Star Wars: 25 most empowering female characters of all-time

3. Padmé

Padmé Amidala was the girl queen who became a woman much too quickly. Padmé’s life was not an easy one and it ended tragically, but her legacy lived in on in her children, even if they didn’t realize it.

Padmé was a strong woman in her own right. She and her handmaidens ruled over Naboo. Padmé united the humans and Gungans on Naboo, and then fought back the separatists who tried to take over her world.

Her impassioned speeches moved mountains. Despite constant roadblocks, Padmé found ways to make the impossible happen.

In the recent novel Queen’s Shadow, we got to see what her life was like outside of Anakin’s shadow. She had a good heart and worked tirelessly for the good of the galaxy. She didn’t take no for an answer and worked every angle she could to do what was right.

Her biggest flaw? Falling in love with Anakin Skywalker, but even we could see how she opened her heart to someone who wasn’t easy to love.

Padmé’s death was sad. She gave her life for her children, dying in childbirth (though the exact reason is up for debate). But her legacy lived on. Her love of people, doing what was right and best for others inspired those around her.

Her handmaidens would fight to death for her and not because it was their job. It was because they were family and formed bonds even greater than sisters. Those that loved her would do anything for her – and it showed.

Leia and Luke were raised by those that loved her because Padmé was loved so deeply.