|
|
|
|
Majority Complete |
|
None |
|
Major Characters |
|
Motivations Only |
|
Author: |
George Lucas | |
|
Source Material: Film NOTE: Based upon every Science Fiction/Fantasy book, movie and serial before 1975. |
|
|
Genre: |
Science Fiction/Fantasy | |
|
Setting: |
In a galaxy far, far, away... | |
|
Period: |
A long time ago... | |
|
Analysis by: |
Screenplay Systems |
Comments:
"Star Wars" has an archetypal character set. In this analysis, the Empire is designated as the Antagonist. An alternate way to view this is to identify the Gran Mof Tarkin, the Empire's primary representative, as the Antagonist. Either way, "Star Wars" provides a clear separation of the Antagonist and Contagonist (Darth Vader) archetypes.
Brief Synopsis:
It is a time of rebellion. The evil Empire has most of the galaxy under its control except for a handful of rebels. However, with the Empire's new weapon, even that last holdout may be destroyed...
Overall Character Mini-Synopsis:
Luke Skywalker, the Protagonist and Main Character, feels caught between the lack of trust he has in himself and his desire to test his skills by leaving his farm-boy life to join the space academy. As the Protagonist, he pursues the destruction of the Empire's new battle station, the Death Star. The Empire is the Antagonist who will do everything it can to stop Luke. Once the plans for the Death Star fall into Luke's hands, he is thrown into an adventure that will live up to his dreams.
Obi Wan Kenobi, the Guardian, is Luke Skywalker's Obstacle Character. He continually insists Luke can become what he wants to if he learns to trust his feelings. As the Guardian, he protects Luke and helps to deliver the Death Star plans while acting as everyone's conscience by reminding them of the constant presence and power of the Force. He has a history with a man who has become one of the most powerful leaders in the Empire, the evil master of the dark side of the Force, Darth Vader.
Obi Wan and Luke take their faithful Sidekicks, the robots R2D2 and C3PO, who hold the plans within them and seek out a pilot who can take them to the Rebels who will use the plans to destroy the Death Star. They find a suitable mercenary pilot in the skeptical loner Han Solo who will take any cargo for the right price.
Han's partner is a big Wookie (an oversized teddy bear with an attitude) named Chewbacca who is completely Emotional in his dealings, and always goes with his uncontrollable animal instincts. These come in handy when the whole group gets caught on the Death Star and they need to battle their way through. However, upon freeing Princess Leia, Chewbacca meets someone who is antithetical to his nature. The Princess very much needs things to be under control and has a coolly logical way of seeing everything. They immediately do not get along.
While the group of heroes attempting to destroy the Death Star is gathered, Obi Wan is able to force Luke many times to see the value of trusting in the Force and reaching out with his own feelings. This continues, even after Obi Wan's death and eventually leads to Luke completely giving himself over to the Force. Thus Luke is able to save the day as the Protagonist, sending a torpedo into the only vulnerable spot in the Death Star and blowing it up.
Name: Luke
ID: Main Character
Gender: Male
Description:
A whiny farm boy, athletic, somewhat attractive, who dreams of excitement and glory. Now, if only he can get out of his familial responsibilities and join the Rebellion...
Role: Wannabe Jedi
Characteristics:
Motivation: Consider; Pursuit
Name: Obi Wan|
ID: Impact Character
Gender: Male
Description:
Once a formidable Jedi Teacher, he is now old, eccentric, and reclusive.
Role: Jedi Master
Characteristics:
Motivation: Conscience; Help
Name: C3P0 &
R2D2
Gender: Non-Gendered
Description:
C3P0 is a protocol android that speaks many languages. He is made of shiny gold metal and, as robots go, is a dandified fuss-budget. R2D2 is a robot shaped like a "Wet'N'Vac" vacuum cleaner and is a whiz at interfacing with large computers.
Role: Robotic Servants
Characteristics:
Motivation: Faith; Support
Name: Chewie
Gender: Male
Description:
A Wookie, he is skilled in weapons use and is an excellent starship mechanic and pilot.
Role: Han's Sidekick
Characteristics:
Motivation: Feeling; Uncontrolled
Name: Darth Vader
Gender: Male
Description:
Darth works as a henchman for the Empire. His past is mysterious, and his Jedi powers formidable.
Role: Evil Jedi
|Characteristics:
Motivation: Temptation; Hinder
Name: Han Solo
Gender: Male
Description:
A handsome rogue, he is the owner of the Millennium Falcon and seriously in need of some quick money.
Role: Mercenary
Characteristics:
Motivation: Disbelief; Oppose
Name: Leia
Gender: Female
Description:
Young, feisty, coolheaded, she is a member of the Council and also a Rebel spy.
Role: Princess
Characteristics:
Motivation: Logic; Control
Name: The Empire
Gender: Non-Gendered
Description:
The Empire, specifically the Gran Mof Tarkin and the crew of the Death Star, is a Fascist government that would like nothing better than to permanently destroy the Rebellion.
Role: Universal Oppressor
Characteristics:
Motivation: Reconsider; Avoidance
Nature as it relates to Actual Dilemma:
Luke's personal problems truly exist and if he doesn't Change, the Rebellion will be wiped out by the Empire.
Essence as it relates to Negative Feel:
There is an increasingly confining feel to "Star Wars" as the Empire slowly closes in on the Rebels and the location of their base. By the time the crucial battle sequence occurs, the Rebels are fighting for their lives with little expectation of stopping the Death Star.
