Who Are The Most Iconic Star Wars Characters? Here Are 19 To Start
2 May 2026
Meet the most talked about heroes and villains from Luke Skywalker to Darth Vader, and take note of a must-watch scene to stream for each
Getting into Star Wars is a blast once you’re familiar with the legendary characters that everyone loves, fears, quotes, and debates about. It’s a galaxy that contains Jedi Masters, Sith Lords, and fan favourite faces with unforgettable main-character energy. Read on to meet 19 icons, watch their standout scenes, and add some of the saga to your May the 4th Watchlist. If you find yourself wanting to go deeper into the lore as you prepare to see the new The Mandalorian and Grogu movie, we’re linking to the official Star Wars Databank entry for each character so you can do just that. May the Force be with you!
Most Iconic Star Wars Characters
Darth Vader
Who is Darth Vader?
Formerly Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader is pure intimidation in black armour. Part tragedy, part nightmare, you know it's him the second you hear that iconic breathing. He strikes fear into his enemies through his mastery of the Force and skill with a lightsaber. Once a slave on Tatooine, Anakin becomes a heroic Jedi Knight during the Clone Wars before his eventual fall to the dark side. Learn more about Darth Vader.
Where does Darth Vader appear?
The Sith Lord first appears at the start of A New Hope when he boards the Tantive IV in pursuit of the stolen Death Star plans. Vader serves as the primary antagonist of the original trilogy and appears in various Star Wars stories, including animation, comics, games, and more.
Who plays Darth Vader?
James Earl Jones provides Darth Vader’s legendary voice, while in the original movies, in-suit actor David Prowse gives Vader his imposing stature. Hayden Christensen (who plays Anakin Skywalker in the prequels) later steps into the infamous suit in Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka. Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprous don the suit in Rogue One.
Watch Darth Vader’s terrifying Rebel onslaught in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Luke Skywalker
Who is Luke Skywalker?
A farmboy from Tatooine who starts out gazing at the twin suns and ends up helping save the galaxy. He grows from a simple moisture farmer into a hero of the Rebel Alliance, then a Jedi, like his father before him. Learn more about Luke Skywalker.
Where does Luke Skywalker appear?
Luke first appears in A New Hope when he helps his Uncle Owen pick out new droids to purchase from the Jawas (you know the ones!). As the protagonist of the original trilogy, Luke also appears in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He later returns in the sequels and shows up across many other Star Wars stories.
Who plays Luke Skywalker?
Mark Hamill plays Luke Skywalker in both the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy.
Watch Luke Skywalker’s final confrontation with Darth Vader in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Princess Leia Organa
Who is Princess Leia?
A princess of Alderaan, a rebel leader, and absolutely not someone the Empire intimidates. Smart and fearless, Leia does everything she can to fight against Imperial tyranny. Learn more about Leia Organa.
Where does Princess Leia appear?
Leia makes a defiant first impression in A New Hope, hiding the Death Star plans from the boarding Imperials before standing her ground against Darth Vader aboard the Tantive IV. She continues to prove herself a fearless Rebel leader in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and across many other Star Wars stories.
Who plays Princess Leia?
Carrie Fisher plays Princess Leia in the original trilogy before returning to the saga in the sequel trilogy.
Watch Princess Leia’s daring escape from Bespin in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Han Solo
Who is Han Solo?
Scoundrel, smuggler, and captain of the Millennium Falcon, the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. He’s pulled into the fight against the Empire when he gives Luke Skywalker and Ben Kenobi passage to Alderaan. Learn more about Han Solo.
Where does Han Solo appear?
He first shows up in the Mos Eisley Cantina in A New Hope, right in the middle of that wretched hive of scum and villainy, where he comes face to face with Greedo (and may or may not have shot first). Han is one of the saga’s heroes throughout the original trilogy and later returns in the sequels. Solo: A Star Wars Story explores the life of a younger Han before he becomes a renowned smuggler. He also appears across other Star Wars projects.
Who plays Han Solo?
Harrison Ford brings the charm in the original trilogy, then returns in The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker. Alden Ehrenreich plays a younger Han in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Watch Han Solo make the Kessel Run with the Millennium Falcon in Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rey
Who is Rey?
