Darth Vader

_Star Wars_ Series

Background

Darth Vader is perhaps the most easily recognizable villain in all of science fiction. He began life as Anakin Skywalker, and trained to become a “Jedi Knight”. The Jedi are keepers of the Force, which grants its masters special powers such as telekinesis and mind control. The Force is also the embodiment of the struggle of good against evil, represented by the “Light” and “Dark” sides that conflict throughout the series.

After undergoing Jedi training with his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin becomes seduced by the Dark Side of the Force, manifested in warriors known as the Sith. Playing on Anakin's weaknesses, Senator—and soon to be Emperor—Palpatine enlists his aid in creating a galactic Empire. Succumbing to the Dark Side, Anakin turns on Kenobi, but is defeated. His body is horribly disfigured, and he is saved by being augmented into a cyborg.

Clad in his famous black mask and cape, Anakin, now known as Darth Vader, serves the Emperor faithfully until he comes into conflict with his own son, Luke Skywalker, who has come to lead the rebellion against the Empire. Vader attempts to bring his son over to the Dark Side, but Luke refuses, hoping he can save his father from corruption. In the end Vader comes to his senses and kills the Emperor to protect Luke, but at the cost of his own life.

 

Analysis

As a villain, Darth Vader will probably last for decades to come. His staying power is less from any physical prowess (he is a relatively tame swordsman compared to later Star Wars villains) than from the sheer psychological disturbances he creates in the minds of those who observe him. As the mirror to Luke, Vader shows us what our hero might become if he gives in to temptation. The fact that Vader is Luke's father serves to increase the sense of alarm felt by the viewer—“Like father, like son” rings in the backs of our minds, and we wonder if Luke can survive the crucible he goes through once Vader learns who he is. Vader is such a strong villain due to this huge sense of conflict he creates between himself and the hero, so much that the great Emperor is relegated to the role of a minor villain while Vader steals the show. His eventual redemption signifies the triumph of light over darkness, and suggests that even the most lost of souls can find its way back with a little help.