20 Most Popular Female Characters in Star Wars

Yes, legends like Luke, Anakin (Darth Vader), Mace Windu, and Obi-Wan Kenobi often steal the spotlight. But let's admit that our female warriors are equally remarkable as the male characters in the Star Wars galaxy. 

Today, these women stand proudly alongside the male characters, proving they are every bit as powerful and essential to the Star Wars legacy.

Initially, the saga didn’t give quite enough attention to these female characters, but it is now that we see how it has evolved in terms of showcasing their incredible skills, strength, and deep connection to the Force. 

In this blog, we’ll discover the 20 most popular Star Wars female characters known for their incredible skills and mastery of the Force.

1. Princess Leia Organa

Date: 19 BBY - 35 ABY Species: Force-sensitive human  Mentors: Luke Skywalker Apprentices: Rey Skywalker Affiliations: Galactic Empire First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope(1977) Lightsaber Used: Blue-bladed lightsaber

Leia Organa Skywalker is an iconic figure known for her leadership, strength, and deep connection to the Force. Born to Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker, Leia is raised by Senator Bail Organa after her mother's death. And her brother, Luke, trains her. 

As Princess of Alderaan and a key leader in both the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance, Leia's legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to justice.

2. Padmé Amidala

Date: 38 BBY - 19 BBY Species: Force-sensitive human Mentors: Onaconda Farr Affiliations: Galactic Republic First appearance: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999) Lightsaber Used: Green Lightsaber

Padmé Amidala is a courageous and determined leader known for her roles as Queen and Senator of Naboo. She plays a vital role in freeing Naboo from Separatist control and ensuring the welfare of the Republic. 

Despite the Jedi Code forbidding personal attachments, Padmé secretly married Anakin Skywalker. This bond ultimately influences the galaxy’s fate, leading to Anakin’s fall to the dark side as Darth Vader.

3.Ahsoka Tano

Date: 36 BBY - 20 BBY Species: Togruta Mentors: Anakin Skywalker Apprentices: Sabine Wren Affiliations: Jedi Order First appearance: The Clone Wars (2008) Lightsaber Used: Standard and Shoto lightsaber

Ahsoka Tano, introduced as Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice in The Clone Wars, quickly became a fan favorite due to her remarkable Force abilities and strong moral compass. 

Her journey takes a dramatic turn when the Jedi Council falsely accuses her of treason, leading her to leave the Order. However, she later rejoins the fight against the Empire, becoming a key leader within the Rebel Alliance and a mentor to Ezra Bridger. 

4. Rey

Date: 15 ABY, Hyperkarn Species: Force-sensitive human Mentors: Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa  Apprentices: Finn Affiliations: Jedi Order First appearance: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) Lightsaber Used: Various lightsaber (yellow, blue)

A former scavenger from Jakku, Rey's life changes when she helps the droid BB-8, which sets her on a path to discovering her Force abilities. She seeks Jedi training from Luke Skywalker but struggles with the pull to the dark side, particularly due to her connection with Kylo Ren, who is revealed to be her Force dyad. 

She later discovers she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine. Despite this dark lineage, she chooses to embrace the light side. Ultimately, she defeats Palpatine with the help of Kylo Ren, who sacrifices himself to save her. She then adopts the Skywalker name to honor her mentors and becomes a Jedi Master.

5. Asajj Ventress

Date: 50 BBY - 19 BBY Species: Zabrack Mentors: Darth Tyranus, Count Dooku Apprentices: Savage Opress Affiliations: Jedi Order, Sith First appearance: Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003) Lightsaber Used: Yellow lightsaber

Asajj Ventress endures a life marked by tragedy, from her early years as a slave to her eventual death. Raised on Dathomir as a member of the Nightsisters, a group with Force abilities, she trains as a Dark Jedi under Count Dooku's influence. After being betrayed, she returns to the Nightsisters, honing her deadly skills to combat multiple Jedi at once.

