Palpatine

Template:SW Character Palpatine (84 BBY - 4 ABY, spirit made one with the Force 11 ABY) is a fictional character of the Star Wars universe.

Palpatine is a scheming and manipulative politician who eventually emerges as the main villain of the series as the supreme ruler of the Galactic Empire. He is also the Sith Master Darth Sidious although this is not revealed unambiguously until Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Throughout the series he serves as Senator, Chancellor and finally Emperor.

Palpatine's Name

Palpatine's full name (assuming he has any names other than "Palpatine" alone) has never been revealed. The use "Emperor Palpatine" suggests that Palpatine is in fact his only name, though the use of titles such as "Senator Palpatine" suggests it may be his family name. Of course, Palpatine might be a Name of State, as the name Amidala is, so it may mean that neither Palpatine's given nor family name is known.

The original version of his character in Lucas's early scripts was named "Cos Dashit" and many Star Wars fan fiction writers have quite incorrectly adopted the name "Cos Palpatine" in their stories and web pages -- so much so that it has become fanon. The name "Dantius Palpatine" has also been adopted, though its origins are more ambiguous, seeming to come from SuperShadow, a website of fraudulent Star Wars material, including synopses for Episodes VII - IX.

In the soundtrack for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, the music for the parade sponsored by Palpatine celebrating the liberation of Naboo (which is in fact a disguised version of the Emperor's theme music) is called "Auggie's Municipal Band", which have led some to speculate that Palpatine's first name is Auggie or Augustus. Template:Spoiler

Palpatine's History

Born on Naboo, Palpatine was soon found by Darth Plagueis, and taken into apprenticeship. There he was taught the ways of the Sith, and took on the name Darth Sidious. He murdered his Master when he thought he was ready, and took on the force-sensitive Zabrak Darth Maul from Iridonia as his Apprentice. He soon began plotting for galactic domination.

At the beginning of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Palpatine represents the planet Naboo in the Senate of the Galactic Republic and, by the end of the movie, manipulates Queen Amidala to call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership, thereby making the Senate elect him as Chancellor of the Republic.

In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, which is set ten years after Episode I, Palpatine is still in office as Chancellor and further manipulates events to make the Senate grant him dictatorial emergency powers to deal with Count Dooku's Confederacy of Independent Systems and promises to set his new powers aside after the Clone Wars end. Palpatine was kidnapped by General Grievous at the start of Battle of Coruscant, although this would later turn out to have been staged.

File:Sidslightning.jpg

Palpatine attacks Yoda with Force lightning.

By the end of the Clone Wars, with the defeat of the Confederacy, turmoil continued to plague the Galactic government. Palpatine had long been deformed by his ravenous use of the dark side and typically hid this through further use of the Force. After the death of Mace Windu and the initiation of the Jedi Purge, he was either unable or unwilling to continue the charade and no longer attempted to hide his features. This was publicly explained as the result of severe injuries due to a Jedi assassination attempt and used to persuade others to support his battle against the Order. Using the increasing political turmoil as a plea for sympathy in an address to the Senate, he succesfully convinced the body that only by becoming a formal empire could the Republic hope to preserve order. He then proclaimed the end of the Galactic Republic and established the Galactic Empire with himself as Emperor of the galaxy. Anakin Skywalker, Who Later becomes the Sith Lord Darth Vader, became his right-hand man, and led the efforts to exterminate the Jedi. These events have not been seen in any Star Wars film thus far, but it is conjectured that they will be depicted in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Palpatine continued to consolidate his power and squash rebellions with an iron hand. In the fourth film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, he eliminates the last threat to his absolute power by dissolving the now-Imperial Senate and assuming complete control over the quadrillions of inhabitants of the galaxy.

File:Palpatine.jpg

Emperor Palpatine, supreme ruler of the Galactic Empire

It becomes evident by Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi that Palpatine does indeed possess the capability to use the Force. His training with the ancient Sith Lord, Darth Plagueis, is made clear in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It is not explained how Palpatine escaped detection as a potential Jedi as an infant, which would have meant his being taken in to be trained as a Jedi, being born on a Republic planet like Naboo.

