The Doctor rarely travels alone, and is usually accompanied by at least one other, usually an attractive young lady quite often of Earth descent. I will restrict myself here to those that have shared adventures with the Doctor on TV though I would also point you towards Professor Summerfield’s sub-site.

 

Companions are usually expected to excel in a number of skills, most notably:

 

• Screaming
• Being Captured
• Asking the Doctor questions
• Looking good in skimpy clothes (this is optional for male companions)
• Screaming
• Running down corridors
• Looking good in quarries
• Screaming

 

Although there have been some exceptions to the above as the series was pulled into the 1970’s, 1980’s or 21^st Century – depending on your UNIT dating.

 

Nowadays companions are expected to have some additional skills:

 

• Proficiency with weapons (knives and explosives are acceptable but not Janis Thorns)
• Proficiency with science:
• Technology (ability to build own sonic screwdriver is useful)
• Chemistry (but no blowing up the TARDIS lab)
• Surgery (cardio-vascular specialists must be proficient in Gallifreyan biology)
• Robotics (or at least skills in dog walking and herpetology)
• Proficiency in sports (bronze medal gymnastics at least)
• Ability to make friends with complete strangers, often aliens, in less than 20 minutes (and to grieve for them at short notice)

 

Note all skills claimed must be true, claiming expertise in, say, escapology and being unable to get out of a locked room is not good form.

 

With regard to family, it is usual that a companion either should be an orphan or at least young, free and single. Failure to get this right can lead to much confusion and unnecessary distress for those left behind (yes Rose Tyler, we mean you!). Prospective companions with large families should be prepared to sacrifice relatives as needed.

 

Proceed to Companions Index