The Character of William Hartnell's Doctor was very much concieved and portrayed as a Grandfather figure for the young children who would watch the show. However, this Doctor also had a slightly scary and menacing air about him. Although he could be eccentric, playful and slightly doting towards his assistants (particularly to his Granddaughter, Susan) he could also be suspicious, guarded and sometimes even slightly unpleasant.
Hartnell's Doctor is also remebered for the actor's particular characteristics in the role, in particular small tics such as giggling or going "hmmm". This was partly due to the fact that Hartnell himself had some trouble in learning his lines, which was not surprising as to start with episodes were rehearsed and filmed on a weekly basis. Having to learn the equivalent of a one act play in just about a week was difficult to any actor, particularly one of Hartnell's age. Hartnell's 'fluffs' are however one of the most endearing traits to his Doctor's character.
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