Jack Harkness (John Barrowman)

The origins of Torchwood's team leader, Jack, are obscure and he likes it that way. However, he has vast practical experience of working with aliens and dealing with crisis situations. He has come through a lot of scrapes intact and is unafraid of dangerous situations. In fact, he's usually ready with a flirtatious quip whatever the threat.

Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles)

A former police officer, Gwen brings procedural skills to the team and a sensitivity that helps them greatly in dealing with victims. She is grounded, straightforward, and very determined, and, in the murky world of Torchwood, she often acts as the team's conscience. Her ability to coordinate activity has led to her being recognized as the team's deputy leader.

Dr. Owen Harper (Burn Gorman)

Owen trained as a medical doctor, but since joining Torchwood has expanded his expertise massively. As well as attending to the team's emergency medical needs and working on the human victims of alien activity, he has gained much expertise in alien anatomy. He is very confident in his abilities - some would say over-confident - but his commitment to his duty has never been doubted.

Toshiko Sato (Naoko Mori)

The team's technical expert is quiet but highly intelligent. One of the main purposes of Torchwood is to assess the potential application of alien technology for humanity's use, and this is Toshiko's job. She also has a keen understanding of practical physics, which makes her useful as a field agent. She is focused and intensely professional, though sensitive.

Ianto Jones (Gareth David-Lloyd)

Ianto deals with all the team's administrative issues. His knowledge is eclectic, his attention to detail unrivalled, and his ability to anticipate the team's needs before they arise is uncanny. He dislikes it when his remarkable efficiency is taken for granted, however, and when required, he is also more than capable of undertaking field work for the team. 

Captain John Hart (James Marsters)

James Marsters, who is best known for playing Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, joins the cast of Torchwood in Episode One. He plays a rogue Time Agent, Captain John Hart, who shares a past with Captain Jack.