6. Sabine Wren

Date: 21 BBY, Mandalore Species: Force-sensitive human Mentors: Kanan Jarrus, Ahsoka Tano Affiliations: Galactic Empire First appearance: "The Machine in the Ghost" Rebels (2014) Lightsaber Used: Green-bladed lightsaber

Sabine Wren, a skilled Mandalorian from Clan Wren of Mandalore, is renowned for her combat expertise. As one of the first rebels to rise against the Empire, she forms close bonds with the Ghost crew and eventually joins the Rebel Alliance. She is one of the few Star Wars characters ever wielding Darksaber.

7. Mara Jade Skywalker

Date: 17 BBY - 40 BBY Species:  Force-sensitive human Mentors: Darth Sidious, Luke Skywalker Apprentices: Jaina Solo, Anakin Solo  Affiliations: Galactic Empire First appearance: Heir to the Empire (1991) Lightsaber Used: Magenta-bladed lightsaber

Mara Jade, once a high-ranking operative known as the Emperor's Hand, is tasked with assassinating Luke Skywalker. But she fails. After the Emperor's death, she struggles to find her place in the galaxy. When she encounters Luke, their initial hatred gives way to a partnership, and she eventually joins the New Republic, forming a close bond with him.

8. Satele Shan

Date: 3699 BBY, Brentaal IV Species: Force-sensitive human Mentors: Ngani Zho, Kao Cen Darach, Dar'Nala Apprentices: Shigar Konshi Affiliations: Jedi Order  First appearance: Star Wars: The Old Republic, Threat of Peace (2009) Lightsaber Used: Yellow lightsaber

Satele Shan, a powerful Jedi Master and descendant of the legendary Revan, plays a pivotal role during the Old Republic era. As the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, she leads the Republic in its fight against the Sith Empire. 

Satele is known for her wisdom, strength in the Force, and dedication to maintaining peace in the galaxy. Despite her challenges, including personal sacrifices, she remains a guiding light for the Jedi Order.

9. Bo-Katan Kryze

Species:  Mandalorian human Affiliations: Death Watch First appearance: Fourth season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, in the episode "A Friend in Need" Lightsaber Used: Darksaber

Bo-Katan Kryze stands as a powerful and resilient Mandalorian leader. Her unwavering commitment to her people and mastery of combat have made her a pivotal figure in the Star Wars franchise. 

Bo-Katan’s determination to free Mandalore from Darth Maul's grip, coupled with her embodiment of Mandalorian tradition and sisterhood, solidifies her legacy as a courageous and thoughtful leader. She’s another female character in Star Wars to wield the Darksaber.  

10. Captain Phasma

Date: 6 ABY - 34 ABY Species:  Human  Affiliations: First Order First appearance: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Captain Phasma is recognized for her commanding presence and unwavering loyalty to the First Order. She rises to the top ranks as a ruthless commander of the Stormtrooper corps and becomes one of the few Star Wars women to achieve such status within the First Order.

Phasma's unique chrome armor, made from recycled chromium from a Naboo yacht, symbolizes her formidable nature. Her willingness to betray even her own family to ensure her survival underscores her ruthless determination.

11. Aayla Secura

Died: 19 BBY, Felucia Species: Twi’lek Mentors: Quinlan Vos Affiliations: Jedi Order First appearance: Dark Horse Comics’ Star Wars series Lightsaber Used: Blue lightsaber

Aayla Secura's striking blue skin and athletic physique set her apart within the Jedi Order. A skilled warrior and tactician, she plays a pivotal role in the Republic's victories during the Clone Wars, often fighting alongside notable Jedi like Anakin and Obi-Wan.

12. Maz Kanata

Born: 973 BBY Species: An alien species First appearance: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Maz Kanata, a wise and Force-sensitive humanoid, first appears in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Renowned for her intelligence and diplomacy, she lives a long, prosperous life and interacts with key figures across the galaxy. 

13. Jyn Erso

Date: 21 BBY - 1 BBY Species: Human Mentors: Saw Gerrera Affiliations: Partisans First appearance: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Jyn Erso, a fiercely independent and courageous character, finds renewed purpose when she joins the Rebel Alliance. As the daughter of Galen Erso, the scientist behind the Death Star, Jyn channels her rebellious spirit and skills toward a greater cause. 

Jyn leads a daring mission to retrieve the Death Star plans from the heavily guarded Citadel on Scarif, sacrificing her life to ensure the rebellion's success.

