Doctor Who: The Five Doctors presents many characters, but the narrative is clearly written. Readers who have not followed the television series might have difficulty keeping track of the Doctors' numerous companions—even though each is quickly sketched when introduced—but the Doctors themselves are easy to track. They are unified in their purpose and therefore move toward the same objective. This makes for a clear plot line, with just enough subplots to maintain the mystery of who has reactivated the Death Zone.

The novel emphasizes plot over other elements. The characters have all been established in previous novelizations as well as on the television series, and they are not developed much further in Doctor Who: The Five Doctors. Extensive character exposition might even annoy dedicated readers of the earlier books, because they already know the characters well. The novel makes limited use of...