Tendency as it relates to Willing:
Once Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru are out of the way, Luke gladly joins Obi Wan (et al) in the effort to save the Rebellion.
Reach as it relates to Both:
Men and women will both enjoy this fantastical romp through space.
Main Character Resolve as it relates to Change:
After years of following other people's advice, Luke finally decides to ignore his superior's commands to use the targeting computer and does it the way he (and Obi Wan) thinks is best.
Impact Character Resolve as it relates to Steadfast:
Main Character Growth as it relates to Stop:
Luke must stop testing his readiness and listening to others' advice so that he may trust in himself.
Main Character Approach as it relates to Do-er:
Luke is frequently acting first, thinking later. He chases after R2D2 into dangerous parts of the Tatooine desert and gets captured by the Sand People; he rushes to rescue Princess Leia without a plan of escape; he blasts the shield door closed and strands Leia and himself on a ledge without an escape route; etc.
Main Character Problem-Solving Style as it relates to Logical:
Luke is extremely goal (and results) oriented.
Story Driver as it relates to Action:
It is the Empire's creation of the Death Star that forces the Rebellion to confront the Empire directly; it is the Empire's boarding of the Councilor's ship that forces Leia to send the plans with R2D2 & C3P0; it is R2D2's run into the desert with the vital holographic message that joins Luke and Obi Wan and convinces Obi Wan to end his days as a hermit; it is the Stormtroopers barbecuing of Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru that sways Luke's decision to join forces with Obi Wan; it is the presence of the Stormtroopers in the Cantina that influences Han to take Obi Wan's group to the Alderaan system; etc.
Story Limit as it relates to Optionlock:
There are only so many places that the Rebel forces can be hiding. It does not matter how long it takes the Empire to find the Rebel base, but once they do the showdown must occur.
Story Outcome as it relates to Success:
The Death Star is destroyed by the Rebellion which allows the Rebellion to find another safe haven from the Empire (until the sequels).
Story Judgment as it relates to Good:
Luke becomes a hero.
Overall Story Name: "Destroying the Death Star"
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
An evil Empire has won control of the galaxy, tightening its tyrannical grip until a popular rebellion is born. Leaders in this rebellion live according to the old philosophy which used to be championed by the Jedi knights. Now the Jedi are practically extinct and the rebellion is in dire straits. The rebellion's brightest ray of hope as Star Wars begins is that rebel agents have just stolen the plans to the Empire's new battle station the Death Star. The war has had an effect on both sides already as the story begins: both the Empire and the Rebellion are feeling tested in the sense that their recent failures make them unsure of themselves. This war is where the Objective Story problem comes from.
Throughline as it relates to Activity:
Star Wars is about a war between the Empire and the Rebellion. There is not any set place where this needs to take place, but is an exploration of the feints, attacks, and battles that occur between the two forces.
Concern as it relates to Doing:
The Empire is building the Death Star and searching for the location of the Rebels; the Rebels are attempting to keep their location secret and are trying to transport the plans of the Death Star to their home base; etc.
Issue as it relates to Skill :
The entire war between the Rebellion and the Empire is a match between skills and experience. The Empire has a great deal of experience in quashing upstart groups, but its skills at doing so are rusty. The Rebellion, which has far less experience, is made up of great numbers of raw talent like Luke. This is counterpointed by the conflict between Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. They each have about the same level of skill, yet their experiences are vastly different.
Counterpoint as it relates to Experience :
Experience marks the true distinction between who can take care of themselves and who can't--as when Han laughs at the idea of an inexperienced pilot like Luke buying his own spaceship to fly to Alderaan. Experience is very advantageous in this story.
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Skill vs. Experience:
Although skills are important and no one can get by without them in this galaxy, there is no substitute for experience. When skills become tempered by experience, either in tests by fire or in experience with the mystical Force, then those skills become even more effective. A faith in Skills, for example the Empire's faith in their own skill at designing the Death Star, will always be undermined if it comes into conflict with those who put their faith in experience.
Problem as it relates to Test:
Rather than trusting in the design and efficiency of the Death Star, the Empire determines it must have a test run on Alderaan--this clues Princess Leia, Obi Wan and subsequently the Rebellion, as to the terrifying nature of what they are facing. This also allows the Rebellion forces to prepare for the worst which is the Empire's undoing. The Rebellion, on the other hand, does not fully trust their information about the Empire's secret weapon and tests its accuracy by waiting until they actually have the plans in their hands. Had they trusted their initial reports they could have moved the base and remained out of the Empire's reach.
Solution as it relates to Trust:
The Empire finally trusts in the accuracy of the information about the location of the Rebel base and the power of the Death Star, and now that the Rebel base is within reach.... Meanwhile, the Rebel forces must trust in the accuracy of the Death Star plans, the skills of their warriors, and of course "the Force."
Symptom as it relates to Cause:
What caused the emergency pod to eject from the Councilor's ship? What caused R2D2 to run away? Who caused the death of the Jawas? What caused the fight at the Cantina? What caused the destruction of the Jedi Knights? What was the source of the disturbance in the Force? Where is the source of the tractor beam that is holding them captive on the Death Star? Where is the power source for the Imperial trash compactor? Etc.
Response as it relates to Effect:
The efforts to find and destroy the robots and all that have had contact with them; making an example out of Alderaan by obliterating it; escaping after the tractor beam is cutoff; making the escape from the Death Star appear to be legit (but the Empire is tracking them); the effects of drugs and torture on the Princess to find the location of the Rebel base; the firepower of the Death Star as a deterrent; etc.
