Star Wars: 10 Greatest Emperor Palpatine Moments

During an intimate talk at the opera, Palpatine attempts to manipulate Anakin, painting the Jedi order as exactly what he is, stating that they have a plot to take over the Republic, desperate to keep their political power.

When Anakin defends the Jedi, asserting that they use their power for good, Palpatine muddies the water: ‘Good is a point of view, Anakin. The Sith and the Jedi are similar in almost every way.’ Anakin rejects this notion, in doctrinal fashion citing, ‘The Jedi are selfless. They only care about others.’

At this point Palpatine subtly adjusts his tact: ‘Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?’ He proceeds to explain that Plagueis became powerful enough to cheat death. This piques Anakin’s interest, and becomes the most effective allure to seduce him, as the Dark Side can now offer him something the Jedi can’t: the power to save his wife from death.