Which fictional doctor is the central character of House M.D.?

Gregory House is the central fictional doctor in House M.D.

House is a physician specializing in diagnostic medicine at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. He is known for solving complex cases through observation, differential diagnosis, and unconventional reasoning. His abrasive behavior, dependence on pain medication, and physical disability create ongoing personal and professional conflicts.

The character was created by David Shore and played by Hugh Laurie. House’s surname and methods intentionally evoke Sherlock Holmes. The connection extends beyond deduction: James Wilson functions as a loyal friend who often challenges and understands House, much as Dr. Watson does for Holmes.

House is not the hospital’s general director or a conventional bedside physician. His department investigates unusual cases that have resisted ordinary diagnosis. That specialized role is why many episodes begin with a mysterious collection of symptoms and then follow the team’s efforts to identify one underlying disease.