5. Shatterpoints
Shatterpoints are introduced in a novel called Shatterpoint, in which Matthew Stover takes Mace Windu (Sam Jacksons character) on an epic journey to face the dark side of the force. Its the second book in what is a kind of trilogy that Stover wrote, (it comes after Traitor) and in it the idea that there is no real light and dark, theres only what we find in ourselves and others, is explored in full. But the bit that Ill be talking about is the concept of Shatterpoints, which Mace Windu has a natural talent for. The name comes from crystals, which may be invincible unless you hit them with exactly the right pressure at exactly the right point, at which point they shatter. As Stover wrote put simply, when I look at you I can see where you break. It makes Windu an amazing fighter, but more importantly he can apply the talent to situations. We see the full implications of that in Stovers Revenge of the Sith, when Windu looks at Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Palpatine using his shatterpoint ability. At that point Windu literally sees the plot, sees the balance of character and tipping point. Windu can see plot points and climaxes, and in his death he actually realizes that Palpatines shatterpoint is Anakin, a fantastic nod to the future in which Anakin will kill Palpatine. Its a great concept, well written. Dont make me talk about how it comes up later.