Since it’s birth back in 1977, the Star Wars universe has provided fans with many memorable female characters. Let’s take a look at those that stand out and earn thier spot on the Top Ten Women of Star Wars.
Our list starts off with the mother of Luke and Leia. Played by Natalie Portman (and later voiced by Catherine Taber) the Queen of Naboo and Galactic Senator’s best film (Attack of the Clones) sadly is the weakest of all three prequels. The character also made several appearances on The Clone Wars which helped round out her role within the Star Wars universe. Although her daughter and Expanded Universe granddaughter surpassed her achievements, Padme still stood her own against droid armies, crazy monsters, and political battles over the future of the Old Republic.
9. Tahiri Veila
Part of the now defunct Star Wars Expanded Universe, Tahiri Veila was a Jedi student of Master Luke Skywalker and a contemporary of another member of this list. Raised by Tuskan Raiders, Tahiri served as a Jedi before being captured by Yuuzhan Vong and transformed into a weapon to use against her former friends. Later, Tahiri fell to the Dark Side as an apprentice of Darth Caedus before returning once again to the Light Side of the Force.
8. Jyn Erso
Played by Felicity Jones in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Jyn was the daughter of Death Star scientist Galen Erso who became member of the Rebellion as an orphaned child working for Saw Gerrera. After years on her own (including time in Imperial prison) she worked reluctantly for Mon Mothma on a mission to find her missing father which provided the Rebellion with the plans used to destroy the first Death Star. Although she gave her life, her heroism became a rallying cry for the Rebellion and her call sign was adopted by a squadron of the Rebellion’s best pilots.
7. Sabine Wren
Mandalorian by birth but Rebel by choice, Sabine was a core member of the Ghost in their fight to liberate Lothal from the Galactic Empire. An artist with both paint and explosives, Sabine was a former Imperial cadet whose fled Madalore after her weapons were put to use against her own people. Finding a new home aboard the Ghost, Sabine would become a valuable member of the crew and the Rebellion.
6. Mara Jade
One of the most famous characters from the Expanded Universe, Mara Jade began in service to the Empire as a Force-sensitive operative known as the Emperor’s Hand but would later become friend and wife to Luke Skywalker and even sit on the restored Jedi Council. A cunning Jedi, loving wife and mother, and fearsome warrior, Mara Jade would eventual fall to her own nephew in his rise to become Darth Caedus.
5. Leia Organa
From captured princess to one of the leaders of the Rebellion, Leia has led a remarkable life both in the original Expanded Universe (where he would go on to lead the New Republic) and in the current timeline (as a leader of the Resistance). Sure, one of her kids went dark and became a Sith in both timelines, but nobody’s perfect. Played by Carrie Fisher, Leia is a cornerstone of the the Star Wars universe and set the standard for all Star Wars women to come.
Pilot, general, and mother to the crew of the Ghost, Hera did it all. Keeping her rag-tag band of Star Wars Rebels together and dragging them (some kicking and screaming) into being part of a larger battle against the Galactic Empire, Hera helped build bridges within the Rebellion and grow it into a legitimate threat against the Empire. Along we the she managed to help free Lothal, stand toe-to-toe with Grand Admiral Thrawn, keep her mouthy droid in line, punch Lando Calrissian, and become the first ever B-Wing pilot.
3. Jaina Solo
The daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa in the Expanded Universe, Jaina Solo was the perfect mix of her father’s mechanical know-how and fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants bravado, her uncle’s understanding of the Force, and her mother’s strength and beauty. While the character no longer exists in current continuity, the Sword of the Jedi was a key piece of the Expanded Universe introduced first as a baby as fans watched her grow into a Jedi Master by the conclusion of the series.
2. Ahsoka Tano
Unarguably the best thing to come out of The Clone Wars cartoon, Anakin Skywalker‘s padawan may never have become a Jedi Knight but she was a key soldier during the Clone Wars and later, after leaving the Jedi Order, became a force behind-the-scenes for the fledgling Rebellion. Returning to the fold in Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka continues to use her Force abilities for the greater good, although she no longer considers herself a Jedi. Voiced by Ashley Eckstein throughout the character’s run, Ahsoka’s adventures have continued through two Star Wars television series and beyond.
1. Rey
The new hope for the galaxy, an orphaned scavenger from Jakku, and a promising young Jedi, Rey was introduced in The Force Awakens. Played by Daisy Ridley, the character instantly become one of my favorite Star Wars characters of all-time. Part Luke, part Leia, Rey is all heart and is the best hope for the struggling Resistance against Kylo Ren and the First Order. And her story is just beginning.
Jaina is the best