Star Wars: 15 Show-Stealing Side Characters Who Shaped The Galaxy

While Darth Vader is the most identifiable villain of the entire saga, Grand Moff Tarkin is the big bad of the original film. Tarkin has an equal amount of screen time, if not slightly more, than Darth Vader. He's also the apparent man in charge of the Imperial activities in the film.

Tarkin's actions prove to be futile and insignificant when compared to the power of the Force. Even though Tarkin commands the ultimate power in the galaxy with the Death Star, it only takes one shot down a thermal exhaust port to end his reign.

Shaping The Franchise

As the main antagonist of the original Star Wars, Grand Moff Tarkin does the unthinkable by destroying an entire planet. Not only does Tarkin believe fear of the Death Star will be enough to put rebellious fires out, use of the battle station is required! And Tarkin does this without batting an eye;.

Grand Moff Tarkin was the strongest character representing the militancy arm of the Empire. The franchise would introduce other Imperial military figures, but none of them carried the plot like Tarkin. Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi would focus more on the mystical side of the story, focusing on the plot between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

Grand Moff Tarkin will forever be the villain associated with the firing of the Death Star and the destruction of a peaceful planet.