Star Wars: 10 Best Female Characters (Of The Canon Series)

The Star Wars universe has given us an absolute plethora of unique characters over the last four decades, that much is true. However, following Disney's acquisition of the franchise and to coincide with their new movies, much of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (i.e. licensed stories taking place outside of the main films) were removed from series canon, leaving only the original films, the new films, the animated TV shows, and any direct tie-ins to them.

As a result of this, some truly great characters, many of whom were female, were all but lost to the ages, instead being declared Star Wars "legends". In one chop, we lost characters as great as Mara Jade Skywalker, Jaina Solo, and Kreia. It was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given how the main series always lacked in the female department.

However, this story has a happy ending.

Not only were some of Star Wars' great female characters able to avoid the canon purge, but some have even been built upon in the new canon, making them even better than before. Plus, we have also been introduced to some brand-new ones who can already be considered some of the best the series has to offer based on the compelling stories they have to tell.

These are the definitive standouts.

As the first female character to be presented as the main protagonist of her respective trilogy, Rey was pretty much always guaranteed a spot on this list. However, isn't to say that she also didn't earn her spot based on her own merit.

While, as of yet, we have only really seen the groundwork be laid for Rey's character, she was still easily one of the strongest points in The Force Awakens, as it was her who continually pushed the story forward, in addition to being genuinely likable. Plus, Daisy Ridley gives a phenomenal performance from start to finish.

For a Star Wars character, Rey is also exceptionally powerful and competent, displaying both technical know-how and a strong connection to the Force. Plus, the argument that this, and her other impressive qualities, make her a "Mary Sue" is laughable at this point, considering that when you compare her to her predecessors, she's pretty much the consequential Star Wars protagonist. With the only difference being that she still has a world of potential to be explored to further set herself apart.

In short, while we still don't know everything about her yet, Rey represents the future of Star Wars and few can claim that there is anyone better to carry this film franchise from here on out.