Catalyst as it relates to Wisdom:
When the Gran Mof Tarkin understands that Princess Leia has the information as to the whereabouts of the Rebel base but cannot be tortured or tricked into revealing its location, he allows her to escape so that she can be followed; studying the plans of the Death Star reveals one potential Achilles' heel which the Rebellion uses to guide its small attack force; etc.
Inhibitor as it relates to Thought:
Benchmark as it relates to Gathering Information:
The Empire learns how to find the location of the Rebel base--intimidation, torture, and destruction of Alderaan do not get them any closer, whereas the appearance of a lack of skilled fighters (the TIE fighter attack) gets them what they want; the training of a Jedi Knight; etc.
Goal as it relates to Doing:
The Empire is tracking down and destroying Rebel outposts; the Rebels are transferring important data about the Death Star and fighting back when possible; Princess Leia is misleading the Empire as much as possible; etc.
Consequence as it relates to Playing a Role:
The Rebels that survive will be under the power of the Empire again and will have to pretend to be "proper citizens" until they grow in numbers and power.
Cost as it relates to Impulsive Responses:
Han is forced to hide in his ship when all of his natural instincts are to come out fighting; Chewie must wear the handcuffs even though his natural response is to fight off restraints of any kind; etc.
Dividend as it relates to How Things are Changing:
While trying to destroy the Death Star, the Rebel forces gain valuable, new members; while trying to locate the Rebel base, the Empire rids itself of the pesky council which gets events moving in a positive direction for them, politically speaking; Han is able to begin paying back his debt to Jabba the Hut; the Jedi Knights and belief in the Force is resurrected which bodes well for the Universe; etc.
Requirements as it relates to Gathering Information:
The Gran Mof Tarkin must learn how to extract the location of the Rebel base from the Princess; the Rebels must learn how to use the data about the Death Star most effectively; Luke must learn the Jedi skills; etc.
Prerequisites as it relates to Conceiving an Idea:
Princess Leia has to come up with an idea as to how to get the secret plans to the Rebellion; the Gran Mof Tarkin must come up with different ways to try and get Princess Leia to reveal the location of the Rebel base; Obi Wan must give Luke the idea that he should become a Jedi Knight; etc.
Preconditions as it relates to Contemplation:
At Tarkin's demand, Darth Vader must consciously curb his use of the Force on senior members of the Death Star staff; while a captive of the Empire, Princess Leia makes a conscious effort to be as obnoxious and disrespectful as possible; Tarkin makes a conscious effort not to lose his temper when he discovers that the information given by Princess Leia was a red herring--especially after how much he enjoyed torching her home planet; etc.
Forewarnings as it relates to The Present:
Princess Leia, a key player in the Rebellion and Council member with vitally important information, is imprisoned by the Empire on the Death Star; the present readiness of the Death Star, as shown in the Alderaan test, indicates that it can easily destroy the Rebel base once it is discovered; the present size of the Rebel forces and the seemingly impenetrable defenses of the Death Star do not bode well for the survival of the Rebellion; etc.
Main vs. Impact Story Name: "Training a Young Jedi"
Throughline Synopsis:
A young man, named Luke Skywalker, has grown up on a remote desert planet completely unaware that his missing father was really a famous Jedi Knight. Luke's foster parents are afraid he has "too much of his father" in him and this fear has instilled a sense of self-doubt in young Luke.
Luke's foster parents also discourage Luke from learning anything about the legendary hermit named "Ben Kenobi" who lives on their planet. When his droid R2D2 runs off into the desert, Luke is forced to come face to face with this hermit. This meeting unravels many mysteries about Luke's past.
Ben admits to also being known as "Obi Wan" Kenobi, the Jedi Knight sought by R2D2. When R2D2 delivers a message from the rebel alliance begging Obi Wan to come to their aid once more, he asks Luke to join him. He explains to Luke that Luke's foster parents have hidden his true heritage from him by not admitting that his father was a Jedi. Obi Wan offers to teach Luke about the ways of the Jedi, especially the ways of the Force.
Luke refuses the offer out of consideration for his foster parents. He soon discovers, however, that the evil galactic empire is hunting his droids and have already murdered his foster parents during this search. Although saddened by their death, Luke feels their restrictions lifted by this loss. Suddenly free, Luke joins Obi Wan as his apprentice, training to become a Jedi.
Obi Wan begins teaching Luke to trust the Force. He demonstrates its power and plays games to help Luke experience it on the way to Alderaan. On Alderaan, Obi Wan intends to deliver the plans hidden inside of R2D2. This journey is interrupted, however, when Alderaan is suddenly destroyed by the Empire and Luke and Obi Wan are captured on the Empire's new battle station, the Death Star.
Obi Wan begins instructing Luke in the value of understanding where one's own destiny lies. Obi Wan tells Luke that Luke cannot help him turn off the tractor beams to allow them to escape because they have different destinies. The two of them are split apart.
Luke discovers he is in a position to rescue a captured Rebel Princess and organizes an attempt to free her.
Obi Wan turns off the tractor beam but finds himself face to face with an old enemy, the evil Jedi Darth Vader.
Luke manages to free the princess and return to the ship in order to escape, but there he finds Obi Wan and Darth Vader fighting with their light sabers. When Obi Wan sees Luke he drops his guard and lets Darth strike him down. Obi Wan understands this memory will affect Luke and he will be able to continue his relationship with Luke, even after death.
Obi Wan's spirit encourages Luke to run so he can meet with the rebellion and launch an attack on the Death Star. When a strategy is devised, Luke confidently joins the battle and finds himself rocketing toward the target in the Death Star trench.
