This is a list of characters from the British science fiction television programme Torchwood, created by Russell T Davies. This list includes main characters, recurring characters and important guest characters. The main characters typically function as a team, defending the planet from alien and nefarious human threats. The series operated with a "monster of the week" format for its first two series before adopting a serial-based format for its third and fourth series, which feature an extended recurring cast of supporting characters.