Captain Jack Harkness is human.
Jack Harkness's Human Origins
Captain Jack Harkness originated as a human from the 51st century. Despite his extensive travels across time and space, and his many unique experiences, his fundamental biological classification remains human. This core identity is a key aspect of his character, grounding him in a familiar context within the vast and varied universe he inhabits.
The Source of His Immortality
While fundamentally human, Captain Jack Harkness possesses a singular, defining characteristic that sets him apart from most of his species: immortality. This unique state was not a natural evolutionary trait but a consequence of an extraordinary event. He became effectively immortal after being brought back to life by Rose Tyler, the Tenth Doctor's companion. Rose, having looked into the heart of the TARDIS, temporarily gained near-omnipotent powers, which she used to resurrect Jack, inadvertently granting him the inability to die.
This immortality means Jack cannot be permanently killed. Whenever he sustains a fatal injury, his body regenerates, and he revives, making him a fixed point in time and a recurring, enduring figure throughout history.
Key Characteristics of Captain Jack Harkness
Captain Jack Harkness's identity is defined by a combination of his original race and his acquired ability:
- Race: Human
- Origin: 51st Century Earth
- Distinguishing Trait: Immortality (granted by Rose Tyler via the TARDIS's power)
- Role: Time Agent, Torchwood leader, companion to the Doctor.
His humanity, coupled with his immortality, makes him a unique and compelling figure in science fiction, capable of experiencing countless eras and encountering numerous species while retaining his essential human perspective.
