5. Oola
Most people probably don't even know who Oola is, and of those who do, they might disagree on her placement in this list. In a nutshell, Oola was Jabba's "slave Leia" before Leia had ever donned the famous golden outfit that we all know and love. Oola is such a pivotal character because she paved the way for the audience to understand why Jabba was feared and why you always wanted to make sure you paid your debts on time. All we knew about Jabba (if we don't count the Special Edition version of the Original Trilogy) was that he was a deadly gangster that wanted to get back the money he loaned to Han Solo. Han Solo had even mentioned: "If I don't pay off Jabba the Hutt, I'm a dead man." Who, exactly, was this alien (or human) capable of striking fear even into even the smarmiest of smugglers? I don't think anyone expected a giant slug and - on first glance - he is not very intimidating. That's when Richard Marquand, the fabulous director of Return of the Jedi, used the environment and characters to tell the story. Before our main heroes even enter Jabba's palace, you learn what happens when you disobey Jabba through the character of Oola. Oola's screen time consisted of doing a small dance for Jabba on his chain, fighting with him when he wanted more of her (take that to mean what you will), and - because she disobeys his wishes - getting eaten by Jabba's pet Rancor. None of Oola's sexy dance moves or pretty face could save her when she stood up for herself. He makes it clear that everyone is replaceable and no one matters to him...