Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie features several iconic Star Wars locations. Tatooine, the desert world from the original trilogy, appears early in the film. Endor, the forested moon where the Empire was defeated, also makes a return. Acht-To, the remote mountainous planet where Luke Skywalker exiled himself, is another key location. These settings, along with numerous other planets and the broader galaxy, create a universe where the Resistance and First Order continue their conflict.

Foreshadowing: Tatooine's appearance links back to the original Star Wars films, establishing continuity with the Skywalker saga.

• tatooine
• endor
• acht-to
• planets
• settings
• star wars locations

The film is set after Return of the Jedi, several years into the final era of the New Republic. This period is marked by political instability as imperial remnants have reformed as the First Order. The galaxy is in turmoil, caught between the Resistance fighting for freedom and the First Order's rising dominance.

• timeline
• era
• new republic
• first order
• chronology

Redemption and hope are the central themes of the film. Kylo Ren struggles with his dark past as Ben Solo, ultimately seeking redemption through his choices. Meanwhile, hope drives the Resistance's fight against seemingly impossible odds, with Rey's determination to confront the Emperor symbolizing hope for the galaxy's future.

• redemption
• hope
• themes
• meaning
• message

Rey is a resilient scavenger who discovers she is Force sensitive and, importantly, the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine. Throughout the film, she struggles with her identity and searches for belonging. Her journey represents hope as she evolves from a lonely individual into a Jedi who must confront her dark lineage while saving the galaxy.

• rey
• character
• palpatine granddaughter
• force
• identity

Kylo Ren, born Ben Solo, is a conflicted dark side user torn between his allegiance to the Sith and his moments of vulnerability. His internal struggle drives much of the emotional conflict in the film. He embodies the theme of inner turmoil and ultimately seeks redemption, though his path to it is complex and filled with conflict.

• kylo ren
• ben solo
• redemption
• dark side
• conflict

The resurrected Emperor Palpatine manipulates events from the shadows, representing absolute evil and the corrupting influence of power. His return creates the central threat of the film, forcing the heroes to confront their deepest fears. He challenges Rey and the Resistance specifically, using his manipulation to draw them into a final confrontation.

• palpatine
• emperor
• return
• villain
• sith

Leia Organa serves as a seasoned leader and mentor to Rey, embodying strength, wisdom, and compassion. Her connection to her son Kylo Ren adds significant emotional weight to the story. Her passing during the film signifies the loss of a guiding figure for both the galaxy and Rey personally.

• leia organa
• leader
• mentor
• general
• resistance

The galaxy during this period is vast and filled with conflict. Star destroyers patrol the skies while diverse planets host various ecosystems and civilizations. The New Republic struggles against the First Order, with political unrest creating an era of imperial resurgence. The universe reflects a galaxy in crisis, torn between tyranny and the hope for freedom.

• galaxy
• first order
• resistance
• new republic
• conflict

Redemption is central to the film, primarily through Kylo Ren's journey as he wrestles with his dark past as Ben Solo. Rey also seeks redemption through her quest for identity and forgiveness, culminating in sacrificial acts that restore balance to the Force. The movie explores how characters overcome their dark sides and find their true selves.

• redemption
• kylo ren
• ben solo
• forgiveness
• transformation

Hope serves as the driving force of the narrative as the Resistance fights against overwhelming odds. Rey's resolve to confront the Emperor symbolizes hope for the galaxy's future. The revival of the Jedi order and the sacrifices made by characters reflect a persistent belief in a better tomorrow, even in the face of despair and loss.

• hope
• resistance
• rey
• jedi
• future

The story unfolds across a galaxy filled with star destroyers, diverse planets, and multiple civilizations. From the harsh desert of Tatooine to the forests of Endor and the remote mountains of Acht-To, the world blends familiar locations with new environments. This creates a universe where the eternal conflict between light and dark continues to shape the fate of all who inhabit it.

• world
• galaxy
• setting
• universe
• environments