Chapter 53: Guide to Characters

(Name ; first chapter appears ; approx. birth date or lifespan if dead at the end of this volume, which is 1 ABY)

OC – Original Character; POC – Partially Original Character

This is not an exhaustive list of every character to appear in this volume of the story, but includes all of importance to the narrative. The characters are listed in order of their first appearance in the story.

Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) ; 1 ; 41 BBY

Needs little introduction to any Star Wars fan, but plays a big role in this story. After the mention at the beginning, we don't see the Dark Lord again until chapter 14, but then he's in almost every chapter going forward.

Ahsoka Tano (a.k.a. Ashli Tanner) ; 1 ; 36 BBY

Our heroine, and the main protagonist of the tale. Ahsoka goes through many different activities over the course of the story and starts to reach her true destiny. She makes some new friends and reconnects with some old ones. Starting the story after the showdown with Vader on Malachor, Ahsoka gets off the planet and goes to nearby world Almania, where she makes new friends. A meeting on Alderaan with Bail Organa allows her to learn the truth about what happened to Anakin, and also the whereabouts of both his children. It is shortly after this that Shaak Ti reaches out to Ahsoka and invites her to Felucia, where she learns about the Order and eventually becomes Shaak's adopted daughter. From there, Ahsoka is Shaak's biggest supporter, though sometimes she is not always certain about her new mother's ultimate aims. As Volume One ends, Ahsoka has become Crown Princess of the Galaxy under her mother's new reign as Empress.

Hera Syndulla ; 2 ; 29 BBY

Known for her appearances in Star Wars Rebels, the captain of the Ghost was also friendly with Ahsoka in the time leading up to the start of that show in 5 BBY.

Frehya Lumoxa (OC) ; 2 ; 52 BBY

The first original character to appear in the story, Frehya is a native of Almania, a planet with a Siberian climate and a hardy population that carved out a civilization there. When she first meets Ahsoka, she has a military background in the local defense forces. A dark-haired and middle-aged woman, Ms. Lumoxa was resigned to living the rest of her life in quiet desperation but Ahsoka changes everything for her when she learns of Frehya's Force ability. Frehya first becomes Ahsoka's apprentice, then later a key figure in the rebellion as she manages many activities for Shaak.

Tri'ku Je'har (OC) ; 2 ; 48 BBY

A leader of the Almanian military, Ahsoka meets him on Almania and he goes on to eventually become her fiancé by the end of this volume. He also leaves the Almanian forces to join the Rebel Alliance. At one time, he had a romantic relationship with Frehya when they were much younger.

Chelli Lona Aphra ; 3 ; 24 BBY

An architecture grad student with a penchant for money making schemes, her talent and intellect become quite valuable to Ahsoka. Chelli basically means well but her attitude often causes problems for her.

Sana Starros ; 3 ; 31 BBY

A former classmate of Chelli Aphra during her younger days in the Core worlds, Sana turned to bounty hunting at times to make ends meet. Reuniting with Chelli in a romantic relationship, Sana comes to know Ahsoka. Later she makes her first big score on Nar Shaddaa as she and a colleague are paid 1 million credits for turning over Han and Leia.

Bail Prestor Organa ; 3 ; 64 BBY – 0 ABY

The adoptive father of Princess Leia, he was a former member of the Republic (and later the Imperial) Senate, representing his home world of Alderaan. He later is instrumental in organizing the rebellion against the Empire. Ahsoka first starts working with Bail around 17 BBY when her time on the ag moon Raada comes to an end. Organa would perish in the destruction of his home planet by the Death Star.

Leia Organa (Skywalker) ; 4 ; 19 BBY

One of the twins born to Padme Amidala in 19 BBY around the beginning of the Empire. She and her brother Luke were both born on the remote world of Polis Massa, then she was later adopted by Bail and Breha Organa and grew up on Alderaan. Leia's adventure in this story follows a different track than seen in the original Star Wars trilogy, as she works with Ahsoka and Shaak Ti as they drive the rebellion.

