Given that the Doctor changes persona between each incarnation, it fascinates me to consider which traits are definitive. There are some elements of the Doctor’s personality that are very much manifestations of a specific regeneration but there are other elements that are more central and defining of the Doctor as a consistent character. Even so, these traits can vary in magnitude between regenerations but are traits that we would generally expect to see present. Does the lack of (or reduced prominence of) any trait make it difficult for you to identify with a given regeneration as the Doctor? Which incarnations most embody the traits that you find of central importance? How?
Note: This is NOT an opportunity for people to pile on any given regen, as each incarnation has their own fans and their own merits. This is merely by way of exploration. After all, I’m a curious fellow!
The Doctor always makes up as they go. 8 acknowledge this in The War Valeyard (just a recent example for me). Yet 11 seems to often pretend that he has a plan when he’s just winging it? Is that insecurity?
For me it’s a mix of a strong moral compass to right wrongs… While also being incredibly alien and weird because of it. I love when The Doctor seems to be human but then has either cold moments or moments where they just act a little odd compared to how humans would act. 8 in the audios is a prime example of this. This combination of a strong loving heart and that similarity to humanity while clearly not being a part of it is core to the character for me
My normal experience when on field expeditions to the African bush, is to gradually decrease the amount of coffee I put in my campfire brew at the end of the day, whilst increasing the powdered milk and sugar content. When on low reserves, the body craves protein and sugar so I end up drinking hot super sugary milk. I mean, really properly syrupy! Can’t drink it under normal circumstances but in the field… I come to crave it every time. Maybe, because the Doctor is always running from something, his body is permanently low on reserves… hence the sugar craving?
I love to see that mercurial intelligence, that lightning quick mind at work. They all have it to a degree, of course, but it’s particularly prevalent for me in:
Second Doctor (though he hides it, it bleeds through)
Third Doctor (he really doesn’t hide it)
Fourth Doctor (his unpredictable flashes of inspiration are delightful)
Seventh Doctor (it comes through very differently, but is still there. I’d describe it as more of a simmering intelligence)
Tenth Doctor (he’s an exemplar of lightning fast thinking on many occasions)
Twelfth Doctor (more a fiery intelligence, but the same basic brilliance)
Yes, quite right! It’s always interesting when the Doctor’s morality doesn’t quite gel with human expectations. It’s that wider, deeper, bigger view of the universe that only a seasoned traveller in the fifth dimension would truly develop!
Ahhh, but is being neurodivergent a character trait or are character traits associated with it? Such a diverse number of ways in which neuro-atypical people manifest difference that I would argue it isn’t a trait per se. That said, I agree that many of the Doctor’s traits are familiar to (and even indicative of) neurodivergence.
And, as someone who falls into the neurodivergent/neuro-atypical bracket myself, it is pretty commonplace that I’m told I don’t think like other humans. In the Doctor’s case, this is hardly surprising!
I think this one is really important. It’s the fact that the Doctor’s pockets are not only capacious (not, in itself a character trait) but also full of the most bizarre and eclectic things. From the most useful and specific gadget (in some cases) to dolly mixtures, toys and even a piece of the synestic locking mechanism from Nerva’s rocket! It’s also reflective of the Doctor’s somewhat kleptomaniac leanings (which is definitely a character trait).
In fact, let’s add to that an inherent tendency to contradict. This is possibly one of my favourite lines from the whole show!
“Never throw anything away, Harry. Where’s my five hundred year diary? I remember jotting some notes on the Sontarans. It’s a mistake to clutter one’s pockets, Harry!”
