Star Wars: 10 Truly Disturbing Side Character Backstories

Besides from the Emperor and Darth Vader, Wilhuff Tarkin was one of the most senior and powerful members of the Imperial High Command. His cold and calculated approach made him a significant opponent to the Rebellion.

The matter of fact way with which he ordered the destruction of Alderaan demonstrated the man's unwavering cruelty. All of his decisions were informed by his ideology that fear was the only true motivator: if he could weaponise fear, then he would have dominion.

Tarkin's early military career brought him a degree of fame, serving in an anti-pirate task force. He dealt with his opponents in affective but brutal way. He rose to further prominence during the Clone Wars, serving in the Republic Navy.

Although he gained a huge amount of experience during these years, his cold and calculated character was formed out of a much younger childhood experience.

Tarkin's home world was a harsh place, and his ancestors had struggled to colonise and subjugate the planet. When he was barely a teenager, family tradition dictated he must go into the wilderness and learn the struggle of survival.

The experience traumatised him. He was forced to fight off hostile creatures, being psychically and mentally scarred by the ordeal. It was drilled into him that fear could be the most crippling emotion, and that mastering fear and using it on others was key to maintaining power.