Doctor Who has introduced some iconic new companions to audiences, especially in the reboot era. While she is not going to appear in the upcoming 60th-anniversary show, many fans would agree that Rose Tyler (portrayed by Billie Piper), is still one of the characters that defines the show - even years on. Not only was her arc hugely memorable but the writing for the character was always stunning and these quotes reflect that.
While actions sometimes speak louder than words, in these cases, these quotes completely encapsulate who Rose was as a hero, a human, and a friend to the time-traveling Doctor. She had one of the toughest journeys that anyone has had in the T.A.R.D.I.S. but she is all the better for it.
"I Am The Bad Wolf [...] I Take The Words, I Scatter Them In Time And Space."
"The Parting Of Ways" - Season 1, Episode 13
The Bad Wolf arc was a major feature within the earlier seasons of Doctor Who. The mysterious Bad Wolf never quite revealed its identity until the final moments, when Rose was unveiled as the godly entity.
Although Rose was a huge believer in destiny and was extremely loyal to the Time Lord, this moment did lead fans to wonder whether it was the Bad Wolf that caused this. After all, the Bad Wolf did confirm that she had been trying her best to connect with the Time Lord for ages, so it did lead some viewers to wonder if Rose's life had already been pre-determined for her.
"You Know The Sound The T.A.R.D.I.S. Makes? That Wheezing...Groaning? That Sound Brings Hope Wherever It Goes."
"The Day Of The Doctor" - 50th Anniversary
The Moment/Bad Wolf/Rose knew the impact that The Doctor makes on the galaxy. But he's not alone in that quest. In fact, it's arguable that even though she doesn't realize it, Rose has made just as much of a difference, often in ways that the Time Lord could never have conceived of.
She knows that the sound of the T.A.R.D.I.S. brings hope because it always has for her. But it's also Rose that steps out of the box. This quote not only reflects on her feelings about The Doctor's quest but also shows her humility and status as overlooked in her own eyes as a worthy companion and hero.
"If You Are An Alien, How Come You Sound Like You're From The North?"
"Rose" - Season 1, Episode 1
A person has to have common sense if they want to be a companion to The Doctor. Even if a question sounds silly, it's important to ask and can sometimes be the difference between life and death; that's why the best companions ensure they always question things. Rose was never afraid to ask anything and really questioned what was around her.
It may seem like a jokey comment, but out of her depth, Rose still understands what she needs to know to make sense of it all. It's an admirable trait and one that's never lost. She has all the answers too ultimately, they are usually hidden beneath those questions as she clarifies things for herself.
"The First 19 Years Of My Life, Nothing Happened. Nothing At All. Not Ever. And Then I Men A Man Called The Doctor."
"Army Of Ghosts" - Season 2, Episode 12
Rose was supposed to be just a regular person. There was nothing extraordinary in her life (at least not in her mind) and she thought her life changed once she met The Doctor, demonstrating just how much she loves traveling the stars.
In reality, every decision and choice led to her chance meeting with the Time Lord. She might have thought her life had nothing exciting within it, but her journey taught her so many important life lessons that she ultimately used to essentially save the warring time traveler. She thinks The Doctor changed her life but really it was the other way around.
"Then That's Your Punishment. If You Do This, If You Kill Them All, Then That's The Consequence. You Live."
"The Day Of The Doctor" - 50th Anniversary
In regards to keeping The Doctor in line, Rose returns as Bad Wolf at the end of Gallifrey. The Doctor has been plagued by the idea that he destroyed his home planet in an effort to end the Time War. But that's not really true, and Rose steps in to remind The Doctor of who he is.
She offers a stark warning about the regret he will carry around with him. She understands his darkest secrets but knows deep down he is a good man. Without Rose, the fate of the universe might have been quite different. She's the most morally powerful force in the universe and thus The Day Of The Doctor is one of her best episodes because of her game-changing role.
"Forever."
"Army Of Ghosts" - Season 2, Episode 12
Rose Tyler truly had the time of her life watching the stars with The Doctor. It may seem like a simple quote but it really paraphrases her view on her future. When asked how long she truly wants to do this, her simple response says all The Doctor needs to know. "Forever."
She's finally found where she belongs and she's thrilled by it. She makes a difference and she knows it. That only adds to the tragedy of her timeline, as she's one of the few companions that's removed from the T.A.R.D.I.S. against her will. Luckily her reconnection with The Doctor on a parallel Earth would rectify that loss.
"And He's Still Alive. A Parallel World Where My Dad's Still Alive."
"Rise Of The Cyberman" - Season 2, Episode 5
Loss has really influenced a lot of Rose's life and the death of her father really is a turning point that defined the character. She's obsessed with the notion that time travel could revive him, but after trying that particular tactic, had given up all hope of that ever happening.
The concept that there was a parallel Earth where her father was still alive thrilled Rose though. The fate of her father was a reason she chose to time travel in the first place. It was as if her arc was paying off and she was able to fulfill her destiny, but, sadly, it was coming at cost.
"Oh, Aren't You A Beautiful Boy."
"Fear Her" - Season 2, Episode 11
For a woman that has seen it all: the collapse of the Earth, burning stars, thousands of species across the galaxy, a time machine, Rose really is still mesmerized by the simplest of things. Arriving back on Earth, the first thing she spots is a gorgeous cat that she innocently compliments.
With the whole wide universe at her fingertips, Rose continues to appreciate every detail and puts the sanctity of life above everything else. She's just a good person at heart, and this wide-eyed point of view allows The Doctor to see things through her magical lens.
"You Don't Just Give Up. You Don't Just Let Things Happen. You Make A Stand. You Say 'No!"
"The Parting Of Ways" - Season 1, Episode 11
Rose admires those that never give up. It's a quality that she also had, which is why she encourages The Doctor to do the same, never falling flat in the face of a challenge. It's why they make such great partners, constantly lifting the other up.
Rose simply can't walk away and do nothing. It's not in her nature. She may think that she needs the Time Lord to help her with that, but this quote also shows that she can take matters into her own hands and control her own destiny. She's a true hero because she just can't stop.
"When I Last Stood On This Beach, On The Worst Day Of My Life, What Was The Last Thing You Said To Me?"
"Journey's End" - Season 4, Episode 13
It says a lot for Rose that the worst day of her life was being stranded on a parallel Earth away from her adventures with The Doctor. Those were her best days, but there was something more simmering beneath it all. Rose truly fell in love with the alien in the blue box.
When she finally gets to confront him again, she asks the one question she always needed to ask. It's essentially inquiring as to whether he loves her back. He, of course does, but Rose is left with a cloned iteration of The Doctor rather than the original, who would always be plagued with loneliness. Nevertheless, Rose does get her happy ending though and this quotes summarizes her full arc, one of love.