Hedala Fardi (POC); 5 ; 22 BBY

A young girl from the planet Thabeska, Hedala and her Force sensitivity were first discovered by Ahsoka when she was only 4 years old. She later go the chance to go to Alderaan as (presumably) Ahsoka mentioned her to Bail Organa. When she and Ahsoka reunite in chapter 5, she then joins Ahsoka and becomes her apprentice alongside Frehya. Hedala goes on to great success in the rebellion and continues to be close to Ahsoka.

Shaak Ti ; 5 ; 59 BBY

The other major protagonist in the story, Shaak is a former Jedi Master and member of the Jedi Council (for 8 years), Shaak narrowly escapes the Empire during the Jedi Purge in 19 BBY. She removes many holocrons from the Jedi Temple during her escape and goes to the planet Felucia, where she lives secretly for the next two decades. During this time, she formulates and then executes a plan to gain her revenge against the Empire and to dethrone Palpatine, making herself Empress. She also discovers vast new powers while carefully studying all of the holocrons she confiscated. For the most part, she keeps her plan completely confidential. Shaak sets up a Jedi replacement organization that she dubs "The Order" and names herself as Grand Master. She sets out to recruit Force sensitive people around the Galaxy so that she might train them to be Members of the Order. At some point, Shaak discovers that Ahsoka has also survived the Purge and she tracks the younger Togruta's progress with the rebellion, until deciding to introduce herself to Ahsoka and bring her to Felucia in chapter 5. Later, she takes Ahsoka with her on a journey to their home world of Shili, where they are immersed in the culture of their Togruta species.

Maris Brood (POC) ; 6 ; 40 BBY

A young Zabrak Jedi who had just passed the Trials before the Jedi Purge began in 19 BBY, Maris also escapes Coruscant with Shaak Ti and goes to live with her on Felucia. Over the next two decades, Maris is carefully trained by Shaak in the new powers such as Force Lightning. As the rebellion rises, Maris's importance in it only grows. She also becomes more relaxed and outgoing, but her reputation as a stern taskmaster in training the future Order members remains.

Yoda ; 6 ; c. 900 BBY

The eternal Jedi sage, Master Yoda is still around during the period covered by this story. However, his arc is quite different than what is seen in the Original Trilogy. Yoda and Shaak had always been friends, dating to before her time on the Jedi Council. In this story, he is seemingly the only one that Shaak consults with before making big decisions. Up until the end of this volume, he has so far endorsed her conduct and plans. Yoda leaves Dagobah and moves to Felucia in chapter 49.

Maul (nee Darth Maul); 7 ; 51 BBY – 1 BBY

He is not a heavily featured character in this story, but important for Ahsoka's journey in chapter 7. She uses her new powers to put him at her mercy, but decides to spare his life. Maul is seemingly grateful for this as he is able to pursue his plan for revenge against Obi-Wan Kenobi, who ends up finishing him off in chapter 16.

Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi; 8 ; 52 BBY – 0 ABY

Ahsoka learns of Kenobi's circumstances from Bail Organa in chapter 4, then journeys to visit him in chapter 8, accompanied by Shaak and her apprentices Frehya and Hedala. Kenobi still perishes at Darth Vader's hands in chapter 24 on the Death Star, just as in the original movie A New Hope.

Boba Fett; 9 ; 32 BBY

Fett is another incidental character, first appearing in chapter 9, where he is met by Hedala and Frehya on Tatooine. He returns in chapter 31, where Ahsoka, Luke and Hedala encounter him, again on Tatooine.

Jabba Desilijic Tiure (the Hutt); 9 ; c. 600 BBY

Jabba the Hutt is an ally of Shaak's, who assists her in gaining knowledge about the progress of the Death Star project, starting in chapter 9. He later is seen with Vader in chapter 30.

Saw Gerrera ; 11 ; 50 BBY – 0 BBY

An old acquaintance of Ahsoka's from the Onderon campaign during the Clone War, Saw is seen assisting the rebellion in chapter 11 and later, Ahsoka works with him in chapter 21. She is unable to save him from dying on the planet Jedha, just before the Battle of Scarif, in chapter 23.

Mon Mothma ; 12 ; 46 BBY

A key leader in the Rebel Alliance, Mothma had been a senator for the Republic and later the Empire, representing her home, the Core world of Chandrila. She does not seem happy with the takeover of the rebellion by Shaak Ti, but has little choice in the matter. Shaak and Mon work together for the most part, and they are outwardly supportive of each other, but Mothma has misgivings about exchanging one Emperor for another, even if it is Shaak.