At this point, Luke is the Rebellion's last hope. He has his computer turned on to help him lock onto his target. Suddenly Obi Wan's voice rings in Luke's head, encouraging him to trust the Force. He takes a leap of faith and decides to trust the force, turning off his computer and letting his actions be guided by his trust in the Force, and therefore in himself.
This trust is well placed. Luke's shot hits its mark and destroys the Death Star. Luke wins a hero's award from the Rebellion while Obi Wan's voice comes from beyond to remind him (and us) that, "the Force will be with you, always."
Backstory:
The backstory of the relationship between Luke Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi explains how their two points of view came to be so opposed and center on the problem of Accuracy (especially in their communication with each other). Luke's father was a good friend and fellow Jedi to Obi Wan. This link has made Obi Wan obliged to deliver certain teachings to Luke which he knows others will hide from him (e.g. his father's light saber). Luke has grown up knowing of a "hermit" named "Ben Kenobi," but has always had the truth of his father and Obi Wan's past kept secret from him.
Because Luke has had so much hidden from him which only Obi Wan is willing to relate, their relationship has a lot of potential. Obi Wan is also interested in making sure Luke becomes a Jedi like his father. This hidden agenda means revealing facts to Luke in particularly delicate ways that are intended to keep him aware of the true nature of the Force. Obi Wan's manipulations create the problems in their relationship when Luke just wants to know simple facts without having to grasp any deeper meaning. When Obi Wan gets to the point of giving Luke simple, accurate instructions, ("Run, Luke, Run!" and "Trust the Force, Luke") their relationship works fine. But their relationship has problems at first, because of Obi Wan's inaccurate descriptions as Star Wars begins.
Throughline as it relates to Manipulation:
Obi Wan clearly manipulates Luke through psychological means. He attempts to coerce Luke to help him get to Alderaan, which Luke resists, yet does not reveal the fate of Luke's aunt and uncle to Luke--even though he is clearly not surprised at the news; Obi Wan purposely keeps Luke in the dark about his resources while bartering with Han Solo, hushing him up when Luke can barely contain himself; Obi Wan keeps Luke under his thumb by doling out information about the Force, the Empire, the Past, everything; he's whispering into Luke's head at several critical moments..."Run, Luke, run!" and "Use the Force, Luke!"
Concern as it relates to Playing a Role:
Obi Wan wants Luke to be the faithful Student, while Luke wants to be a Hero.
Issue as it relates to Ability :
As representatives of the old guard versus the new guard, Obi Wan and Luke's relationship often conflicts over their natural abilities and their basic desires. Obi Wan, though highly skilled and experienced, is getting on in years and doesn't have the stamina and abilities he once had. Nor are his desires as fresh as they may have once been. Luke, on the other hand, is young and vital (though fairly green in certain areas), and his desires are hot and driving. He definitely has the hots for Leia.
Counterpoint as it relates to Desire :
The counterpoint in the relationship between Luke and Obi Wan is desire, the motivation to change one's situation or circumstances. From this point of view, their relationship is a little problematic at first because Luke won't allow himself to have what he wants. Obi Wan speaks directly to Luke's desires and basically starts trying to teach him how to be a galactic hero. Since Obi Wan is a hero from a by-gone age, though, no one sees any of the desires in this relationship as very realistic. Han and Chewie start laughing at the relationship between these two characters whenever they talk about their desire to explore the Force and help the Rebellion. At the same time, however, this relationship wouldn't be going anywhere without these shared desires. Desire in this relationship is advantageous.
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Ability vs. Desire:
As representatives of the old guard versus the new guard, Obi Wan and Luke's relationship often has conflicts over their natural abilities and their basic desires. Obi Wan, though highly skilled and experienced, is getting on in years and doesn't have the stamina and abilities he once had. Nor are his desires as fresh as they may have once been. Luke, on the other hand, is young and vital (though fairly green in certain areas), and his desires are hot and driving. He definitely has the hots for Leia. The relationship these two have is constantly exchanging these two currencies, until it comes down to Luke driving toward the target on the Death Star enhancing his abilities with a targeting computer. Obi Wan's voice comes from beyond the grave to encourage Luke to, one last time go with his heart ("trust your feelings"--desire). The best point of view on their relationship is thus revealed as this tip leads to the destruction of the Death Star and to Luke's becoming a hero. In this relationship, Desire is better.
Problem as it relates to Non-Accurate:
Obi Wan's secrecy and misleading comments to Luke keeps their relationship off balance. Obi Wan attempts to lure Luke away with him to Alderaan, then feigns indifference when Luke wimps out; Obi Wan marginally warns Luke to be careful at the Cantina without giving Luke a real idea of the dangers within; Obi Wan's vagueness about the necessary "pains" associated with Luke's Jedi training (like getting zapped by the trainer robot) jostles their relationship; etc.
Solution as it relates to Accurate:
When Obi Wan is specific about what he wants Luke to do and how to do it, there is little conflict between them. Whining and complaining, maybe, but not much conflict.
Symptom as it relates to Cause:
Luke is the cause of the ruckus at the Cantina that forces Obi Wan to use his lightsaber which draws the Stormtroopers' attention; Luke is the reason the troops are alerted on the Death Star (in response to the rescue of Leia) which threatens the escape and forces Obi Wan to confront Darth Vader directly to buy time; etc.