Through his servant Darth Vader, Palpatine attempts to lure Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side, but in the end his plot fails. In anger over Luke's resolve, Palpatine tortures the young Jedi with Force lightning, taking sadistic pleasure seeing Luke writhe in pain. Darth Vader, unable to watch his son suffer so, and scarred from the memory of his own torturous Force lightning lashing at the hands of Count Dooku, turns from the Dark Side to once again become Anakin Skywalker. The Dark Lord then turns against his master and casts Palpatine down a reactor shaft of the second Death Star, where his body dissolves in a cloud of energy. With the subsequent death of Anakin Skywalker, Palpatine's death marked the end of the Sith Order and the downfall of the Galactic Empire. Almost as soon as news of Palpatine's death became publicly known, massive spontaneous celebrations erupted across the entire galaxy, from outer worlds like Tatooine and even within the Imperial capital planet of Coruscant. The widespread, unanimous nature of the celebrations greeting his death suggest that Palpatine had indeed, as Anakin Skywalker once predicted, become the most hated man the Galaxy had ever known.

Palpatine's Traits

Darth Sidious, possessed of a superior intellect, had a cunning understanding of the human mind and great use of the Force in foreseeing the future, so he could manipulate events as though he were a dejarik (Star Wars equivalent of chess) grandmaster moving pieces on a board. Therefore, he had a penchant for complicated schemes, and such was his patience that he could wait years to see them come into fruition. Sidious had a broad expertise in areas such as psychology, bureaucracy, and philosophy. The Dark Side energies flowing through his body were so intense that they ravaged his mortal frame. Lord Sidious/Emperor Palpatine is a gnarled, ancient man with pale skin, searing, sickly yellow eyes, a heavy dark cloak, and a glossy black cane.

As Palpatine, he had gained a reputation for being a good and modest man from the extremely humble and peaceful backwater world of Naboo. As both Senator of Naboo and Chancellor of the Republic, he promised to bring justice to the government, which had been mired in corruption and chaos. Actually the Dark Lord of the Sith, he had in fact used his intellect to become the most powerful tyrant in galactic history. He appeared as an unassuming old man.

Palpatine in the Expanded Universe

Palpatine appears very frequently in the Expanded Universe material which covers the prequel era. In the novel Cloak of Deception, a prelude to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, he sets up his bid for the Chancellorship by discrediting Chancellor Valorum. In the comic Star Wars Republic, it is hinted that he is behind the assassination of the former Naboo Senator, the abdication of Naboo's King Veruna, and also that he assassinated his predecessor, Valorum. In the various "Clone Wars" stories, he takes an increasingly active interest in Anakin Skywalker.

In the classic era stories, Palpatine plays a major role in Shadows of the Empire, where Prince Xizor attempts to discredit Darth Vader through a plot to kill Luke Skywalker and replace Darth Vader as the Emperor's second-in-command. Darth Vader, who was obsessed with the idea of turning his son to the Dark Side rather than see him dead, ultimately kills Xizor.

In the Dark Empire trilogy of comics, Palpatine returns shortly after the Thrawn crisis, by channeling his spirit (which continued to live through the Force after his death) into a clone of himself. The cloned Palpatine tries to gain back his control of the galaxy, and successfully converts Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side. Eventually, Luke conquers the Dark Side from within and slays the final Palpatine, having destroyed his other clone bodies.

It is also revealed in the novels that Palpatine trained a number of secret Dark Jedi agents, such as the popular character Mara Jade. It is also hinted in the Barbara Hambly novels -- and later discounted -- that Palpatine has had several offspring. In the Jedi Prince series an insane three-eyed mutant named Triclops appears as Palpatine's son with Ken as his grandson. In the series, Triclops is impersonated by another three-eyed mutant named Trioculous. Despite this, the concept of Palpatine having children has not been embraced by the Expanded Universe at large, and is heavily out of character.

Palpatine's known relatives include his grand-niece Ederlaath Pallopides (mentioned in The Dark Empire Sourcebook) and his third cousin Voplau (mentioned in the comic book Boba Fett #1/2 : Salvage.)