Garm Bel-Iblis; 12 ; 65 BBY

Another former Republic and Imperial Senator, Mothma's fellow Alliance leader, Bel-Iblis, is more in agreement with Shaak's decision to become Empress. He hails from Corellia, also the birthplace of Han Solo.

Sheev Palpatine ; 14 ; 82 BBY

The incumbent Emperor at the start of this story, Palpatine was also known as Sith Lord Darth Sidious, and considered one of the most powerful people in the history of the Galaxy. Shaak Ti set her aims high – to take him down, but at the same time, have him formally hand over power to her once the fait accompli had been done. At the end of this volume, Palpatine was in retirement, living on the converted world of Avalonia, under the care of Shaak's assisted living caretakers.

Rae Sloane ; 14 ; 41 BBY

A rising star in the Imperial Navy, Admiral Sloane will be given a chance to show her loyalty to the newly crowned Empress.

Xendar Silkaw (OC) ; 15 ; 26 BBY

A newly knighted member of the Order (Shaak Ti's replacement for the Jedi), Xendar is heavily involved in the administration of the planet Felucia, with Frehya Lumoxa.

Bendu ; 16 ; (unknown)

A curious individual (species unidentified), who is one of the few beings to embrace both Light and Dark sides of the Force, and someone Shaak happens to know – but we don't know much detail around that at this point.

Mitth'raw'nuruodo (Thrawn) ; 16 ; c. 55 BBY

One the classic villains in the Star Wars extended universe, Thrawn was added to canon by his inclusion in Star Wars Rebels 3rd and 4th seasons. He is seen briefly in chapter 16, at the Battle of Atollon and has to deal with the fallout when Shaak and Ahsoka use their new powers to take out an Imperial Star Destroyer. His fate at the end of the volume is still undetermined – as is his allegiance to the new Empress.

Sugi (Emari); 20; c. 50 BBY

A former Zabrak bounty hunter from the Clone War era, Sugi is seen briefly on the planet Sullust in chapter 20 and 21. She was somehow a friend of her fellow Zabrak Maris Brood.

Mak Plain (POC); 21; c. 62 BBY

A top banker on the world of Muunilinst, Plain is helping to look after some of Shaak's vast wealth. He may well be in line for a top appointment in the Finance Ministry in the new government.

Tor Bohcala (OC); 21; 64 BBY

A Twi'lek that somehow Shaak has known for a number of years, Bohcala has extensive experience in mining operations. He is seen in chapter 21 discussing a new find on Muunilinst with Shaak.

Luke Skywalker ; 22 ; 19 BBY

The son of Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker, Luke doesn't learn his true identity until chapter 32. This of course is well ahead of when he learns it in the Original Trilogy. Luke has backup in the destruction of the Death Star from both Shaak and Ahsoka, and after it's over, he agrees to join the Order and becomes Ahsoka's third apprentice. Later on, he is switched to Maris as she and Ahsoka learn of his attraction to Hedala. Late in the volume, Hedala and Luke agree to get married, as their interest in each other steadily grew after the Battle of Yavin. Luke's new position has not been settled at the end of Volume One, but it is likely he will serve in the new "Empress's Hand" unit alongside his father and Maris, who have become similarly involved romantically.

Jyn Erso; 22 ; 20 BBY

The heroine of the film Rogue One, Jyn makes a strong impact on Ahsoka, who appreciates the young woman's intensity and enlists her as part of the team to go to Scarif and find the Death Star plans. Unfortunately, Ahsoka is unable to save her from dying on the planet after Tarkin orders the base to be destroyed by the Death Star.

Han Solo; 24 ; 32 BBY

An iconic Star Wars character, who now has a separate film about his backstory now in theaters. Solo is not heavily featured in this story, but is part of the rebellion and will likely be wondering what Ahsoka and Shaak have in store for him next. He is still close friends with Chewbacca and is pursuing a relationship with Leia, who is thirteen years his junior.

