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Rory Arthur Williams
Doctor Who character
The blond Rory wears a black vest over a red checkered patterned shirt.
Arthur Darvill as Rory Williams
First appearance"The Eleventh Hour" (2010)
Last appearance"The Angels Take Manhattan" (2012)
Created bySteven Moffat
Portrayed byArthur Darvill
Ezekiel Wigglesworth (young)
Duration2010–2012
In-universe information
Full nameRory Williams
NicknameRory the Roman, "The Nose"
GenderMale
TitleThe Last Centurion (The Lone Centurion)
OccupationNurse
AffiliationEleventh Doctor
FamilyBrian Williams (father)
SpouseAmy Pond
Children
RelativesThe Doctor (child-in-law)
OriginGloucestershire, England
Home eraEarly 21st century

Rory Williams is a fictional character portrayed by Arthur Darvill in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.[2] Having been introduced in 2010, at the start of Series 5, Rory joins the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) as a companion a few episodes later intermittently, consolidating his place as a full companion in Series 6.[3][4][5] As fellow companion Amy Pond's (Karen Gillan) fiancé, Rory is initially insecure because he believes Amy secretly loves the Doctor more. Later, however, he proves to be a hero in his own right and he and Amy get married. The couple conceive a daughter aboard the Doctor's time machine, the TARDIS, while in the time vortex, but their baby is kidnapped at birth. In "A Good Man Goes to War", Rory and Amy discover their time traveller friend River Song (Alex Kingston) is actually their daughter, Melody Pond. The Doctor and River marry in "The Wedding of River Song", and Rory becomes the Doctor's father-in-law. In "The Angels Take Manhattan", the fifth episode of the seventh series, he and Amy are transported back in time by a Weeping Angel, leading to the couple's departure from the series.

Appearances

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Television

[edit]

Rory is introduced in "The Eleventh Hour" (2010) as a nurse in a coma ward and the "sort of boyfriend" of new companion Amelia Pond (Karen Gillan). He is shocked to meet Amy's 'imaginary' "Raggedy Doctor" - the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), whom he instantly recognises from Amy's childhood stories.[6] Two years later, Amy absconds on the eve of their wedding to travel with the Doctor, whom, at the end of an initial travelling period, she tries to seduce.[7] In response, the Doctor takes Amy and Rory to 1580s Venice to repair and strengthen the couple's relationship; at the end of the episode Rory joins them as a travelling companion.[8] In "Amy's Choice", in a shared realistic dream where he is a doctor married to a pregnant Amy, he tells her with his dying breath to look after their baby, which causes Amy to realise how much she loves him.[9] Rory travels with the Doctor and Amy until mid-series when, in "Cold Blood", he is shot dead by a Silurian after saving the Doctor and then absorbed by a crack in time and space, erasing him from existence and from Amy's memory.[10]

He next appears in "The Pandorica Opens", as a Roman soldier in 102 C.E., but is revealed to be an Auton with Rory's memories. Rory attempts to fight his Auton programming, but unwillingly shoots Amy.[11] In the Series 5 finale episode, "The Big Bang", the duplicate Rory preserves Amy in stasis using a futuristic prison called the Pandorica, voluntarily watching over her for almost two millennia. He becomes known as "The Last Centurion", guarding the Pandorica wherever it is taken. The Auton Rory assists the Doctor, Amy, and River Song (Alex Kingston) in saving the universe from the explosion that caused the cracks in time. Restored to his original human timeline but still possessing memories of his Auton existence, Rory marries Amy.[12] The couple continue traveling with the Doctor, who allows them a honeymoon. They are said to still be on their honeymoon in both The Sarah Jane Adventures serial Death of the Doctor and the Christmas special "A Christmas Carol".[13]

