Barbara Wright (Doctor Who)

Barbara Wright was one of the First Doctor's original companions in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Played by actress Jacqueline Hill, she appeared in the show from its very first episode, "An Unearthly Child" (1963), until "The Chase" (1965).

Barbara was a history teacher at the Coal Hill School in London, alongside science teacher Ian Chesterton. Her curiosity was piqued by their student, Susan Foreman, who displayed unusually advanced knowledge for her age. This led Barbara and Ian to investigate Susan and her grandfather, uncovering the TARDIS in a junkyard and being inadvertently transported back to prehistoric times.

During her travels with the Doctor, Barbara proved to be intelligent, compassionate, and resourceful. Her historical knowledge was often invaluable in understanding and navigating various historical settings they encountered. She demonstrated a strong moral compass, frequently challenging the Doctor's more detached or manipulative decisions. She was known for her courage in dangerous situations, often putting herself at risk to help others.

Significant storylines for Barbara included her experiences in ancient Aztec Mexico ("The Aztecs"), where she was mistaken for a goddess, and her forced participation in a Dalek game show ("The Chase"). The Aztecs storyline particularly highlighted her internal conflict between using her assumed divine power for good and the potential consequences of interfering with the natural course of history.

Barbara and Ian eventually used a Dalek time machine to return to 1965 London, finally resuming their lives as teachers. Her departure was a poignant moment, marking the end of the original TARDIS crew. Despite her relatively short tenure in the series, Barbara Wright remains a beloved and influential character in Doctor Who history, remembered for her intelligence, bravery, and dedication to doing what was right.