14. Shaak Ti

Died: 19 BBY, Coruscant Species: Togruta Affiliations: Jedi Order First appearance: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) Lightsaber Used: Blue-bladed lightsaber

Shaak Ti, a Togruta known for her peaceful nature and exceptional Jedi skills, rose to become a respected member of the Jedi High Council. She plays a key role in defending the Republic during the Clone Wars, particularly in training clones on Kamino. Despite her Force abilities and lightsaber skills, Shaak Ti meets a tragic end during Anakin Skywalker's attack on the Jedi Temple, where she is killed under Palpatine's orders.

15. Jannah

Born:  Between 12 ABY–15 ABY Species: Human Affiliations: First Order First appearance: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Lightsaber Used: Custom-built energy bow

Jannah, formerly known as TZ-1719, is a standout character in The Rise of Skywalker. Once a soldier for the First Order, she became a leader of freedom fighters on the ocean moon and later allied with the Resistance. She bonds with Finn over their shared past of defying the First Order. 

16. Barriss Offee

Species: Mirialian Mentors: Luminara Unduli, Darth Vader  Affiliations: Inquisitorius First appearance: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)  Lightsaber Used: Blue Lightsaber

Barriss Offee, a Mirialan Jedi Knight trained by Master Luminara Unduli, is responsible for marking the start of the Clone Wars. She strays into darkness, betraying her friends and committing terrible acts, including framing Ahsoka Tano and orchestrating a bombing at the Jedi Temple to discredit the Jedi's role in the war.

17. Lady Qi’ra

Date: 31 BBY, Corellia Species: Human Mentors: Dryden Vos, Maul Affiliations: White Worms, Crimson Dawn First appearance: Most Wanted (2018)   Lightsaber Used: Apair of electro swords of Crimson Dawn

Qi’ra, a street-smart Corellian from Han Solo’s childhood, is sold into slavery after a failed coaxium heist. Captured by Dryden Vos, she quickly rises through the ranks and becomes his most trusted advisor.

Although she harbored feelings for Han Solo, she ultimately betrayed him by killing Dryden Vos to protect him, only to abandon Han and align herself with Darth Maul, becoming Crimson Dawn’s new leader.

18. Aurra Sing

Date: 51 BBY - 13 BBY Species: Palliduvan Mentors: An'ya Kuro Apprentices: Boba Fett Affiliations: Jedi Order First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) Lightsaber Used: Scarlet-bladed lightsaber

Aurra Sing is a notorious bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe, known for her deadly skills and ruthless demeanor. She first appeared in The Phantom Menace and later became a prominent figure in various Star Wars comics. 

Originally trained as a Jedi, Aurra turns to the dark side, becoming a feared assassin who often targets Jedi and works alongside other notorious criminals. 

19. Mother Talzin

Died: 19 BBY, Dathomir Species: Zabrak Apprentices: Savage Opress  Affiliations: Nightsisters First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars – “Nightsisters” Lightsaber Used: Green lightsaber

Mother Talzin, a mysterious and powerful figure in the galaxy, served as the spiritual leader of the Nightsisters on Dathomir during the Clone Wars. 

She fiercely protects her tribe, eliminating any threats that dare to cross them. Her ambition led her to confront Emperor Palpatine, seeking revenge for his betrayal. Palpatine had once promised Talzin a position as his chief ally but instead took her son, Darth Maul, to groom him as his Sith apprentice.

20. Cere Junda

Died: 9 BBY, Jedha  Species:  Force-sensitive human Mentors: Eno Cordova Apprentices:  Cal Kestis  Affiliations: Jedi Order First appearance: Jedi Fallen Order - Dark Temple 1 Lightsaber Used: Green-bladed lightsaber

Cere Junda, a Jedi Knight who survived Order 66, withdrew into isolation and cut herself off from the Force. However, when her former Padawan, Suduri, fell to the dark side, she joined the Mantis crew on a mission to restore the Jedi Order. She later mentored Cal Kestis, aiding him in thwarting an Imperial conspiracy while working alongside Greez Dritus to rebuild the Jedi.