Series 6 premiere "The Impossible Astronaut" (2011) begins with Amy and Rory living back on Earth when they are contacted by the Doctor, via a letter, to meet him in America. In Utah they witness the Doctor dying in his relative future at the hands of a mysterious assassin.[14][15] In "The Almost People," it's revealed Amy has been kidnapped and replaced with a Ganger – a duplicate animated by the real Amy's consciousness – which the Doctor disintegrates upon deducing the situation, just as the real Amy goes into labour on a secret asteroid base called "Demon's Run".[16] Amy gives birth to their daughter, Melody Pond, between "The Almost People" and "A Good Man Goes To War"; Madame Kovarian (Frances Barber) and the Silence plan to raise her as a weapon against the Doctor because she has been born with Time Lord-like abilities. Rory, dressed in his centurion armor, faces down a space fleet of Cybermen to learn Amy's location, and assists the Doctor in assembling an army to rescue her. Though Amy and Rory are distressed they were unable to save Melody from being kidnapped by Madam Kovarian, River appears at the episode's climax and reveals to Amy and Rory that she is their daughter, Melody.[17] "Let's Kill Hitler" begins by revealing that Melody went on to become Amy and Rory's childhood friend, Mels, so that she might one day meet and kill the Doctor. As Amy had initially assumed Rory was gay due to his lack of interest in other women, a teenage Mels (Nina Toussaint-White) had been the one to inform Amy of Rory's affections. On 21st century Earth, Mels hijacks the TARDIS and directs it to 1938, where she is shot by Hitler (Albert Welling) and regenerates into River Song. They learn she is the assailant they saw kill the Doctor in his future. At the episode's conclusion, they decide to let the adult River make her own way in life and continue their travels.[18]

Rory features prominently in "The Girl Who Waited", where he is confronted with the horrible consequences time travel has had on a version of his wife.[19] In "The God Complex", he is the only one of the TARDIS crew who is not hunted by the creature that feeds on faith because of Rory's rational nature and lack of personal faith. The Doctor eventually realises the danger he is exposing his friends to and returns Amy and Rory to Earth, giving them a house and a car as exit presents.[20] The Doctor next glimpses the couple in "Closing Time", some time after he left them. The pair appear in his life once again when River creates an alternate reality by refusing to kill the Doctor. They witness the Doctor marry River in the alternate universe before returning to the established course of events where the Doctor once again appears to die. Once reality is restored, however, they are visited by their daughter River, who tells them the secret that the Doctor is still alive, and that the version of him that died had been a robot duplicate.[21] Though he wishes the world to believe he is dead, the Doctor joins Rory and Amy two years in their future for Christmas dinner in the Christmas special "The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe".[22]

Series seven opener "Asylum of the Daleks" (2012) establishes early on that Amy and Rory are set to divorce. The Daleks kidnap the Doctor to go on a mission for them, as well as kidnapping Rory and Amy on the day they are about to sign their divorce papers because they know the Doctor works better with companions. During the mission, the Doctor engineers a reconciliation between the two. The two discuss their feelings for each other. It is revealed Amy left Rory because she has been infertile since "A Good Man Goes to War", and she knew he wanted children. The Doctor subsequently embarks on sporadic journeys with the Ponds. Rory is said to be 31 years old at the time of "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship".

They rejoin him as permanent companions prior to their last adventure in "The Angels Take Manhattan".[23] In this story, Rory is sent back to 1930s New York by a Weeping Angel, where he encounters River, and is tracked there by the Doctor and Amy, where he finds himself repeatedly the victim of Weeping Angels repeatedly attacking him and dislocating him in space and time. It is discovered he is in an Angel "battery farm", where they intend to trap him until he dies of old age. Rory even encounters his dying older self there. Amy and Rory jump from a building to create a paradox and destroy the Angels, but one survives and sends Rory back in time. Amy chooses to let it send her back in time as well, and due to the massive paradox the Doctor can never reunite with them. From a tombstone he learns that Rory died at age 82, and Amy at 87. The website-only epilogue "P.S." later reveals that Rory and Amy adopted a son, in 1946, and named him Anthony Brian Williams. His middle name was chosen after Rory's father, Brian, to whom Rory sent a letter in "P.S.", delivered to him by Anthony, who is Brian's grandson despite being older than he is.[24]

Literature

[edit]

Rory appears alongside the Doctor and Amy in numerous Doctor Who stories found in the New Series Adventures novels, the 2in1 series chapter books, the Quick Reads novels, and original audiobooks.

