Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Yoda

Yoda only drops into Return of the Jedi's story for a few minutes, but those minutes are crucial to Luke's success.

Yoda hands Luke his road map to victory, and it looks a little something like this: (1) If you want to be a Jedi, you have to confront Darth Vader, and yep, he's definitely your dad. (2) Don't even think about going to the Dark Side; if you do, you'll be lost forever, and forever is a mighty long time. (3) Look alive: there's another Skywalker out there, which means the stakes are even higher than you thought, kid.

In short, Yoda rocks Luke's world and gives him the kick in the pants he needs to start his heroic quest toward saving both his father and the galaxy.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Like Yoda, Obi-Wan only makes a cameo in Return of the Jedi, but his brief appearance leaves an indelible mark on Luke. He backs up Yoda's claim that Darth Vader is Luke's dad; he confirms that Luke absolutely, positively, has to confront Vader; and he nudges Luke towards his epiphany that the other Skywalker Yoda mentioned is Leia.

Most importantly, Obi-Wan warns Luke to bury his feelings deep so the Emperor can't capitalize on them. No offense to Yoda, but this is the most valuable chunk of advice that Luke receives.