In the very first Star Wars film, Obi Wan Kenobi is probably the most iconic character; the film revolves around the emergence of Luke Skywalker, the titular new hope against the evil Darth Vader, and it's Obi Wan's mission to train him for battle. It's one of the most famous tales of an old master lending wisdom to a younger, so it's surprising to remember then that Obi Wan actually dies in the first film. In their mission to destroy the Death Star, Vader senses Obi Wan's presence and duels with his ex-friend one last time. After a relatively short battle though - compared to the modern standards at least - Obi Wan sacrifices himself, as a distraction for Luke, Han, Leia and Chewie to escape. The only problem is, it doesn't make much sense as a plan. If Kenobi dies so that Darth Vader won't see Luke through the window, Luke's bound to react to seeing his friend killed. If Kenobi really becomes more powerful than ever after death, why didn't he? If he's sacrificing himself to give Luke more incentive to kill Vader, he's probably got enough what with believing Vader killed his father. Luke still isn't the finished article yet; he's a Jedi in progress, and for Obi Wan to leave him at this stage is particularly damning, when there's so much he could learn from him. Granted, Obi Wan returns in spirit form, but wouldn't the rest of the trilogy have been easier with a master like him by their side? It seems like Kenobi died for Alderaan reasons if you ask me.