Audio

[edit]

On 12 June 2020, Big Finish Productions announced that Darvill would reprise the role of Rory Williams for The Lone Centurion - a series of audio adventures depicting Rory's two-thousand years guarding the Pandorica.[25] The first volume, Rome, was released in April 2021.[26] The second volume, Camelot, was released in February 2022.[27]

Casting and characterisation

[edit]

For his audition, Arthur Darvill received two scenes from the first episode and one from the sixth, but beyond the fact Rory was Amy's boyfriend he was not informed of details of the character.[28] Lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat stated that what stood out about Darvill's audition was "just how funny" he was.[29] Darvill felt "privileged" to be part of the show, and was pleased with Rory's storyline.[30] Darvill had previously worked with Matt Smith on a play called Swimming with Sharks.[31] He became a regular with "A Christmas Carol";[32] Darvill had his "fingers crossed" that he would become a regular.[33]

Rory was a character who was "completely in love" with Amy, but Amy had things to do in life before admitting she loved him too. Moffat described Rory as someone who had grown up in the "shadow" of Amy's imaginary Doctor.[34] Rory became a nurse because of this.[35] Rory eventually evolves into a "bumbling action hero".[36][37] Speaking of Rory's characterisation in the first series, actor Darvill felt that he was "on the outside looking into this world he was desperately trying to save Amy from."[38] Executive producer Steven Moffat had intended to have a married couple on the TARDIS "from the off".[39] Darvill stated of the couple's marriage that Amy will always "wear the trousers". However, he felt that Rory's marriage had stopped the character "feeling so unworthy." In regards to how Rory changed between series five and six, Darvill stated that "his sense of adventure has awoken" and that he is more comfortable with himself.[38]

Reception

[edit]

Rory's frequent deaths in the programme have been subject to criticism. Digital Spy reviewer Morgan Jeffery wrote, "One of the key elements in Doctor Who is obviously the sense of danger and the lingering presence of death, but Rory's repeated demises and resurrections are now becoming so frequent that comparisons to South Park's Kenny seem almost inevitable."[40] In a review for "The Doctor's Wife", Neela Debnath of The Independent announced that "Rory-gets-killed fatigue has now officially set in".[41] On the other hand, SFX awarded Rory the third spot in the top 10 resurrections of science fiction TV, saying that "it's becoming a cliché. But it's not one we mind too much, mainly because it's always done with such gusto. Except, perhaps, in the pirates episode which was a fairly gusto free zone all round".[42]

However, critics have celebrated the increased opportunities for Rory to be heroic in series 6. Following the airing of "A Good Man Goes to War", io9's Charlie Jane Anders compared the character to Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof), whose arc in the American television programmes Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel similarly saw him transition from laughable comic relief to a genuine warrior. Anders comments: "We're thrilled that Rory is getting his Wesley Wyndam-Pryce on. Badass Rory is, as we already observed, totally badass."[43] Sam McPherson of Zap2it believed that Rory had the most character development of the characters in the fifth series, evolving into a "generally enjoyable character".[33]

The Radio Times blog singled the character out for praise: "As a traveller in the Tardis, Rory probably speaks for the audience far more than past companions have. Sure, we all like to think we'd spring into action just like the Doctor. But in truth, if we joined an eccentric alien on a journey through time and space, we'd probably be more Rory than Rose."[44] However, in 2015 Michael Hogan of The Daily Telegraph criticised the general portrayal of male companion figures in Doctor Who. He described Rory, alongside 2005–2006 character Mickey Smith (Noel Clarke) and 2014 character Danny Pink (Samuel Anderson) as all "basically soppy, sappy, slightly annoying plus-ones to far superior females".[45]

Rory was named "TV Character of the Year" in the Virgin Media TV Awards in 2012.[46] SFX named Amy and Rory the second-best science fiction and fantasy romance.[47]

References

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Rory Williams

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rory Williams is a fictional character in the long-running British science fiction television series , portrayed by English actor . He first appeared in the fifth series in 2010 as Amy Pond's devoted boyfriend and a nurse from the village of Leadworth, later becoming her husband and a key companion to the during travels aboard the . Williams' character arc highlights his transformation from a skeptical everyman wary of the Doctor's chaotic influence to a courageous and integral part of the TARDIS team, often displaying remarkable loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of interstellar threats. Notably known as the "Last Centurion," he once guarded a ancient prison for nearly two millennia to protect his wife, underscoring his steadfast devotion. His tenure as a companion spanned the fifth, sixth, and seventh series (2010–2012), including specials like The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe and , during which he and became parents to the time-traveler River Song. Beyond his television appearances, Williams has been featured in official audio dramas, such as the 2020 series The Lone Centurion, exploring his solo adventures as the Lone Centurion in . The character, initially introduced to contrast Amy's more adventurous spirit, ultimately earned acclaim for his relatable humanity and growth amid the series' high-stakes narratives.

