Who was the most pivotal character in the original trilogy?

[joelfinch]

OMG how could I forget this guy. Watching as an adult I remember asking why the heck didn't he destroy that escape pod. Destroying the pod would have left no doubt when searching for the "secret plan" in Tantive IV.

Yeah, the "short-circuit" excuse would have been more believable if *all* of the escape pods had fired off at once.

Honourable Mention goes to Oops-Forgot-To-Close-The-Docking-Bay Guy - without him, the droids would have escaped from the Tantive IV... into the docking bay of the Star Destroyer.

[Anakinisvader]

What about the "there's one set for stun" stormtrooper. If they would have just blasted Leia, here and her brother never would have kissed. yuck.

[redeemed763]

Vader IMO, the whole story started with him and the next trilogy just picks up where the last one left off. Personally, I really identify with a guy wearing a massive, imposing black suit with complete helmit/mask assembly that talks through an electronic vocal system with a breathing assistance apparatus. I find him much more charming than Solo ;)

[exciter1]

I agree, it's Vader. The entire story really revolves around him and his destiny.