The 10 Most Interesting Characters Introduced During The Original Trilogy

The original trilogy introduced audiences to many unforgettable planets, events, and concepts that are iconic elements of the Star Wars universe. The characters first introduced in this trilogy of unforgettable films influenced the way that many of us live our lives and treat others. Their traits and values as well as the portrayal of the actors, make the characters of Star Wars some of the most iconic and recognizable in movie history. The fact that many of them are aliens or wielding lightsabers certainly doesn't hurt either. Here we will examine ten of the most interesting, influential, and pivotal characters first seen in the original trilogy.

10. Han Solo and Chewbacca

This one is kind of a tie. The crew of the Millennium Falcon, the Coreillian smuggler and his Wookie co-pilot are hired by old Ben Kenobi to transport the Death Star plans off Tatooine and to the Rebellion. Caught up in the whirlwind of Galactic Civil War, Solo is faced with a choice to cut and run to save his own hide or throw in with the Rebel Alliance. His tough outer façade conceals a heart of gold that Chewbacca constantly guides down the right path, with his constant grunts and growls untranslated for the audience yet their meaning still perfectly clear.

9. The Emperor

The sinister puppet master, operating from the shadows and plundering the galaxy for himself. Masterfully played by Ian McDiarmid, the Emperor doesn't reveal himself in the flesh until the final episode of the trilogy, making him all the more sinister and mysterious. While the Jedi and Sith have gone through many changes over the course of the saga, the Emperor has consistently been the malevolent sorcerer enacting immense power over the universe. His shrouded identity, constant knowledge of the Rebellion's movements, and the respect granted to him by Darth Vader make for an intimidating villain ruling over the evil Empire.

8. Yoda

The wise, old Jedi Master appears to Luke as a strange, diminutive creature, his mind seemingly addled by years of exile. Luke can not see past the small, green, wrinkled visage to the wisdom and power contained within the 900-year-old mind of Grand Master Yoda. Reminiscent of old samurai masters or monks living in seclusion, Yoda is to the light what the Emperor is to the dark, a master of his abilities with more to him than meets the eye. It is only fitting that the preservation of the Jedi Order and the training of young Skywalker should fall to Yoda, former Grand Master of the Order.

7. Lando Calrissian

The administrator of Cloud City and the best dresser in the galaxy, Lando plays an intricate part in the plot of The Empire Strikes Back. His history with Han Solo and his taking on of new responsibilities makes him the perfect "reluctant turncoat." Forced into a deal with Darth Vader that keeps getting worse all the time, Lando reveals he is more than a scoundrel when he double crosses the Empire and assists in the rebels escape. His growth between Empire and Return of the Jedi is quite the leap as he climbs the ranks of the Rebellion to General in barely a year's time. From smuggler, to administrator, to war hero, Lando is an exceptional, if often overlooked, addition to the crew of the Millennium Falcon.

6. Old Ben Kenobi

The first Jedi introduced to audiences in Star Wars, old Ben Kenobi may be a crazy old wizard, but he is not a man to trifle with. As a veteran of the Clone Wars and former Jedi Knight, Kenobi has seen and overcome his fair share of dangerous situations. An excellent mentor to Luke during his first steps into a larger world, Obi-Wan launches Luke, Han, and Chewbacca into a galaxy-spanning war and is instrumental in the rescue of Princess Leia and the destruction of the Death Star. Obi-Wan as a character personifies the two non-sci fi influences of Star Wars, blending the grizzled Civil War veteran of Westerns and the Ronin sword master of Akira Kurosawa's films. Played by WWII veteran Alec Guinness, old Ben Kenobi played no small role in the success of Star Wars and is a fan favorite character to this day.

5. Boba Fett

The poster child of "strong and silent," Boba Fett spawned an entire culture thanks to his design and the cold, stoic portrayal by Jeremy Bulloch. The first wearer of Mandalorian armor to be seen onscreen, Boba Fett admittedly does little in the original trilogy, save for taking some pot shots at Luke in Cloud City and getting knocked into the sarlacc pit by a blind Solo. However, his runaway popularity after Empire demonstrates the Star Wars mania of the 80's as well as the gifted concept artists who developed so many of the great designs and iconic characters of the saga.

4. Jabba the Hutt

The vile gangster and most influential of the galaxy's underworld, Jabba has the resources and informants to make his large presence felt across the Outer Rim. The constant pressure across all three original films exerted on Han and Chewbacca, as former smugglers, gives a fascinating perspective on the Rebel Alliance. Most of the soldiers and officers in the Alliance have death marks on their heads, from the Empire and their former lives. Jabba also introduced us to the Hutt species, uniquely large and disgusting creatures who specialize in organized crime across the galaxy. His villainous threat is different than the Empire but still dangerous and an obstacle for our heroes.

3. Luke Skywalker

The hero of the first trilogy, Luke Skywalker is the personification of hope and optimism in the galaxy. Following his story from farm boy to Jedi Knight, he is the driving factor behind Star Wars' success. A relatable character, Luke represents the best in all of us and what we hope to achieve as compassionate and hard working humans. His character growth through the trilogy is unparalleled in Star Wars as he becomes more and more powerful in the ways of the Force.

2. Leia Organa

The Princess of Alderaan, Leia has been opposing the Empire from a young age and is determined to overthrow its tyrannical regime. Her sense of right and wrong is outdone only by her wit and her willingness to say exactly what is on her mind with absolutely no sugar coating. Leia is a commanding voice in the Rebellion before she is 20 and is entrusted with sensitive missions that others could not accomplish. Her presence in the Imperial Senate, following in her mother's footsteps, grants her diplomatic passage to areas that are under Imperial lockdown, allowing her to provide aid and supplies to those under the Empire's heel.

1. Darth Vader

Saving the best for last, Darth Vader is arguably the most iconic movie villain of all time. His menacing design and powerful fighting style make him a virtually insurmountable adversary. His skull-like helmet has haunted the nightmares of many young Star Wars fans, truly an unforgettable villain. While his command of Imperial forces and deep voice are intimidating in Star Wars, his aggressiveness and relentlessness are on full display while fighting Luke in Cloud City. This duel is topped off by one of the most iconic lines in pop culture history. It is no wonder that Vader has become the favorite character of countless Star Wars fans.

Written By Weston Erickson

Syndicated From Culture Slate

Join The Team