Creation and portrayal

Casting

Arthur Darvill auditioned for the role of Rory Williams in 2009, initially conceived as a one-off nurse character appearing in the series 5 premiere "The Eleventh Hour". During the casting process, production provided limited script details to preserve secrecy, supplying Darvill with scenes from the first episode that revealed only his position as Amy Pond's boyfriend, with additional character information disclosed after he was cast. Among other auditionees, such as —who was considered but viewed as too young for the part—Darvill stood out, particularly due to his demonstrated chemistry with during , which helped secure the role. Rory's debut as Amy's fiancé was filmed in 2009 as part of series 5 production, featuring Darvill in a consisting of blue scrubs, a darker blue undershirt, and a grey-and-black plaid zip-up , along with an ID . The role, originally planned for limited appearances, expanded following positive reception to Darvill's performance in early episodes. In July 2010, the announced Darvill's promotion to main companion status, with his name appearing in the starting from the Christmas special "". This decision reflected production's intent to integrate Rory more fully into the team alongside and the .

Character development

Rory Williams was initially portrayed as an insecure, everyday nurse whose grounded, relatable nature contrasted sharply with Amy Pond's bold, adventurous spirit, serving to highlight the ordinary human element amid the Doctor's extraordinary exploits. This characterization was established by head writer in Rory's debut. During the era led by , evolved from a figure of —often bumbling yet endearing in his insecurities—to a profoundly heroic "Lone ," embodying unwavering loyalty and self-sacrifice as he protected across centuries. Moffat's scripting drove this transformation, using high-stakes scenarios to shift from peripheral support to a core pillar of the team, underscoring themes of enduring commitment in the face of cosmic threats. Central to Rory's arc were deliberate writing choices, including his repeated deaths and resurrections—such as being killed by a and absorbed by a time crack in "Cold Blood"—which amplified dramatic tension and catalyzed his personal growth from doubt to resolve. These narrative devices, penned under Moffat's oversight, allowed Rory to repeatedly demonstrate resilience, reinforcing his development into a symbol of quiet heroism. Rory's portrayal drew inspiration from classic Doctor Who companions, who often humanized the Doctor through their vulnerabilities and moral anchors, while Darvill infused the role with authentic emotional fragility based on his own interpretations of Rory's relational insecurities. This actor-driven nuance enhanced the character's relatability, making his sacrifices feel deeply personal. Writers have reflected on Rory's integral function in stabilizing the trio, with Moffat emphasizing that and Rory's partnership as a married couple was envisioned from the outset to explore of love and loss, balancing the Doctor's detachment with human interdependence.