Starting as a scavenger from Jakku who mostly keeps to herself, Rey is quickly pulled into something much bigger. A chance encounter with BB-8 opens her eyes to the wider galaxy. Resourceful, brave, good in a fight, and not a half-bad pilot either, she soon discovers a strong connection to the Force. As that power grows, so does her place in the galaxy. Learn more about Rey.
Where does Rey appear?
At the centre of the sequel trilogy, she appears in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. Along the way, her story connects her with BB-8, Finn, Han Solo, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and Kylo Ren.
Who plays Rey?
Daisy Ridley brings Rey’s strength and determination to life throughout the sequel trilogy.
Watch Rey fight back against the First Order in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Ahsoka Tano
Who is Ahsoka Tano?
A Togruta and former Jedi Padawan of Anakin Skywalker, she fights alongside her master, Obi-Wan, Captain Rex, and the 501st Clone Battalion in the Clone Wars. She eventually leaves the Jedi Order but continues to fight against tyranny. Learn more about Ahsoka Tano.
Where does Ahsoka Tano appear?
The Clone Wars movie introduces Ahsoka as Anakin’s Padawan. She is a key character in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and later joins the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels. Ahsoka made her live-action debut in The Mandalorian, appeared in The Book of Boba Fett, and now leads her own live-action show, Ahsoka.
Who plays Ahsoka Tano?
Ashley Eckstein voices Ahsoka in animation, while Rosario Dawson portrays the fan-favourite character in live-action. Ariana Greenblatt plays the teenage Ahsoka in live-action flashbacks.
Watch Ahsoka Tano confront the looming threat of Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka
Jedi, Sith & Villains From Star Wars
Maul
Who is Maul?
Formerly a Sith apprentice of Darth Sidious, Maul harbours a deep hatred for Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi he blames for his fall from grace. Though no longer a Sith, Maul remains a powerful practitioner of the dark side and uses that power to build his own crime syndicate in the underworld. Learn more about Darth Maul.
Where does Maul appear?
He first appears in The Phantom Menace, where he assists the Trade Federation with their blockade of Naboo as the apprentice of Darth Sidious. Maul has since reappeared in the animated shows Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels and is now starring in his own animated series, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.
Who plays Maul?
Ray Park brings the physical performance to Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace, while Peter Serafinowicz voiced him. Sam Witwer voices Maul in his animated appearances.
Watch Maul rebuild his crime syndicate in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Who is Obi-Wan Kenobi?
A heroic Jedi Master trained by Qui-Gon Jinn, and later master to Anakin Skywalker. After Anakin’s betrayal, Order 66, and the rise of the Empire, he lives in hiding on Tatooine. Adopting the name Ben Kenobi, he quietly watches over the son of his fallen apprentice from afar. Learn more about Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Where does Obi-Wan Kenobi appear?
As Ben Kenobi, Obi-Wan first appears in A New Hope when he scares off Tusken Raiders to protect Luke. Obi-Wan appears throughout the original trilogy, the prequel trilogy, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and in his own limited series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Who plays Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Sir Alec Guinness plays Ben Kenobi in the original trilogy, while Ewan McGregor stars as a younger Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequel trilogy and returns in Obi-Wan Kenobi. James Arnold Taylor voices the animated Obi-Wan throughout The Clone Wars. Stephen Stanton voiced an older Kenobi in Star Wars Rebels.
Boba Fett
Who is Boba Fett?
The son (and clone) of famed bounty hunter Jango Fett, Boba makes a name for himself as a deadly and efficient bounty hunter during the reign of the Empire. He’s best known for his iconic (and seriously cool) Mandalorian armour. Learn more about Boba Fett.
Where does Boba Fett appear?
Boba Fett first appears in The Empire Strikes Back when he’s hired by Darth Vader to hunt the Millennium Falcon. He appears again in Return of the Jedi, serving Jabba the Hutt. A young Fett first appears in Attack of the Clones and then in animated form in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He made his live-action return in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
Who plays Boba Fett?
Temuera Morrison (who stars as Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones) voices Boba Fett and plays him in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Jeremy Bulloch wears the armour in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Daniel Logan plays the young Fett in Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars series.
Watch Boba Fett’s escape from the Sarlacc Pit in The Book of Boba Fett
Yoda
Who is Yoda?
Small in size but absolutely massive in Jedi presence, he proves that size matters not. He’s a powerful Jedi and former Grand Master of the Jedi Order, later going into exile on Dagobah after Order 66. Learn more about Yoda.