Response as it relates to Effect:
Catalyst as it relates to Knowledge:
The identity of Luke's father revealed to him by Obi Wan gets Luke interested; the identity of the Jawa killers alerts Luke to check the well (or "well done") being of his aunt and uncle; the knowledge of their death allows Luke to go with Obi Wan; etc.
Inhibitor as it relates to Enlightenment:
Luke wants to be a hero and is an action oriented person. Enlightenment about the Force (as delivered by Obi Wan) takes time to listen to and even more to absorb.
Benchmark as it relates to Conceiving an Idea:
As Luke begins to get an idea of what it means to be a Jedi, the distance between Luke and Obi Wan narrows.
Role: Wannabe Jedi
Description:
A whiny farm boy, athletic, somewhat attractive, who dreams of excitement and glory. Now, if only he can get out of his familial responsibilities and join the Rebellion...
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Luke Skywalker's backstory explains why he never developed much trust and instead constantly tests himself and everything around him. Luke is a young man who was separated from his parents as a baby and raised by his aunt and uncle. His father was a famous Jedi knight who died mysteriously. Luke's aunt and uncle kept the circumstances of his father's death a secret from Luke, hoping to raise him in a way that would protect him from a similar fate.
His boring desert-farm life on Tatooine, however, caused Luke to grow up dreaming of the exciting wars raging around the galaxy. Luke's foster parents vehemently discouraged this interest. With the secrecy around Luke's warrior inheritance and the scolding he received for his natural interests, Luke became a person afraid to trust his own inclinations. Thus, when Star Wars begins, Luke Skywalker is a farm boy afraid to do anything without other people's permission--even though he is quite capable of taking care of himself.
Throughline as it relates to Situation:
Luke is a whiny farm boy who has tremendous amounts of unrealized potential because his father was a Jedi Knight.
Concern as it relates to How Things are Changing:
Luke is constantly concerned with how things are going--"At this rate I'll never get off this rock!" He is impatient, never satisfied with how things are progressing. Once he gets off of Tatooine, he then is concerned with how long it will take for him to become a Jedi Knight--the progress of his training. When Obi Wan gets sliced by Darth Vader, he is bummed because his lessons are over (and, he cares about Ben/Obi Wan too). When they get to the Rebel base, he is concerned about how preparations are going and eventually the Rebels' progress in its attack on the Death Star.
Issue as it relates to Fantasy :
Balancing fact and fantasy is a constant issue with Luke. According to his Uncle Owen, Luke's father was a freighter pilot--but Obi Wan says his father was a Jedi Knight. Uncle Owen says the Ben Kenobi is a crazy old man and that Obi Wan Kenobi never existed--but Ben/Obi Wan do/did exist. Obi Wan purports the power of the Force, while Han shoots that down as a bunch of mumbo jumbo, etc.
Counterpoint as it relates to Fact :
The counterpoint to all of Luke's interest in fantasy is the fact of the matter about which he fantasizes. The facts of working with the Rebellion are boring, according the C3PO; the facts of life on the road to adventure always expose the limitations of Luke's fantasies (e.g. the surprisingly high price for hiring Han Solo, the unexpected complications of flying through hyper-space, the fact that the Force lets you fight even without your eyesight, etc.). There are also facts which support Luke's interest in his fantasies, such as the fact that his father was a Jedi Knight, like Obi Wan. Understanding the variety of these facts helps Luke become more what he wants to be. Fact is advantageous for Luke.
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Fantasy vs. Fact:
Balancing fact and fantasy is a constant issue with Luke. According to his Uncle Owen, Luke's father was a freighter pilot--but Obi Wan says his father was a Jedi Knight. Uncle Owen says that Ben Kenobi is a crazy old man and that Obi Wan Kenobi never existed--but Ben/Obi Wan does/did exist. Obi Wan purports the power of the Force, while Han shoots that down as a bunch of mumbo jumbo, etc. Fact and Fantasy fall into a nearly equal comparative value for Luke.
Problem as it relates to Test:
Luke is constantly driven to test his skills--as a wannabe Jedi, as a daring doer, as a marksman, and eventually as a pilot. By constantly testing himself, he gets into situations that he would have avoided if he had confidence (or trust) in himself. For example, he knew better than to go alone into the Sand people's territory; the scuffle he created at the bar could easily have been avoided; the messy breakout of the Princess was partially motivated by his testing his limits; etc.
Solution as it relates to Trust:
Luke must learn to "trust the Force," or more accurately, trust in himself and his faith in the Force. When he trusts his skills, it generally gets him out of the scrapes that his testing gets him into.
Symptom as it relates to Unending:
No matter where Luke is, he thinks his problem is that it will never end. While on Tatooine, he thinks he'll never be freed from working on the farm and he'll be stuck on Tatooine forever. Once he begins his Jedi training, he thinks that the training will never end and he'll never be a Jedi Knight; at the Rebel base, he thinks that Han will forever be a self-interested, self serving mercenary only interested in the safety of his own hide; etc.
Response as it relates to Ending:
Luke believes that the solution to his problems is to bring an end to things. He'll only stay on for another season at the farm; he'll only help Obi Wan as far as the space port; he'll only train to be Jedi until he can reach and join the Rebellion; etc.
Unique Ability as it relates to Fact:
There is a single fact about Luke that makes him most suited to achieve the goal--he is a natural Jedi Knight. His father was a Jedi Knight and it appears to be something that can be inherited--like eye color. It is his natural proclivity with the Force that keeps him safe from Darth and the Imperial TIE fighters long enough to blow up the Death Star.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Worth:
Not only is it Luke's sense of low self-worth that undermines his use of his natural skills, but other people's evaluation of his lack of worth does so as well. He physical appearance as a wimpy, whiny, backwater farm boy does nothing to enhance his apparent worth. Only when his worth is properly evaluated is he able to get past it and employ his Jedi talents.