Appearances

Television

Rory Williams was introduced in the fifth series premiere, "The Eleventh Hour", which aired on on 3 April 2010, portraying him as Pond's devoted fiancé and a nurse from Leadworth, emphasizing his ordinary life and initial skepticism toward the Doctor's world. In the fifth series, Rory's role expanded across key episodes, beginning with on 8 May 2010, where he first travels in the and confronts alien threats in Renaissance Italy alongside and the . His arc culminated in the finale two-parter, and , broadcast on 19 and 26 June 2010, respectively; in these, Rory is killed and resurrected as an Auton duplicate by the Nestene Consciousness, later sacrificing himself to protect by becoming the "Lone ," a Roman soldier who guards the Pandorica for nearly two millennia. Additional appearances in this series included (15 May 2010), where he faces dream-induced dilemmas, and the two-parter and "Cold Blood" (22 and 29 May 2010), highlighting his growing involvement in the Doctor's combats. He also appeared in the two-part crossover with , (25 and 26 October 2010). Rory featured in the 2010 Christmas special "", aired on 25 December 2010, as a guest supporting the Doctor's efforts to avert a spaceship disaster through time manipulation inspired by ' tale. He reprised his role in the 2011 Christmas special "The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe", aired on 25 December 2011, joining and the Doctor in a fantastical adventure through a magical forest to rescue a family from an alien threat. The sixth series marked Rory's full companionship status, with prominent roles in the opener "The Impossible Astronaut" and "Day of the Moon" (23 and 30 April 2011), where he mourns a future Amy and uncovers a Silence conspiracy on contemporary Earth. Mid-season, "A Good Man Goes to War" (4 June 2011) revealed Rory as the father of River Song, born from his and Amy's abduction by Madame Kovarian, underscoring his protective instincts during a militaristic assault on Demon's Run. The series finale "The Wedding of River Song" (27 October 2011) saw Rory navigating a collapsed timeline where history converges, aiding the Doctor's union with River and restoring reality. Other sixth series episodes included "The Curse of the Black Spot" (7 May 2011), a pirate ship haunted by a siren; "The Doctor's Wife" (14 May 2011), encountering a sentient TARDIS; the two-parter "The Rebel Flesh" and "The Almost People" (21 and 28 May 2011), involving flesh duplicates; "Let's Kill Hitler" (27 August 2011), a time-travel pursuit to 1940s Berlin; "Night Terrors" (3 September 2011), facing nightmarish entities in a children's home; "The Girl Who Waited" (24 September 2011), dealing with an older Amy in an accelerated timeline; "The God Complex" (17 September 2011), trapped in a hotel exploiting fears; and "Closing Time" (1 October 2011), defending Earth from Cybermen while balancing fatherhood. He also appeared in the mini-episodes "Space" and "Time" (18 March 2011), short comedic adventures with Amy. In the seventh series, Rory's tenure concluded with appearances in "" (1 September 2012), infiltrating a parliament; "" (8 September 2012), commandeering a prehistoric vessel; "" (15 September 2012), mediating a Wild West alien standoff; and "The Power of Three" (22 September 2012), monitoring an while awaiting his daughter's birth. His final outing, "" (29 September 2012), depicted Rory's death by a transporting him to 1938 New York, forcing Amy to follow and severing their travels with the Doctor in a poignant departure. Over his run, Rory evolved from a peripheral figure to a core companion integral to the dynamic, appearing in 14 stories across 33 episodes of the television series, including specials, mini-episodes, and the 2010 crossover.

Literature

Rory Williams features prominently in official print media during his time as a companion to the , appearing in over 25 novels, short stories, and chapter books published between 2010 and 2023. These works expand on his role as a devoted to and a steadfast ally to the Doctor, often placing him in scenarios that test his resourcefulness and loyalty amid alien threats and time-travel mishaps. The New Series Adventures novels were among the first to incorporate Rory following his television debut, with "Apollo 23" (2010) by Justin Richards serving as a key example. In this story, Rory confronts a sinister alien presence linked to a secret moon base, highlighting his quick thinking as a nurse in high-stakes situations alongside the Doctor and Amy. Subsequent entries in the Eleventh Doctor series, such as "The Forgotten Army" (2010) by Brian Minchin, depict Rory navigating an invasion by diminutive but deadly Vykoid warriors in modern-day New York, where family bonds with Amy drive his determination to protect civilians from enslavement. Similarly, "Dark Horizons" (2012) by Jenny T. Colgan explores interpersonal tensions within the TARDIS team during a confrontation with an otherworldly fire consuming a Scottish island, emphasizing Rory's grounded perspective amid the chaos. Later examples include "The Ruby's Curse" (2021) by Alex Kingston and Jacqueline Rayner, where Rory aids the Doctor and Amy in a mystery involving a cursed gem in 1920s Hollywood. Short story collections provided additional depth to Rory's character through standalone tales. In the anthology "11 Doctors, 11 Stories" (2013), Neil Gaiman's "Nothing O'Clock" references Rory's relationship with while placing the Doctor in a adventure involving a mysterious wristwatch, underscoring Rory's absence as a poignant narrative element. Other collections feature him in historical contexts, such as encounters with ancient threats that echo his protective instincts from television. For younger readers, quick reads and chapter books offered solo or focused adventures for Rory. "Rory's Adventure" (2012), a short story by Justin Richards included in Doctor Who: The Official Annual 2012, follows Rory exploring an interstellar spaceport during a brief separation from the Doctor and Amy, where he uncovers an alien plot and demonstrates his independence in a fast-paced, self-contained escapade. These lighter formats often portray Rory's everyday heroism, adapting his television traits like steadfastness to accessible, adventure-driven narratives without the full TARDIS ensemble.

