Tenth Doctor

Tenth Doctor
Place of origin:	Gallifrey
Appearances:	Full List of Appearances
Main actor:	[[actor::David Tennant|David Tennant]]

Biography

The Tenth Doctor came into existence after the Ninth Doctor absorbed all the energy of the Time Vortex, an act which began destroying every cell in his body, triggering a regeneration. He spent most of his time sleeping during the events of the Christmas invasion, while recovering from his regeneration.

Characteristics

Like his predecessor, the Tenth Doctor is capable of boundless enthusiasm, though in his case often at inappropriate times. He retains and even exceeds the Ninth Doctor's capacity for righteous anger, especially when Rose is threatened, though he is more guarded when speaking of their future together. While he seems to have resolved the survivor guilt felt by the Ninth Doctor, the Tenth is is beginning to feel his age and, behind the outward playfulness, he feels a deep loneliness. His keen sense of loss leads him to empathise with those who have also suffered.

Perhaps as a side effect of the neural implosion he suffered during his regeneration, he is often confused, catching himself behaving in ways that he didn't expect. In particular, while many Doctors have intentionally flouted social conventions, the Tenth seems to be genuinely surprised when he is rude or uncouth. He is much more hooked into popular culture than his prior incarnations, particularly that of the twenty-first century, though he also has a liking for earlier rock and roll.

Psychological profile

Personality

The Tenth Doctor is a study in contrasts. He's charismatic and slightly manic, possessing a disarming sense of humour borne of his seemingly boundless energy. He's also staunchly heroic, leaping into the fray like a slightly demented Errol Flynn. But there is an undeniable shadow cast over the jollity of the Tenth Doctor. He is not a man to be crossed heedlessly; when driven to anger, he will act without hesitation to strike down those who oppose him. His ruthlessness, bordering on arrogance, is almost eerie to behold. Beneath his youthful veneer, the Tenth Doctor is a very old man who has seen many terrible things; and in some matters, his patience has worn out.

Habits and Quirks

The Tenth Doctor makes frequent reference to twentieth century pop culture, from catchphrases to allusions to television programs. He's fond of rock and roll, trying to take Rose to see both Elvis and Ian Drury, and dresses in the manner of an indie Brit-pop artist. His reading glasses match his current style.

He often remarks that exotic technology or life is "beautiful" and is genuinely enthralled by such discoveries, sometimes to the extent that it places he or Rose in danger.

While he continues the Ninth Doctor's habits of mildy abusing both Mickey and Jackie, he generally does so in a more obviously playful fashion.

Quotes

The Christmas Invasion

• "From the day they arrive on the planet, and blinking, step into the sun, there is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than... no. Sorry, that's The Lion King. But, the point still stands... leave them alone!"

• "When I see a great big threatening button that should never ever be pressed, I just wanna do this!" [Hits the button very hard]

• Sycorax: "Witchcraft!" Doctor: "Time Lord."

• "By the ancient rites of combat, I forbid you to scavenge here for the rest of Time. When you go back to the stars and tell others of this planet, when you tell them of its riches, its people, its potential — when you talk of the Earth, then make sure you tell them this. It... is... defended!"

Attack of the Graske

• "Your remote now has all the features of the sonic screwdriver, so don't let the cat sit on it, cos that wouldn't be too good."

The Idiot's Lantern

• "Rubber soles! SWEAR by them!"

Incarnations of the Doctor
Widely accepted
Others / unplaced incarnations
More ambiguous