Star Wars: 15 of the best character introductions

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

3. Darth Vader – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

It’s getting exciting now, have you already started guessing who has claimed the number one spot yet? Well, it’s not Darth Vader, obviously, as he comes in at a respectful number three for his introduction in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

You know exactly what moment it is. It happened during the opening scenes of the movie. The Empire had just boarded the Rebels ship, Stormtroopers had come charging in, fighting their way through the Rebels weak defenses and once the dust had settled Darth Vader emerged to the sound of;

“Dum, Dum, Dum, Dum, Da Dum, Dum, Da Dum,”

And from that very moment, you were completely and utterly hooked into the world of Star Wars and have been ever since.

Not only did that introduction hook us into the world, it also set Darth Vader up perfectly. One of the best things about Vader is that he doesn’t have to be in every scene. Part of what makes him so powerful is that when he appears you know you are screwed and there is no hope left.

You might be able to fight your way through some Stormtroopers but not Darth Vader. When he shows up on scene you need to run, and run fast, because if you are caught you’re dead.

For example, in his intro, the Rebel officer who managed to survive the boarding party, Darth Vader questioned him about the whereabouts of the plans that the rebel spies had stolen. The officer denied it all and Vader killed him as if squishing a bug. It was just simple easy, and with his hands.

It just screamed out to everyone watching, what the heck can this guy do with a weapon, he is unstoppable! (Unless your Grand Moff Tarkin, then you tell Vader to sit and be a good boy.)