Audio

Rory Williams' portrayal in audio began with BBC Audio's original short stories and novel adaptations featuring the Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, and Rory, often narrated by Arthur Darvill himself. These early releases, produced between 2010 and 2012, expanded on the characters' adventures beyond the televised episodes. For instance, in "The Runaway Train" (2010), written by John Lewis and narrated by Darvill, the TARDIS crew encounters a mysterious train journey through time, highlighting Rory's initial adjustment to time travel. Similarly, "The Way Through the Woods" (2011), adapted from Una McCormack's novel and narrated by Darvill, involves the group investigating supernatural events in an English forest, emphasizing Rory's protective instincts toward Amy. Other notable examples include "The Coldest War" (2011) by Mark Morris, where Rory faces a chilling alternate history scenario during World War II, and "Hunter's Moon" (2012) by Paul Finch, narrated by Darvill, in which the companions confront a werewolf-like threat on a remote island. These audiobooks, totaling around a dozen original tales, provided fans with additional insights into Rory's character development, such as his sacrificial nature, and were released exclusively through BBC Audio platforms. Big Finish Productions introduced Rory to their full-cast audio drama range with dedicated series exploring his solo exploits as the Lone Centurion, the Roman persona he adopted to guard the Pandorica for nearly two millennia. The first volume, "The Lone Centurion: Rome" (2021), consists of three stories—"Gladiator," "The Lone Centurion," and "The Ides of Rory"—written by Matt Fitton, David Llewellyn, and Joseph Lidster, respectively, with reprising his role as . Set in , these adventures depict navigating imperial intrigue, arena battles, and assassination plots while grappling with his immortal burden and unwavering loyalty to . Released as a three-disc , the volume showcases as a reluctant hero, blending humor with high-stakes action in historical settings. The series continued with "The Lone Centurion: Camelot" (2022), Volume 2, featuring another trio of stories—"The Once and Future Nurse," "The Kingdom of the Blind," and "The Last King of Camelot"—penned by Llewellyn, Fitton, and Emma Reeves. Here, Darvill's Rory is transported to Arthurian legend, where he encounters knights, sorcery, and quests at King Arthur's court, further emphasizing his enduring patience and moral compass amid fantastical perils. This installment, also a collector's edition box set, marked Big Finish's expansion of Rory's narrative into medieval mythology, allowing Darvill to explore the character's depth in isolation from the Doctor. Together, these six stories represent Rory's primary Big Finish appearances to date, contributing to over 20 audio narratives across producers from 2010 to 2022 that feature the character in original tales. Additional Big Finish crossovers include brief appearances tying Rory to the broader , such as in "The Diary of River Song" series (–present), where family connections to and provide contextual cameos linking his backstory. For example, in select installments, references to Rory's life and sacrifices underscore River's heritage without full narratives. Similarly, 2017's "Class" audio series, expanding the spin-off show, incorporates subtle universe ties that occasionally nod to Rory's era, though his direct involvement remains limited to ensemble contexts. These integrations highlight Rory's lasting impact on extended audio lore, prioritizing his relational dynamics over standalone adventures.

Role and relationships

In-universe biography

Rory Williams was born in the late 1980s in Leadworth, a small village in , where he grew up as childhood friends with , developing a deep affection for her that lasted into adulthood. He trained and worked as a nurse at Leadworth Hospital, partly motivated by a desire to prove himself against the "imaginary" Doctor whom Amy often mentioned from her childhood. In 2010, during an invasion by the Nestene Consciousness, Rory was transformed into a plastic Auton duplicate after his original body had been erased from time by a temporal crack, forcing him to confront his artificial nature while protecting . He then endured nearly two millennia as the "Lone ," vigilantly guarding 's imprisoned form inside the Pandorica on , as the Pandorica traveled through time and history, until the Doctor restored reality in 2010. This extraordinary wait solidified his unwavering loyalty, allowing him to resume human life and join and the on travels aboard the . During their adventures, Rory and Amy learned they had conceived a daughter, Melody Pond—later known as River Song—aboard the while it traversed the time vortex, an event that imbued Melody with partial physiology due to the temporal energies involved. This revelation occurred amid the Battle of Demon's Run, where the Doctor rallied allies to rescue the infant Melody from kidnappers seeking to weaponize her against him. Rory continued traveling with the Doctor and Amy through various perils, including a 2367 mission to commandeer a spaceship adrift in space, stocked with dinosaurs harvested from as a weapon, where he helped navigate the vessel and confront the rogue trader . These journeys highlighted Rory's resourcefulness and growing confidence as a companion. In 2012, while exploring 1930s New York, Rory was displaced to 1938 by a Weeping Angel, stranding him in the past and preventing any return to his original timeline due to paradox risks. Amy chose to follow him through time, allowing them to live out their remaining years together in the 20th century, where Rory eventually died of old age; their lives were later referenced through their adopted son Anthony Brian Williams, who is the grandson of Rory's father Brian and visited him in 2020.

