Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor - Characters & Cast

His primary motivation is to protect the innocent people of the town of Christmas and to prevent the question "Doctor who?" from being answered, which would trigger the return of the Time Lords and a new Time War. He is driven by his fundamental sense of duty and his promise to defend the helpless.

The Eleventh Doctor begins the episode as his usual energetic, flippant self but is forced into a situation that requires immense patience and endurance. Over centuries, he transforms from a 'mad man in a box' into an old, weary protector. His arc is about coming to terms with his own mortality, accepting the end of his life cycle, and finding peace in his final heroic act. His regeneration is not one of panic, but of quiet, reflective acceptance.

Clara is motivated by her deep affection and loyalty to the Doctor. She refuses to abandon him, even when he tries to push her away for her own safety. Her ultimate goal is to save her friend from his impending death.

Clara's arc in this episode solidifies her role as the Doctor's devoted friend. Initially, she struggles with the Doctor's decision to stay on Trenzalore and is tricked into leaving multiple times. However, she ultimately demonstrates her courage and loyalty by returning to him at the very end. Her plea to the Time Lords is the pivotal act that saves the Doctor, moving her from a passive 'Impossible Girl' to an active agent in his story.

Tasha Lem is initially motivated by the need to maintain peace and prevent the Time War from restarting. This aligns with the Doctor's goals, but her methods are more rigid. Her personal history with the Doctor also motivates her to help him directly when the situation becomes dire.

Tasha Lem is introduced as an old acquaintance of the Doctor and the Mother Superior of the Papal Mainframe. She begins as a powerful, authoritative figure who enforces the blockade of Trenzalore. Her arc involves her being temporarily converted by the Daleks and then fighting back, ultimately proving to be a crucial ally who brings Clara back to the Doctor for his final moments.

His immediate motivation is to figure out who he now is and to control the crashing TARDIS. His introduction is chaotic and forward-looking, concerned with the immediate present rather than the past his predecessor just left behind.

Appearing only in the final moments, the Twelfth Doctor's arc is just beginning. His abrupt and energetic arrival, marked by confusion over his new kidneys and how to fly the TARDIS, immediately establishes a starkly different personality from his predecessor, setting the stage for a new era.