Benchmark as it relates to The Present:
Luke looks to his present situation to determine how things are going. Is he closer or further from leaving Tatooine? Learning to be a Jedi? Joining the Rebellion? Destroying the Death Star?
Role: Jedi Master
Description:
Once a formidable Jedi Teacher, he is now old, eccentric, and reclusive.
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Obi Wan Kenobi's backstory explains how he developed the impact he makes when he meets Luke Skywalker. Obi Wan is a Jedi knight, an inter-stellar champion of the now dead republic which once governed the galaxy. He was a very respected Jedi, exceptionally well trained in the Force, a religious source of power that Jedi knights draw from. Obi Wan became an outlaw and an antique when a new, dark empire destroyed the republic and wiped out the Jedi.
Once outlawed, Obi Wan became a hermit living in the deserts of Tatooine. He knew that Luke Skywalker, the son of a most respected Jedi, was living there and might one day need his tutoring. Obi Wan is afraid that appreciation for the power of the Force will only lie in the hands of the evil empire if a new Jedi is not trained. Thus, Star Wars begins with Obi Wan hiding from the empire on Tatooine and waiting, perhaps, for Luke to call.
Throughline as it relates to Fixed Attitude:
Obi Wan lives in the world of the Force. His attitude about the Force's power and impact, the existence of the Light and Dark sides of the Forces, and the importance of the Force is unshakable.
Concern as it relates to Impulsive Responses:
In order to be truly "one with the Force," a person must completely let go of themselves and let the Force act through them. This allows the Force to guide unthinking responses and reflexes--to become an unbeatable power for good or evil.
Issue as it relates to Worth :
Obi Wan represents an ongoing exploration of the balance between worth and value. He appears to be old and feeble and of little worth, but his skills and abilities to invoke the Force prove to be of great value: he gets them by the Imperial Stormtroopers; saves Luke from the alien in the Cantina; turns off the tractor beam; distracts Darth Vader long enough for the rest of the group to escape; etc.
Counterpoint as it relates to Value :
Obi Wan, the old Jedi, appears to be old and feeble and of little value, so having to deal with him leads other characters to look anywhere else, other than toward the ways of the Jedi, to find Value. Even when people pay homage to the Force, it is just lip-service as they go about putting their real faith in the Value of their targeting computers. People who meet Obi Wan generally don't want to hear his message about the Worth of the Force, they're more concerned with immediate, practical Value. As in the example of the first x-wing to get a shot at destroying the Death Star using his targeting computer only to miss the target, Value is shown to be advantageous, but only to a limited degree.
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Worth vs. Value:
Obi Wan represents an ongoing exploration of the balance between Worth and Value. Although Value can take you so far ("Nothing compares to a good blaster by your side,") we are shown through Obi Wan's impact that Worth is what's really needed to get the job done. Understanding the true Worth of the Force makes considerations of Value take care of themselves, as when Obi Wan gets Luke and the droids past the Imperial Stormtroopers, turns off the tractor beam, delays Darth Vader long enough for the others to escape, and finally, as Luke uses his trust in the Force to out-do his own targeting computer.
Problem as it relates to Unproven:
Due to his devout faith in the Force, Obi Wan is driven by the idea that everything remains unproven--even if "common sense" might dictate otherwise.
Solution as it relates to Proven:
If and when that time may come when Obi Wan can see things as proven, he would become completely satisfied. However, it is not in THIS chapter of the Star Wars story.
Symptom as it relates to Cause:
Obi Wan's focus on Darth Vader as the cause of Luke's father's death makes it difficult for Luke to justify not helping Obi Wan on his quest; Obi Wan's observations as to the reasons Uncle Owen misled Luke about Luke's father undermines Luke's trust in his uncle; Obi Wan's focus on the Force as the source of all things material and immaterial makes Luke the brunt of Han's jokes and skepticism; etc.
Response as it relates to Effect:
By training Luke to become a Jedi Knight, Obi Wan hopes to directly effect Luke's chances to join the Rebellion and impact the Empire.
Unique Ability as it relates to Value:
Without Obi Wan around, Luke might run off to join the Rebellion before he is ready. Obi Wan's obvious value to Luke as a protector and teacher holds Luke back.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Fantasy:
Obi Wan Kenobi (versus Ben Kenobi) is identified as some mystical wizard from times past that may or may not have ever existed. That reputation, combined with a general unfamiliarity with "fantastical powers" of the Force, puts serious strain on Obi Wan's credibility.
Benchmark as it relates to Contemplation:
Conscious thought is an impediment to using the Force. The less thinking (especially in Luke's case), the closer one can become one with, and of, the Force.
The Overall Throughline Act Order:
The Main vs. Impact Throughline Act Order:
The Main Character Throughline Act Order:
The Impact Character Throughline Act Order:
Master Plot Synopsis:
In the overall scenario of this story (the Objective Story), the Empire is building the Death Star and searching for the location of the Rebels. Rather than trusting the Death Star's design and efficiency, however, the Empire determines it must have a test run on Alderaan. This act clues in Princess Leia, Obi Wan, and subsequently the Rebellion, to the terrifying nature of what they are facing. This helps jump start the Rebellion's efforts to destroy the Death Star.