Jin-lo Rayce; 26 ; c. 55 BBY

Another former Jedi that survived the Purge, Rayce was working with Jocasta Nu to build a new group of Force-sensitive people that is co-opted by Shaak's Order after Rayce pays her a visit on Felucia in chapter 26.

Riyo Chuchi; 27 ; 42 BBY

Another Clone Wars friend of Ahsoka, from the planet Pantora. Chuchi gets elected Chancellor in her home system and agrees to allow the rebels to set up a military base in the Pantora System.

Cassio Tagge; 27 ; c. 55 BBY

One of the few survivors among the Imperial High Command after the Battle of Yavin, General Tagge is given authority over Darth Vader by the Emperor sometime after that battle. He is expected to lead an effort to clean up Outer Rim pirate and syndicate activity with Vader as his enforcer, but the Dark Lord has other plans. Vader soon deserts Tagge once he realizes his son and daughter are now under Shaak Ti. As the volume ends, Tagge is presumably still a member of the Imperial High Command and his ultimate fate left up to Shaak Ti.

Jocasta Nu; 29 ; c. 85 BBY

A former Jedi Master and the one in charge of archival systems in the Jedi Temple. Jocasta assists Shaak in the confiscation of the holocrons from the Temple and retains some of them herself. She goes into hiding and then surfaces on Mon Mothma's home world of Chandrila, where she is overseeing Jin-lo Rayce's operation. She and Rayce name it the Agents of Ossus. Jocasta then reunites with Shaak in chapter 29 and enthusiastically backs the Togruta's plan to become galactic empress. She also moves to Felucia and her group is co-opted into the Order.

Reema Andujah (OC); 29 ; 17 BBY

A young woman born on Coruscant who was abandoned by her parents and left to survive on her own, which she does partly through her strong Force ability. Eventually she is discovered by Rayce and becomes an Agent of Ossus. Later, she joins the Order after Shaak is impressed with her Force potential. She first trains under Maris, but then is switched to Ahsoka, with whom she gets off to a rocky start. Reema carries a certain level of anger bottled up inside her and it drives her forward.

Valles Santhé (OC); 36; 37 BBY

A granddaughter of Kerred Santhé, one of the leading armaments makers in the Galaxy, Valles is running the Santhé-Sienar Corporation by the time she shows up in chapter 36. She makes a strong favorable impression on Shaak and a fast friend in Ahsoka. But Valles is a supremely ambitious woman that also turns out to be Force sensitive – in fact, extremely so. She has also been able to conceal her true nature from both Shaak and Ahsoka. As Shaak takes the throne of the Galaxy, Valles becomes her chief of staff and starts to fill the new administration with her loyalists. As Volume One ends, she has also discovered Reema and has reached out to her, very much wanting her to be a future apprentice.

Jaybo Hood; 37; 31 BBY

Another Clone War participant – if not a veteran – Hood is an expert with artificial intelligence and droid-based systems, working for Santhé-Sienar. Valles reassigns him to work on Felucia for Shaak and Ahsoka, and he is teamed up with Chelli Aphra. The new partnership looks promising as they both have many ideas about using droid systems. Jaybo and Chelli both figure to have important roles in the Second Empire under Empress Shaak.

Tuuk vin'de Ti (OC); 40; 57 BBY

The younger brother of Shaak Ti, Tuuk is managing the family business, which involves a large scale farming operation and a popular restaurant in the capital city of Corvala, on Shili, the Togruta home world. His life figures to get more complicated now that his sister has been crowned Empress. Tuuk likely will decline any royal title, as he is a traditional Togruta and suspicious of those in power.

Luu'maas Ti (OC); 40; 100 BBY

Shaak Ti's mother, still living on Shili and the architect of the restaurant, whose cuisine was based on her original recipes. She is a gentle, easy-going woman, still very much alive after a century since her birth. She remains devoted to her husband and the father of both Shaak and Tuuk.

Kaa'shaan Ti (OC); 40; 102 BBY

The patriarch of the Ti clan on Shili, Kaa'Shaan is a proud father of his daughter Shaak. This extended to her days in the Jedi, but after the Purge he and his wife do not see their daughter again until chapter 40 of this story. He has mixed feelings concerning Shaak's plan to become Empress, but is likely quite proud of her.