Key relationships

Rory Williams' most significant relationship is with Amy Pond, evolving from childhood friendship to a profound romantic partnership marked by enduring commitment amid the disruptions of time travel. They first met as children in Leadworth, where Rory harbored a longstanding affection for the adventurous Amy, eventually becoming her fiancé and later her husband in a wedding officiated by the Eleventh Doctor. Their bond faced extreme trials, including Rory's transformation into an Auton and his subsequent vigil as the "Lone Centurion," guarding Amy's preserved form in the Pandorica for nearly two millennia to protect her from cosmic threats. This separation underscored the depth of Rory's devotion, as he sacrificed centuries in solitude to safeguard the woman he loved, ultimately reuniting with her to restore the universe. As the father of River Song (born Melody Pond), Rory's familial ties extend into a complex, time-displaced dynamic that highlights themes of unintended legacy and protection. Conceived during a flight, Melody was kidnapped shortly after birth by forces opposed to the Doctor, leading Rory and Amy to discover their daughter's identity only after years of searching; this revelation occurs during the Battle of Demon's Run, where Rory confronts the implications of his role in River's origins. Their unwitting contribution to River's upbringing as a warrior and time traveler adds layers of emotional resonance, with Rory's paternal instincts driving him to assemble allies in her defense, though their interactions remain fragmented across timelines. Rory's relationship with the begins with tension, stemming from Rory's initial jealousy over the Doctor's close connection with , but matures into a steadfast built on mutual and shared heroism. Early encounters reveal Rory's insecurities as an "ordinary" human beside the , yet he repeatedly proves his valor, such as when he holds a collapsing door against a horde of Weeping Angels to allow the Doctor's escape, effectively sacrificing himself in the process. Over time, this evolves into a partnership where Rory saves the Doctor on multiple occasions, including from existential threats, establishing him as an indispensable ally whose grounded perspective complements the Doctor's exuberance. Thematically, Rory serves as a stabilizing force for both and the Doctor, providing emotional grounding and reminders of human resilience amid the chaos of interstellar adventures. His ordinary background as a nurse contrasts with the extraordinary circumstances, anchoring the group's dynamics and emphasizing loyalty over spectacle. This role extends into non-television media, particularly Big Finish audio dramas like The Lone Centurion, which delve deeper into his solitary guardianship of Amy and the Pandorica, exploring the psychological toll of his isolation and reinforcing his theme as the reliable human element in an unpredictable universe.

Reception

Critical response

Arthur Darvill's portrayal of Rory Williams has been praised by critics for effectively capturing the character's evolution from a timid, everyday figure to a heroic companion. A 2012 Guardian article highlighted Rory's narrative challenge in proving himself beyond the role of a "timid fiance who lives in the shadow of her obsession with the Doctor," underscoring Darvill's ability to convey this growth into a more confident and integral part of the team. Critics have analyzed Rory's storyline, particularly his repeated deaths and resurrections, as employing a familiar trope that, while potentially overused, successfully builds emotional stakes and character depth. In SFX magazine's ranking of the top 10 resurrections in television, Rory placed third, with the review noting that "it's becoming a . But it's not one Rory does badly," praising how the repetitions amplified his resilience and the series' themes of loss and renewal. Rory Williams received notable awards recognition for his impact, being named "TV Character of the Year" at the 2012 Virgin Media TV Awards, reflecting his resonance with audiences through Darvill's grounded performance. Scholarly examinations of Doctor Who have positioned Rory as an exemplar of "ordinary heroism" in the revived series, emphasizing how an unassuming nurse transforms into a steadfast ally without superhuman abilities. The 2023 edited volume Heroism in Doctor Who (published by transcript Verlag) describes Rory as an "unlikely hero," initially presented as relatable and vulnerable, whose arc illustrates accessible courage amid extraordinary circumstances. Retrospective reviews of post-television content have commended the Big Finish audio series for further developing Rory's underrepresented traits, such as his humor and independence. A 2021 analysis in The Doctor Who Companion praised The Lone Centurion: Volume 1 – Rome for portraying as "the nicest man who ever existed," capable of action-hero feats while prioritizing empathy, thus enriching his legacy beyond the screen.