Where does Yoda appear?
Yoda first appears in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke seeks out a Jedi Master to train him on Dagobah. Yoda reappears in Return of the Jedi, throughout the prequel trilogy, The Last Jedi, and Star Wars: The Acolyte. In animation, he appears in Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.
Who plays Yoda?
Legendary puppeteer Frank Oz provides Yoda's voice and brings him to life in the original trilogy and The Last Jedi. CGI is used for Yoda in the prequel trilogy. In the animated series The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels Tom Kane provides the voice for Yoda. In Young Jedi Adventures, Yoda is played by Piotr Michael.
Watch Yoda’s lightsaber duel with Count Dooku on Geonosis in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
Kylo Ren
Who is Kylo Ren?
Kylo Ren is a powerful Force user who serves Supreme Leader Snoke and the First Order. Born Ben Solo, he’s the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, and turns away from Jedi training under Luke Skywalker after falling to the dark side. Learn more about Kylo Ren.
Where does Kylo Ren appear?
Kylo Ren makes a dramatic entrance in The Force Awakens when he lands on Jakku and stops a blaster bolt in mid-air with the Force. He serves as the primary antagonist throughout the sequel trilogy, in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker and makes a brief appearance in the animated series Star Wars Resistance.
Who plays Kylo Ren?
Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren throughout the sequel trilogy, and Matthew Wood voices him in Star Wars: Resistance.
Watch Kylo Ren’s internal struggle with the Dark Side in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
Who is Emperor Palpatine?
A senator from Naboo, a Sith Lord in hiding, and eventually the ruler of the Galactic Empire, he is the galaxy’s master manipulator in a hood. Through careful schemes and political ambition, Palpatine (a.k.a Darth Sidious) rises to power, turns Anakin Skywalker to the dark side, and builds his tyrannical Empire from the ruins of the Republic and the Jedi Order. Learn more about Emperor Palpatine.
Where does Emperor Palpatine appear?
Our first glimpse of Palpatine comes in The Empire Strikes Back, where he appears as a hologram to Darth Vader. He appears in person during Return of the Jedi when he boards the second Death Star, cackling as he walks alongside Vader. The Sith Lord also appears throughout the prequels, hiding in plain sight as Chancellor Palpatine until his plan finally comes together. He features in other Star Wars media and even returns as the main villain in The Rise of Skywalker.
Who plays Emperor Palpatine?
Ian McDiarmid brings evil to life as the Emperor in Return of the Jedi and later returns to the role in the prequel trilogy and The Rise of Skywalker.
Watch Emperor Palpatine’s sinister return in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Fan Favourite Star Wars Characters
Jar Jar Binks
Who is Jar Jar Binks?
Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi meet the clumsy Gungan after landing on Naboo, fresh off their rather short negotiations with the Trade Federation. Jar Jar guides the Jedi to the royal palace in Theed and accompanies them on their journey to Coruscant. He later becomes a representative for Naboo in the Galactic Senate. Learn more about Jar Jar Binks.
Where does Jar Jar Binks appear?
He first appears in The Phantom Menace when he is rescued by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. He appears briefly in the subsequent prequel films and features in some episodes of The Clone Wars.
In LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, Darth Jar Jar appears as a fearsome adversary.
Who plays Jar Jar Binks?
Ahmed Best provides the motion-capture and voice for Jar Jar across the prequels and voices him in The Clone Wars. Best later appears in The Mandalorian as Jedi Master Kelleran Beq.
Watch Jar Jar’s journey with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Chewbacca
Who is Chewbacca?
Affectionately known as Chewie, Chewbacca is Han Solo’s loyal Wookiee friend and co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon. As a Wookiee, Chewie is a fierce warrior who fought against the Separatist droids when they invaded Kashyyyk. Holochess is one of his favourite pastimes, and he might rip your arms out of their sockets if he loses. Word of advice…let the Wookiee win. Learn more about Chewbacca.
Where does Chewbacca appear?
Chewbacca first appears in the Mos Eisley Cantina, where Ben Kenobi negotiates with him for passage to Alderaan. Chewie features throughout the original trilogy and later appears in Revenge of the Sith, Solo: A Star Wars Story, the sequel trilogy, and makes a few cameo appearances in other Star Wars media.
Who plays Chewbacca?
