Dorothea "Dodo" Chaplet is an orphan. She may not have left school, or she may have only recently left, and is probably aged about 16 when she meets the Doctor. Her grandfather is french, but she is probably a Cockney - although her accent is hard to determine as it can be variable. Before meeting the Doctor, Dodo lived with her great-aunt, but there are indications that this isn't a particularly happy arrangement as she believes that she won't be missed when she leaves her home to travel in the TARDIS.
| Dorothea "Dodo" Chaplet | |
|---|---|
| First Televised Story: | The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve |
| Last Televised Story: | The War Machines |
| Other Stories: | Salvation (PDA) The Golden Door |
| Actress: | Jackie Lane |
Character Description
Dodo's youthful vigour, and excitement in all she sees, remind the Doctor of Susan, and the pair become close. She takes the TARDIS, and Space/Time Travel, in her stride. When Dodo first enters the TARDIS, she believes it is a real Police Box, in 1966. She has entered it wanting to report an accident, in which a small boy has been hurt. The fact that the TARDIS isn't a Police Box makes her intrigued, rather than unbelieving. When Dodo experiences Time Travel, she is equally excited about being on the Ark, as she is to be in the Wild West.
When Dodo, and the travellers, arrive on the Ark she, at first, believes that they are at Whipsnade Zoo. Dodo tells the others that she went there as a child, ans she displays some knowledge of nature. Unfortunately, Dodo has a cold, and this virus is accidentally passed on to the Humans and Monoids inhabiting the Ark. As they have no resistance to this virus it becomes a plague. Dodo, being a caring person, is distraught that she has caused this terrible event.
Dodo's caring nature is probably what makes her dislike cheating, unfair, behaviour. Whilst this annoyance can be seen at many times, it is most visible when the travellers meet The Celestial Toymaker. It is his games, attitude, and Cyril's cheating which frustrate Dodo.
Whilst travelling with the Doctor, Dodo is lucky enough to have one of her lifelong wishes granted. She is keenly interested in the Wild West, and reveals that she always wanted to meet Wyatt Earp. When the travellers arrive in the American West, the Doctor introduces Dodo as "Miss Dodo Dupont, Wizard of the ivory keys". During their time in this era the Doctor quickly realises that Dodo is "fast becoming a prey to every cliche-ridden convention in the American West." Despite this, and the sad events on the Ark, Dodo's interest, and excitement, are still eveident as the travellers continue on their journey. Dodo is not frightened to investigate on her own, and on the next planet they visit she wanders off while the Doctor and Steven are busy with the Elders and The Savages. She has a look around this planet, and discovers the laboratory of Senta, which is used for the life-force transferance that keeps the Elders alive.
This independance may finally be Dodo's undoing. When the travellers return to 20th Century Earth, and discover WOTAN and it's War Machines, it is Dodo who WOTAN conditions to betray the Doctor. On discovering this, the Doctor breaks her conditioning, and sends Dodo to the country to recuperate. Dodo never returns, instead she sends her TARDIS key back with Polly, saying that she's decided to stay in London.
Quotes
"Wait a minute, if this isn't a Police Box, what is it? and who are you?"
The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve
Steven: "If it isn't allowed Dodo would be first in the queue"
"He can bring them to life, but they have wills and minds of their own. I'll never be able to look at a doll or a playing card again with an easy mind. They really do have a secret life of their own."