonian Chapter, the most important chapter of Time Lord society (TV: The Deadly Assassin). He had a profound influence on many worlds and been written into their history (TV: Forest of the Dead); as a result he has been the recipient of many honours including being made a noble of Draconia and a knight of the British Empire (TV:Frontier in Space, Tooth and Claw).
Having broken the Time Lord's non-interference policy, in his second incarnation, he was put on trial as a renegade (TV: The War Games). Subsequently, for a time, he acted as agent of the Time Lord's Celestial Intervention Agency before the beginning of his sentence on 20th century Earth (PROSE: Players, World Game). Folllowing his defeat of Omega, which saved Gallifrey he was given a pardon and granted freedom (TV: The Three Doctors).
In his fourth incarnation, as part of a ploy to outwit invaders to Gallifrey, he applied for the position of Lord President of the High Council (TV: The Invasion of Time). In his fifth incarnation, he was put on trial again for recklessness (COMIC: The Stockbridge Horror). He was later given the title of Lord President again by Councillor Flavia, against his wishes. He pretended to accept the office but ran away in his TARDIS. (TV: The Five Doctors). Prior to the Doctor's trial during his sixth incarnation, he was deposed in absentia and put on trial for breaking the non-interference policy and, later in the same trial, for genocide, although the validity of the trial was called into question when it was discovered that it had been orchestrated by an evil future manifestation of the Doctor, the Valeyard (TV: The Trial of a Time Lord).
Languages[[edit] | [edit source]]
No bo ho so ko ro toe so. Bo-ko-do-zo-go-bo-fo-po-jo! Ma ho.
The Doctor can speak 5 billion languages (TV:The Parting of the Ways), though it is likely he can only do so with help from the TARDIS's telepathic translation circuits. His native language is probably Modern Gallifreyan, but he seems to prefer speaking British English. He can read and write Old High Gallifreyan, an unusual skill even among Time Lords (TV:The Five Doctors).
He was fluent in the language of the Judoon (TV: The Stolen Earth), Delphon (a language "spoken" using only eyebrow movements) (TV: Spearhead from Space), several Chinese languages (TV: The Mind of Evil, The Talons of Weng-Chiang), and many other Human and alien languages. He did not seem to understand French in his second incarnation (TV: The War Games), but later became fluent.
Companions[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Doctor likes traveling with an entourage. Sometimes they're human, sometimes they're aliens and sometimes they're tin dogs.
- Main article: Companion
Throughout much of his life, the Doctor has chosen (or been forced) to share his travels with an array of individuals, occasionally referred to in official terms as companions (TV: The Stolen Earth). Usually humanoid and female, these platonic relationships have provided the Doctor with company and, occasionally, a means to control his actions (TV: The Runaway Bride). On rare occasions the Doctor has developed a relationship with a companion that could be said to move away from platonic (Grace Holloway, Rose Tyler, River Song). At least one "family member", Susan Foreman, also travelled as a companion to the Doctor for a time.
Behind the Scenes[[edit] | [edit source]]
"Doctor Who"[[edit] | [edit source]]
The use of the name "Doctor Who" when referring to the Doctor is disapproved of by most fans. Despite this, the ending credits for the series usually have given his name as "Doctor" or "Dr. Who", until Producer John Nathan-Turner changed the policy, making his name in the end credits now the "the Doctor". Executive Producer Russell T Davies also preferred "Doctor Who", but Tenth Doctor actor David Tennant asked him to change it back to "the Doctor".
In the series, only one character, WOTAN in 1966's The War Machines has ever directly referred to him by this name, a scene fans. Other media, 1960s and early 1970s Doctor Who annual, comics and Target Books (most notably the Doctor Who and the Zarbi, not technically a Target Books novelisation, but reprinted by them) have called the Doctor "Doctor Who". Even then, dialogue between characters usually referred to him as "the Doctor".
Casting[[edit] | [edit source]]
So far every actor to portray The Doctor have been male, white, and born in the UK. In recent years there has been speculation over whether Time Lords should be able to change races or even sexes when regenerating. While the latter idea was first postulated by Tom Baker and never taken seriously, during the recent casting for the Eleventh Doctor, at least one black actor was considered a leading contender. Actors from the US, Canada, and other countries have also been rumoured as contenders for the role over the years.