Peter Mayhew embodies the Wookiee throughout the original trilogy, Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens. Joonas Suotamo doubles for Mayhew in The Force Awakens and takes over the role in Solo: A Star Wars Story and the subsequent sequels, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.
Watch Chewbacca return home to the Millennium Falcon with Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Mandalorian / Din Djarin
Who is The Mandalorian?
Din Djarin, the mysterious Mandalorian (you’ll know him as Mando), is a bounty hunter trying to make his way through a galaxy still reeling after the fall of the Empire. Then one job changes everything. A bounty from an Imperial remnant leads him to an equally mysterious Force-sensitive child named Grogu, and the two form a bond that quickly starts to feel like family. Learn more about Din Djarin.
Where does The Mandalorian appear?
Din Djarin first appears in The Mandalorian. He takes his first step onto the big screen in his upcoming movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, exclusively in Australian cinemas on May 21, 2026.
Who plays The Mandalorian?
Pedro Pascal portrays the beloved bounty hunter, though Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder are often in the armour for the action scenes.
Watch The Mandalorian hunt bounties with Grogu in The Mandalorian
Grogu
Who is Grogu?
A mysterious foundling with huge ears, huge Force potential, and a talent for stealing scenes. Once a student at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, Grogu survives Order 66 and later finds protection with Din Djarin. Learn more about Grogu.
Where does Grogu appear?
Grogu first appears in The Mandalorian and in The Book of Boba Fett. Next, he heads to the big screen in The Mandalorian and Grogu, hitting Australian cinemas on May 21, 2026.
Who plays Grogu?
Grogu is brought to life through puppetry, practical effects, and digital enhancements.
Padmé Amidala
Who is Padmé Amidala?
A brave Naboo ruler (literal Queen) turned senator who handles diplomacy with a blaster and confidence. Padmé is pure leadership energy. She fights for peace and carries one of the saga’s biggest secrets in her marriage to Anakin Skywalker. Learn more about Padmé Amidala.
Where does Padmé Amidala appear?
As the mother of Luke and Leia, Padmé is a critical element of the prequel trilogy, and arrives with one of the saga’s great reveals. The queen the audience first sees is actually a decoy! She also appears in animated shows Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Tales of the Jedi.
Who plays Padmé Amidala?
Natalie Portman brings royal energy as Padmé across the prequel trilogy. Catherine Taber voices her in the animated shows.
Watch Padmé Amidala fight for the Galactic Republic in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
R2-D2
Who is R2-D2?
A reliable astromech droid with endless attitude, R2-D2 has served Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and Luke Skywalker in turn, showing huge bravery while rescuing his friends. He’s a skilled mechanic and a secret weapon wrapped into one small blue-and-white droid body. Often seen with his best friend C-3PO, as part of the iconic droid duo. Learn more about R2-D2.
Where does R2-D2 appear?
R2-D2 first appears in A New Hope alongside C-3PO, jettisoned to Tatooine with the stolen Death Star plans. From there, Jawas capture and sell them to a certain farmboy with a heroic destiny.
Who plays R2-D2?
Kenny Baker portrays R2-D2 in both the original and prequel trilogies, then shares the role with Jimmy Vee in The Force Awakens, who takes over fully in The Last Jedi.
Watch R2-D2 escape to Tatooine with the stolen Death Star plans in Star Wars: A New Hope
C-3PO
Who is C-3PO?
Programmed in etiquette and protocol, C-3PO is the galaxy’s most anxious translator and on half of Star Wars’ greatest droid duos. Built by a young Anakin Skywalker, he knows more than seven million forms of communication, and still somehow keeps ending up in the middle of galactic-scale chaos. Learn more about C-3PO.
Where does C-3PO appear?
He first appears alongside R2-D2 in A New Hope, jettisoned to Tatooine with the stolen Death Star plans. R2-D2 and C-3PO are the only characters to appear in every movie of The Skywalker Saga (Episodes I–IX) and have also made some appearances in the animated and live-action series.
Who plays C-3PO?
Anthony Daniels plays C-3PO in every live-action appearance as well as several appearances in the animated shows.
Learn More With The Star Wars Databank
If you want to explore the furthest reaches of the galaxy in detail, plot your next course to the Star Wars Databank on StarWars.com. There, you’ll find dedicated entries for every single character, planet, droid, and vehicle in the saga.
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The information in this article is correct as at the time of publication.
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