Best Star Wars Characters

The best Star Wars characters are not always the most famous, or the most beloved; sometimes, the villain you love to hate can be one of the best roles in a movie, or even a trilogy. The following top 10 list includes characters from all of the Star Wars movies, from the epic, original “A New Hope” to the grand finale “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.”

1. Obi-Wan Kenobi: "Star Wars" fans were first introduced to Obi-Wan as old Ben Kenobi in “A New Hope,” the mysterious and wise mentor who takes young Luke Skywalker under his wing. Many fans argue that the prequel trilogy is more of Obi-Wan’s legacy than Darth Vadar’s, especially in “Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” and “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.”
2. Luke Skywalker: Played by Mark Hamill, Luke is the star of the original "Star Wars" trilogy. Son of Anakin Skywalker, Luke was raised by his Uncle on a moisture farm. Luke, who had no knowledge of his true origins, discovers robots C-3PO and R2-D2, the latter carrying a message from Princess Leia who pleads with Obi-Wan Kenobi for help. Luke begins as a talented of unseasoned youth, who forges friendships with both Han Solo and Leia to combat the evil in the Universe, to later become a Master Jedi.
3. Han Solo: Han made being the roguish scoundrel stylish again, with a quick wit and dry humor full of sarcastic retorts and swagger. While not quite a Villain, Han was the ‘bad guy’ with a good heart. Han’s career as a pilot and a smuggler gets him into hot water with Jabba the Hutt, which results in his carbonite freezing and Princess Leia’s eventual role as sexy slave girl. His loyalty, while initially resisted, becomes unquestionable—as is his affection for Leia.
4. Princeless Leia: The daughter of Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker, Leia was adopted by King Bail Organa after the death of her mother and the loss of her father to the dark side. She is competent, feisty, and graceful, with elaborate hair styles. She eventually falls in love with Han Solo.
5. Darth Vadar: The legendary villain of the original "Star Wars" series, voiced by James Earl Jones in both the first three movies and in “Episode III: Return of the Sith.” He is a master of The Force. The former Jedi Knight became the Dark Lord of the Sith, only to seek redemption by saving the life of his son, Luke.
6. Anakin Skywalker: While Anakin is eventually Darth Vadar, fans were introduced to the origin of the dark lord in “Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” which featured young Anakin his home of Tatooine. Throughout the prequel series, fans saw a different side of Darth Vadar, especially in his relationships with mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, and true love Padmé Amidala.
7. Padmé Amidala: Also known as Padmé Naberrie, is the heroine of the prequel trilogy and the mother of Luke and Leia Skywalker. Portrayed by Nataline Portman, Padmé is a strong, independent woman much like her daughter, Leia, and fans met her as the reigning queen of the planet Naboo. She eventually falls in love with Anakin, who becomes obsessed with saving her after a nightmare about her death.
8. R2-D2: The Robot/Droid Luke Skywalker discovered carrying the message from Princess Leia ends up being one of the most competent, capable, humorous members of the "Star Wars" cast. He is critical to accomplishing many of the tasks undertaking by Luke, Han, and their fellow Rebels, and his loyalty to his human companions makes him an invaluable member of the cast.
9. Chewbacca:  The Wookiee co-pilot and sidekick of Han Solo, Chewbacca is the non-English speaking member of the cast. Chewbacca is incredibly loyal and dependable to Han Solo and his eventual allies. Ironically, at the end of “A New Hope,” Chewbacca did not receive a medal from Princess Leia unlike heroes Luke and Han.
10. Palpatine:  Also know as The Emperor and Darth Sidious, Palpatine is the true villain of "Star Wars". He lures desperate Anakin Skywalker into his fold, enabling him to become Darth Vadar, and his dark agenda leaders to the destruction of the Jedi Knights and the weakening of the Galactic Senate.