It also allows the Rebel forces to prepare for the worst. The Rebels attempt to keep their location secret while the plans of the Death Star are transported to their home base. Princess Leia also tries to mislead the Empire for as long as possible in order to allow this to happen.
The Rebellion does not fully trust their information about the Empire's secret weapon, however, and tests its accuracy by waiting until they actually have the plans in their hands. This allows the Death Star to terrorize the Galaxy while Luke Skywalker, his Guardian, and Sidekicks try to get the plans into Rebel hands.
The Story Goal which all of this activity by the Protagonist and the Rebels is leading up to is to attack the Death Star and blow it up so the Rebels can remain safe from the Empire.
Luke Skywalker, the Main Character as well as the Protagonist, is constantly concerned with how things are going. In desperation with his life as a farm-boy he declares, "At this rate I'll never get off this rock!" He is impatient and never satisfied with how things are progressing.
Once he gets the plans to the Death Star and leaves Tatooine with his Obstacle Character, Obi Wan Kenobi, Luke is concerned with how long it will take for him to become a Jedi Knight and monitors the progress of his training.
Obi Wan is concerned with impacting people at their Preconscious, especially in regard to learning about the Force. In order to be truly "one with the Force," he insists that people must completely let go of themselves and let the Force act through them. This allows the Force to guide unthinking responses and reflexes, to become an unbeatable power for good or evil.
Obi Wan wants Luke to be the faithful Student, while Luke wants to be a Hero. This is the Subjective Story argument between them. Obi Wan manipulates Luke into adopting more reverence for the Force and the ways of the Jedi.
When Obi Wan gets sliced by his dark shadow, the Contagonist Darth Vader, Luke's concerns about his own Progress increase, because he still doesn't trust that he can become a knight without a mentor. When he finally gets the Death Star plans to the Rebel base, he is concerned about how preparations are going. Eventually the Rebels progress in their attack on the Death Star.
This story begins with Actions that force decisions. It is the Empire's creation of the Death Star that forces the Rebellion to confront the Empire directly. When the Empire boards Leia's Councilor's ship, it forces Leia to send the plans with R2D2 & C3P0. R2D2's escape attempt into the desert with the vital holographic message for Obi Wan joins Luke and Obi Wan. This convinces Obi Wan to resume his days of saving the galaxy, this time as Luke Skywalker's Guardian. When the Empire assassinates Luke's foster parents, it forces his decision to join forces with Obi Wan. This pattern continues, until the ultimate action of firing a bull's eye into the Death Star ends its threat thus ending the story.
A closing down of options for all of the characters raises tension as the story continues. There are only so many places the Rebel forces can be hiding. It does not matter how long it takes the Empire to find the Rebel base, once they do the showdown must occur. There are also a limited number of pilots who can make the fateful shot that can destroy the Death Star before they are all shot down.
In order for the Story Goal to be reached, however, there are Requirements of Learning that must be met. The Rebels must learn how to use the data about the Death Star most effectively. Luke must also learn the Jedi skills that will allow him to land that crucial shot. Learning must occur on the Empire's part if they are to prevent the Goal from being reached, for the Gran Mof Tarkin must learn how to extract the location of the Rebel base from the Princess if he is to ever destroy them.
If Luke and the Rebels are prevented from achieving the Goal, the Rebellion will be wiped out and the entire Galaxy will be forced to behave as subjects to the Empire. The Consequences of Failing will mean that any Rebels who survive will be under the power of the Empire again and have to pretend to be "proper citizens."
These Consequences appear to be on the horizon at several points in this story's plot, as Forewarnings of the Present loom over the proceedings. Princess Leia, a key player in the Rebellion, is imprisoned by the Empire on the Death Star and interrogated. The Death Star, it is demonstrated, is presently operational, indicating that it can easily destroy the Rebel base once it is discovered. The present size of the Rebel forces and the seemingly impenetrable defenses of the Death Star do not bode well for the survival of the Rebellion, especially when the Death Star gets within one minute of having a clear shot at the Rebel base.
The Objective Story Solution is reached, however. The Empire finally trusts in the accuracy of the information about the location of the Rebel base and the power of the Death Star, and now that the Rebel base is within reach. Meanwhile, the Rebel forces' trust in the accuracy of the Death Star plans, the skills of their warriors, and of course "the Force" leads to a successful attack on this deadly space station.
The Rebellion celebrates the destruction of the Death Star and awards its heroes, now able to find another safe haven from the Empire (until the sequels).
Master Theme Synopsis:
Star Wars is a classic story about Skill vs. Experience. Skill is symbolized in the daring, space flights and laser battles that everyone performs in this galaxy, especially a Rebellion full of young farm-boys like Luke Skywalker. Experience is the other side of the coin, presented by the old-guard of weathered space travelers like Han Solo and retired Jedi Knights with powerful relics like the Force. While it's important to have raw skills to survive in this dangerous story, there is no substitute for experience. Experience is what allows you to harness the greatest power in the galaxy--the power from within.
Against this background, Luke Skywalker struggles to reconcile Fact and Fantasy in his life. He is constantly told his dreams are unattainable, however he tries to make the facts of his life lead to the adventures he fantasizes about. Harnessing the fantastic power of the Force also makes Luke feel that such mystic power can in fact exist.
Contrasting Luke's character is the impact of Obi Wan Kenobi's character which carries a message about true Worth. The appearance of this "old fossil" makes people speculate about his real value and look to the value of their own defenses to compensate for having to deal with this old man. When he repeatedly accomplishes the impossible and proves that true worth can come from unexpected places, people start seeing the actual worth of the Force. His impact shows that a thing's true worth is what allows it to get the job done, regardless of its apparent Value.