Fan appreciation

Rory Williams has enjoyed substantial popularity within the , frequently ranking among the top companions in fan polls due to his relatable portrayal as an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. In a 2018 ranking of Doctor Who companions, Williams and his wife topped the list for their compelling partnership and emotional depth, highlighting his appeal as a loyal, grounded figure. Game Rant's assessment praises the duo for Williams' growth from insecure fiancé to steadfast hero. Online communities have embraced Williams through humorous discussions and memes centered on his recurring misfortunes, such as his multiple on-screen deaths, which evoke sympathy and underscore his resilience. This facet of his character has fostered a dedicated following that appreciates his "everyman" endurance amid cosmic chaos. His presence in fan-driven content extends to merchandise, including detailed 5-inch action figures modeled after actor Arthur Darvill's likeness, released by Character Options in 2012, allowing collectors to recreate key scenes from his adventures. Williams also features prominently in comics, appearing in 112 stories across publishers like IDW and Titan, as well as in Magazine stories such as "The Broken Man" (2012), which explore his exploits alongside the and . Williams' legacy endures through conventions, where Darvill participated in high-profile panels, including the 2012 event alongside and , engaging fans on his character's arc. Recent fan engagement surged with ' The Lone Centurion audio series (2021–2022), which chronicles Williams' 2,000-year vigil as a Roman guarding the Pandorica; the release received positive reception for its heartfelt storytelling and Darvill's performance, with reviewers noting its success in filling narrative gaps from the TV series. This enthusiasm is reflected in the character's cultural footprint, including parodies in broader media and a robust fanfiction presence, with over 5,300 stories tagged with Williams on as of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.doctorwho.tv/characters/rory-williams
  2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/04_april/05/doctorwho5.shtml
  3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/5NQ62PDFLcdlHf2bxg2j6gX/rory-williams
  4. https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/rory-williams-the-lone-centurion-gets-his-own-audio-drama-series
  5. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-jacob-anderson-rory-newsupdate/
  6. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/04_april/05/doctorwho4.shtml
  7. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/interview-doctor-who-arthur-darvill/
  8. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a234254/arthur-darvill-to-become-doctor-who-regular/
  9. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/07_July/08/doctorwho.shtml
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  11. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/04_april/05/doctorwho2.shtml
  12. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/408489/doctor-who-apollo-23-by-justin-richards/9781849909730
  13. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/408513/doctor-who-the-forgotten-army-by-brian-minchin/9781849907958
  14. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/418561/doctor-who-dark-horizons-by-jt-colgan/9781849904575
  15. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/270774/doctor-who-12-doctors-12-stories-by-various/9781405924122
  16. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Official-Annual-2012/dp/1405907983
  17. https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-lone-centurion-volume-01-2305
  18. https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/rory-williams-solo-audio-adventures-are-revealed
  19. https://www.bigfinish.com/news/v/rory-goes-to-camelot
  20. https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/documents/doctor-who-5-episode-1-the-eleventh-hour-goldenrod-revisions-071009.pdf
  21. https://www.doctorwho.tv/stories/a-good-man-goes-to-war
  22. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/57H53VpmLj2jlBZy1PFzMFD/dinosaurs-on-a-spaceship
  23. https://www.doctorwho.tv/stories/the-angels-take-manhattan
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/sep/15/doctor-who-karen-gillan-arthur-darvill
  25. https://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-resurrections/
  26. https://en.paperblog.com/virgin-media-tv-awards-the-results-132030/
  27. https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/c5849b60-6af9-404b-b069-5198a1e5ff50/9783956509841.pdf
  28. https://thedoctorwhocompanion.com/2021/07/13/reviewed-big-finishs-the-lone-centurion-volume-1-rome/
  29. https://www.vulture.com/2018/12/doctor-who-companions-ranked.html
  30. https://gamerant.com/doctor-who-best-companions/
  31. https://merchandise.thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/doctor-who-action-figure-rory/
  32. https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Rory_Williams/Appearances
  33. https://tardis.wiki/wiki/The_Broken_Man_(comic_story)
  34. https://www.ign.com/videos/doctor-who-karen-gillan-and-arthur-darvill-comic-con-2012
  35. https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Rory%20Williams/works
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