Mary Shelley
Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley was an English writer of the early 19th century who was one of the earliest writers of what came to be known as science fiction, composing the science-based horror story Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus, and the future history, The Last Man. Shelley's circle of friends included poet Lord Byron and John Polidori, who was one of the first to write about vampires.
Biography
The Eighth Doctor mentioned that he spent time on a lake with Byron and Mary Shelley while talking to Professor Chronotis. (WC: Shada, BFA: Shada) He again mentioned that he spent time with Lord Byron and Mary Shelley when re-awakening following an encounter in the Matrix. (BFA: Neverland)
In 1816, Shelley encountered the Eighth Doctor and witnessed him apparently coming back to life after being dead, providing inspiration for Frankenstein. Shelley then left with the Doctor and travelled with him for an unknown period of time.
During her travels with the Doctor, Mary met Cybermen, Axons and King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. (BFA: Mary's Story)
Also in 1816, Shelley encountered the Tenth Doctor later in his timeline as Zzazik, an alien creature wrapped in bandages, was absorbing bolts of energy. This sight provided Shelley with inspiration for a scene in Frankenstein. The Doctor mentioned that Shelley looked familiar, but did not comment further. (DWBIT: The Creative Spark)
- The chronological order of Mary's encounters with the Doctor in 1816 from her point of view is not known.
The Eighth Doctor had a copy of Shelley's Frankenstein in his TARDIS library, inscribed to him by her. The Doctor read the preface aloud, and mentioned that what Shelley wrote wasn't the entire truth about what happened. (BFA: Storm Warning)
Other information
- The First Doctor once encountered a robotic replica of Shelley's creation, Frankenstein's Monster during an adventure involving the Daleks. (DW: The Chase)
- A Reprise of Shelley lived in Europa and fought alongside the Fourth Doctor. (MA: Managra)
Behind the scenes
- A few years after writing Frankenstein, Shelley wrote a little known science fiction novel called The Last Man, which takes place at the end of the 21st century. In the context of the Whoniverse, and the recent revelation that she travelled with the Doctor, it is possible that her writing of this book (and, possibly, of Frankenstein) may have been influenced by her experiences with the Doctor.
- It has been confirmed the Mary will be reappearing in a trilogy of stories with the Eighth Doctor that will comprise the final three 2011 monthly releases from Big Finish. She will again be portrayed by Julie Cox.
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