Behind the Scenes

Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, along with several Royal Guards standing at attention aboard the second Death Star

In many ways, Palpatine is an archetypical villain, who has little motivation aside from the attainment of power. He relies on deception and manipulation to control and corrupt individuals throughout the films, and as a result is a classically diabolical character. As the Emperor, he appears to be a frail, weak old man, but is actually quite supernaturally powerful. Palpatine may be viewed as the quintessential wolf in sheep's clothing. Palpatine's motivations are further explained when viewed in the context of his alter ego Darth Sidious.

Both the middle aged Palpatine and the elderly Emperor Palpatine are played by actor Ian McDiarmid, although the holographic image of the Emperor that briefly appeared in The Empire Strikes Back was played by an unnamed actor (a woman with the composite image of a lemur for the eyes) and was voiced by Clive Revill. For the 2004 DVD release of the Star Wars Trilogy, the scene in Episode V was reshot with Ian McDiarmid replacing Revill as the Emperor, with new lines recorded for both McDiarmid and James Earl Jones (the voice of Darth Vader). In the Clone Wars cartoon series and the audio adaptation of the Dark Empire trilogy of comic books, Nick Jameson voiced Palpatine.

The exact origin of the name "Palpatine" is not known. It may come from the word "palatine," meaning, "relating to a palace," which is fitting for a supreme dictator. Some have speculated that it was named after Leonard Harris's character in Taxi Driver, Senator Palantine (note the difference in spelling). Another theory suggests he was named for Palatine Hill overlooking the Roman Forum, where Romulus and Remus were found and raised by she-wolf according to Roman mythology and where the palace of the Roman Emperors was located.

Several unsubstantiated rumors claim that Sidious/Palpatine shall make another appearance in the Expanded Universe, set not long after the New Jedi Order.

Another theory concerning Palpatine suggests that he is the physical incarnation of the dark side itself. This is somewhat supported in the Expanded Universe "Dark Empire" series in which the Emperor exclaims to Luke Skywalker that "I am the dark side". This generated much further fan speculation but is also seen as a metaphorical statement by some. Nevertheless, the Emperor is does seem to embody his boast.

The mysterious Imperial Advisors seen briefly in Return of the Jedi are also occasionally sources of speculation to those unfamiliar with them. However, it has been clearly stated on the official website that they are among the Emperor's Inner Circle of Imperial Dignitaries. Those seen in ROTJ include Sate Pestage, Janus Greejatus, Sim Aloo, Ars Dangor, and Kren Blista-Vanee.

Quotations

As Darth Sidious

• "Viceroy, I don't want this stunted slime in my sight again." (about Daultay Dofine, who said Sidious' scheme had failed)
• "I will make it legal." (after Nute Gunray asked if an invasion of Naboo would be legal)
• "Wipe them out — all of them."
• "Excellent. Everything is going as planned." (upon learning from Count Dooku that war has begun)

Politics

• "Enter the bureaucrats, the true rulers of the Republic, and on the payroll of the Trade Federation I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear."
• "A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one." (on his nomination to become Chancellor)
• "I will not let this Republic, that has stood for a thousand years, be split in two."
• "It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to this calling. I love democracy. I love the Republic. The power you give me I will lay down when this crisis has abated. And as my first act with this new authority, I will create a Grand Army of the Republic to counter the increasing threat from the Separatists." (being given emergency powers)

To Anakin Skywalker

• "We are indebted to you for your bravery, Obi-Wan Kenobi. And you, young Skywalker, we will watch your career with great interest."
• "I have said it many times; you are the most gifted Jedi I have ever met."
• "I see you becoming the greatest of all the Jedi, Anakin. Even more powerful than Master Yoda."

About Luke Skywalker

• "There is a great disturbance in the Force. We have a new enemy; the young rebel who destroyed the Death Star. I have no doubt this boy is the offspring of Anakin Skywalker." (speaking with Darth Vader via hologram; DVD version only)
• "Search your feelings, Lord Vader, you will know it to be true. He could destroy us." (speaking with Darth Vader via hologram; DVD version only)
• "The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi." (speaking with Darth Vader via hologram)
• "You have done well, Lord Vader...and now I sense you wish to continue your search for young Skywalker...Patience my friend. In time he will seek you out... and when he does you must bring him before me. He has grown strong. Only together can we turn him to the Dark Side of the Force." (Speaking with Vader, after Palpatine arrives on the second Death Star, and they are inspecting the troops.)
• "It is of no concern. Soon the Rebellion will be crushed and young Skywalker will be one of us." (after Vader mentioned the Alliance was massing near Sullust.)
• "His compassion for you will be his undoing. He will come to you, and you will bring him before me." (to Darth Vader, after learning from Vader that Luke and his friends have landed on Endor.)

