Rey

Rey from the Star Wars Franchise

Introduction

Rey, a central character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, was created by Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt for the 2015 film The Force Awakens[3]. Portrayed by Daisy Ridley, Rey is a powerful and complex character whose journey spans across The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. Born on the desert planet Jakku, Rey was abandoned as a child and grew up as a scavenger, surviving amidst the wreckage of war.

Rey’s defining traits include her stubbornness, headstrong nature, bravery, and fierce loyalty to her friends. These characteristics, along with her innate connection to the Force, make her a pivotal figure in the narrative of the sequel trilogy. Her story is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Jedi and the ongoing struggle between the Resistance and the First Order.

Rey’s significance extends beyond her role in the sequel trilogy, as she represents a new generation of heroes in the Star Wars universe. Her connection to iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and even the villainous Kylo Ren, underscores her importance in the broader Star Wars saga.

Role in the Story

Rey’s journey begins on Jakku, where she lives a solitary life as a scavenger, hoping that one day her parents will return for her. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters BB-8, a Resistance astromech droid carrying a crucial star chart that leads to the long-lost Jedi Master Luke Skywalker ^[1][3].

Rey’s decision to help BB-8 sets her on a path that leads her to Finn, a renegade stormtrooper, and together they escape Jakku, embarking on a galactic adventure. On the planet Takodana, Rey experiences a Force vision when she touches Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, marking the beginning of her discovery of her Force abilities ^[1].

Rey’s quest to find Luke Skywalker takes her to the lost world of Ahch-To, where she meets Luke but faces disappointment as he refuses to return and train her. Despite this, Rey persists and eventually convinces Luke to teach her three lessons, during which she learns to feel the Force and understand her connection to it ^[1].

Throughout the trilogy, Rey’s relationships with other characters are crucial. Her bond with Finn and Poe Dameron provides her with a sense of family and support, while her complex and conflicted relationship with Kylo Ren, who is her counterpart in the Force dyad, drives much of the plot. Rey’s attempts to bring Kylo Ren back to the light side and her eventual confrontation with Emperor Palpatine, who is revealed to be her grandfather, are key events in her storyline ^[1][3].

Character Analysis

Rey’s character is marked by a deep-seated sense of self-worthlessness, a core belief that she is not worthy of being her ideal self – a hero. This is evident in her initial reluctance to accept the Skywalker lightsaber and her fear of taking on the responsibility that comes with it ^[2].

Despite her tough exterior, Rey is emotionally fragile and often struggles with feelings of loneliness and aimlessness. Her hasty formation of attachments, such as her immediate bond with Han Solo, whom she sees as a father figure, and her intense emotional reactions to the actions of those around her, highlight her vulnerability ^[2].

Rey’s growth and development are significant aspects of her character. She learns to overcome her core belief of self-worthlessness through her experiences and the encouragement of the Jedi past. Her declaration, "I am all the Jedi," symbolizes her acceptance of her role and her worthiness to be a Jedi ^[2].

Rey’s strengths include her bravery, resourcefulness, and strong sense of right and wrong. She is a skilled mechanic, pilot, and warrior, skills that are honed during her time on Jakku. Her flaws, such as her excessive aggression and tendency to overcompensate by trying to prove her worth, make her a more relatable and human character ^[1][5].

Themes and Symbolism

Rey embodies several key themes in the Star Wars saga. Her journey is a metaphor for self-discovery and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The theme of identity is central to her character, as she navigates her past, her connection to the Force, and her destiny.

The symbolism of the lightsaber is particularly significant for Rey. When she finally accepts the Skywalker lightsaber, it symbolizes her acceptance of her role as a Jedi and her connection to the legacy of Luke Skywalker. Her construction of her own Jedi weapon and her adoption of the name "Rey Skywalker" further underscore her integration into the Jedi lineage ^[1][3].

Rey also represents the theme of redemption and the power of choice. Her interactions with Kylo Ren highlight the struggle between light and dark, and her ultimate decision to reject the dark side and confront Palpatine demonstrates her commitment to the light side of the Force.

Cultural Impact

Rey has had a profound cultural impact since her introduction in The Force Awakens. She has been celebrated as a strong and empowering female character, inspiring countless fans around the world. Her portrayal by Daisy Ridley has been praised for bringing depth and complexity to the character.

Rey’s influence extends beyond the Star Wars franchise. She has become a cultural icon, symbolizing female empowerment and the potential for anyone to become a hero regardless of their background. Her character has been featured in various adaptations and spin-offs, including video games, books, and animated series.

Critical Reception

Rey has received widespread critical acclaim for her portrayal and character development. Critics have praised Daisy Ridley’s performance, noting her ability to bring a nuanced and relatable character to life. However, there have also been controversies and varying interpretations of her role, particularly regarding her rapid development as a Force user and her connection to the Skywalker legacy.

Some critics have argued that Rey’s character arc is too rapid and that her abilities are not sufficiently explained, while others have praised her as a fresh and exciting addition to the Star Wars universe. Despite these debates, Rey remains one of the most beloved and significant characters in the franchise.

Legacy

Rey’s enduring appeal lies in her relatability and the depth of her character. She represents a new generation of heroes in the Star Wars universe, one that is more diverse and inclusive. Her journey from a scavenger on Jakku to a powerful Jedi Knight is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one’s true potential.

Rey’s legacy extends beyond the Star Wars franchise, influencing other works and character archetypes. She has inspired a new wave of strong female characters in science fiction and fantasy, and her impact on popular culture continues to grow.