 The production team 's approach to the character and Eccleston 's portrayal were highlighted as being intentionally different from his predecessors , with Eccleston stating that his character would be less eccentric . To fit in with a 21st @-@ century audience , the Doctor was given a primary companion , Rose Tyler , who was designed to be as independent and courageous as himself . He also briefly travels with Adam Mitchell , a self @-@ serving boy genius who acts as a foil to the companions and ultimately proves unworthy , and Jack Harkness , a reformed con man from the 51st century . The Doctor , Rose and Jack form a close team but are separated in the series finale in which each character has to make difficult choices and face sacrifice . 