In Revenge of the Sith

• "The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be 'unnatural.'"
• "Learn to know the dark side of the Force, and you will achieve a power greater than any Jedi."
• "Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?" (to Mace Windu, and his Jedi entourage who have come to arrest Palpatine.)
• "I am the Senate!" (to Mace Windu, who says the Senate will decide Palpatine's fate.)
• "Power! Unlimited power!" (after turning Anakin to the dark side)
• "Every single Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic!"
• "Do what must be done, Lord Vader. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy." (instructing Anakin, now Darth Vader, to hunt down and kill the Jedi.)
• "I will soon have a new apprentice... one far younger and more powerful than Lord Tyranus."
• "In order to ensure our security and continuing stability...The republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire!!! For a safe and secure

society which i assure you will last for ten thousand years!!!"(palpatine declares an empire to the senate rotunda)

• "An empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body, and a sovereign ruler chosen for life!!!(continuing his speech to the senate)
• "An empire ruled by the majority...Ruled by a new constitution"(conclusion of the emperors speech to the senate)
• "Once more the sith will rule the galaxy..."

Trying to turn Luke Skywalker to the dark side

• "Welcome, young Skywalker, I have been expecting you..."
• "I'm looking forward to completing your training. In time, you will call me 'Master.'"
• "Oh no, my young Jedi. You will find that it is you who are mistaken...about a great many things."
• "By now you must know your father can never be turned from the dark side, so will it be with you."
• "Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design."
• "Your faith in your friends is yours." (retort to Luke's statement that Palpatine's overconfidence was his weakness)
• "From here you will witness the final destruction of the Alliance — and the end of your insignificant rebellion."
• "You want this, [patting Luke's lightsaber] dont you? The hate is swelling in you now. Take your Jedi weapon. Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down with it. Give in to your anger. With each passing moment you make yourself more my servant."
• "It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now...mine."
• "Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational battle station."
• "There is no escape...the Alliance will die...as will your friends. Good, I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your Jedi weapon. Strike me down with all of your hatred, and your journey towards the Dark Side will be complete!"
• "Use your aggressive feelings, boy! Let the hate flow through you!"
• "Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!"
• "So be it...Jedi."(after Luke refuses the dark side and declares himself a Jedi)
• "If you will not be turned...then...you will be...destroyed." (he unleashes blue Force lightning)
• "Young fool. Only now, at the end, do you understand. Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side. You will pay the price for your lack of vision." (as he is gleefully electrocuting Luke with Force lightning)
• "And now, young Skywalker...you will die." (last words before Vader/Anakin turns on him)

Quotes about Palpatine

• "Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your father's fate you will." -Yoda to Luke, just before Yoda passes away
• "The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation." - Darth Vader to Moff Jerjerrod, on the second Death Star's progress being behind schedule.
• "The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am." -Darth Vader, in Return of the Jedi
• "Sidious is Palpatine! The Chancellor is the Sith Lord!" -Anakin Skywalker in the Revenge of the Sith novel in a painful conversation with Mace Windu.
• "...the pure exercise of power is what he's all about. That's the only thing he's interested in and the only thing that can satisfy him — which makes him completely fascinating to play, because it is an evil soul. He is more evil than the devil. At least Satan fell — he has a history, and it's one of revenge."

-Ian McDiarmid, interview with Star Wars Insider

• "The Imperial Senate will no longer be of any concern to us. I have just received word that the Emperor has dissolved the council permanently. The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away."

-Grand Moff Tarkin, A New Hope

Styles of Address

Senator Palpatine of the Sovereign System of Naboo

His Excellency, Chancellor Palpatine of the Galactic Republic

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Palpatine of the Galactic Empire