The relationship of these two characters is an argument about Ability vs. Desire. As teacher and student, these two develop Luke's abilities through Obi Wan's tutoring. Trusting one's desires, however, proves to be more important--trusting your feelings rather than depending on the abilities of technical advances. This is ultimately demonstrated when Obi Wan's voice inspires Luke to turn off his ship's targeting computer and trust his feelings. He then lands a perfect shot and destroys the Death Star.
Main vs. Impact Character Synopsis:
A young man, named Luke Skywalker, has grown up on a remote desert planet completely unaware that his missing father was really a famous Jedi Knight. Luke's foster parents are afraid he has "too much of his father" in him and this fear has instilled a sense of self-doubt in young Luke.
Luke's foster parents also discourage Luke from learning anything about the legendary hermit named "Ben Kenobi" who lives on their planet. When his droid R2D2 runs off into the desert, Luke is forced to come face to face with this hermit. This meeting unravels many mysteries about Luke's past.
Ben admits to also being known as "Obi Wan" Kenobi, the Jedi Knight sought by R2D2. When R2D2 delivers a message from the rebel alliance begging Obi Wan to come to their aid once more, he asks Luke to join him. He explains to Luke that Luke's foster parents have hidden his true heritage from him by not admitting that his father was a Jedi. Obi Wan offers to teach Luke about the ways of the Jedi, especially the ways of the Force.
Luke refuses the offer out of consideration for his foster parents. He soon discovers, however, that the evil galactic empire is hunting his droids and have already murdered his foster parents during this search. Although saddened by their death, Luke feels their restrictions lifted by this loss. Suddenly free, Luke joins Obi Wan as his apprentice training to become a Jedi.
Obi Wan begins teaching Luke to trust the Force. He demonstrates its power and plays games to help Luke experience it on the way to Alderaan. On Alderaan, Obi Wan intends to deliver the plans hidden inside of R2D2. This journey is interrupted, however, when Alderaan is suddenly destroyed by the Empire and Luke and Obi Wan are captured on the Empire's new battle station, the Death Star.
Obi Wan begins instructing Luke in the value of understanding where one's own destiny lies. Obi Wan tells Luke that Luke cannot help him turn off the tractor beams to allow them to escape because they have different destinies. The two of them are split apart.
Luke discovers that he is in a position to rescue a captured Rebel Princess and organizes an attempt to free her.
Obi Wan turns off the tractor beam but finds himself face to face with an old enemy, the evil Jedi Darth Vader.
Luke manages to free the princess and return to the ship in order to escape, but there he finds Obi Wan and Darth Vader fighting with their light sabers. When Obi Wan sees Luke he drops his guard and lets Darth strike him down. Obi Wan understands that this memory will affect Luke and he will be able to continue his relationship with Luke, even after death.
Obi Wan's spirit encourages Luke to run so he can meet with the rebellion and launch an attack on the Death Star. When a strategy is devised, Luke confidently joins the battle and finds himself rocketing toward the target in the Death Star trench.
At this point, Luke is the Rebellion's last hope. He has his computer turned on to help him lock onto his target. Suddenly Obi Wan's voice rings in Luke's head, encouraging him to trust the Force. He takes a leap of faith and decides to trust the force, turning off his computer and letting his actions be guided by his trust in the Force, and therefore in himself.
This trust is well placed. Luke's shot hits its mark and destroys the Death Star. Luke wins a hero's award from the Rebellion while Obi Wan's voice comes from beyond to remind him (and us) that, "the Force will be with you, always."
Master Character Synopsis:
The plans to the Empire's Death Star, and therefore the ability to destroy it, fall into the Protagonist Luke Skywalker's hands. He begins a mission that will take him across the galaxy when he decides to help deliver the plans to the Rebels. Pursuing this course also lines him up in direct opposition to the deadliest force in the galaxy--the evil Empire.
Luke is aided by his Guardian Obi Wan Kenobi, who is an ancient representative of the extinct order of Jedi Knights. He promotes the worth of learning the ways of the Force. The Empire, however, is equipped with its own Jedi Knight experienced in the ways of the dark side of the Force. This evil giant is named Darth Vader and his past is marred by betrayal and murder which involved Obi Wan. These two have many unsettled scores which they will come to resolve.
Before they meet, though, Obi Wan and Luke have to attempt to deliver the droids that have the Death Star plans to the Rebels. These faithful and supportive droids are ready to do whatever their masters ask them to. These very qualities are what makes them appear as nothing more than dead weight to the mercenary and skeptical Han Solo who is approached by Obi Wan and Luke for passage across the stars.
Han's partner is a tall, animalistic Wookie named Chewbacca who responds emotionally to everything. He is known to angrily tear people's arms out of their sockets when he loses at games. Everyone seems to be able to deal with him except for Princess Leia who starts complaining about his uncontrollable nature as soon as she meets him.
Objective Characters in relation to the goal:
Luke, Obi Wan, the droids, and Princess Leia are most directly in line with each other in their feelings about a single goal of destroying the Death Star. Han and Chewbacca are driven by more selfish motives, only interested in this goal after they are paid to be and it finally becomes personal. The Empire is directly opposed to this goal and will do everything it can to prevent anyone from destroying the Death Star. Darth Vader is basically on the Empire's side in this, although he believes there are more powerful weapons than technology.
|
|
Copyright
© 1994-2006 Write Brothers, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |