The Star Wars prequel trilogy is a divisive piece of pop culture, though certainly a successful one. The three films that serve as the backstory of Darth Vader and the acclaimed original trilogy have always had their issues, but over the years have become more accepted, particularly by the generation who grew up with them.
One such beloved thing, and on the other side hated, is the characters. Not only are there characters from the originals in their younger years, but new characters who fans have all sorts of opinions on, especially concerning their role, growth, and development through the three films. Here are some prequel trilogy characters who grew throughout the movies, and some who did not.
DID NOT GROW: YODA
Yoda is one of Star Wars' most iconic and influential characters. In of how the prequels built on Yoda, as seen in the original trilogy -- developed absolutely, he has. However, in of the trilogy on its own, there was not much growth.
Yoda has been around for centuries by the time of the prequels, sitting as leader of the Jedi Order as Grand Master. While there are some added layers to the Jedi fans meet in Yoda in this trilogy is consistently wise, as well as being thoughtful of the future and the Dark Side surrounding the war; there was no real development needed for the character we know.
GREW: C-3PO & R2-D2
Everyone's favorite droid duo was, of course, a part of the prequel trilogy. While they were not necessarily the most critical part of the movies, nor did they have an arc per se, they certainly did grow, both individually and together.
Fans see the origins of C-3PO, as well as Artoo's roots as a hero. Threepio goes on to be in the service of Pé as well as become well acquainted with Artoo, as his path to coming into Captain Antilles' possession is clear. As for Artoo, his relationship with Anakin and heroics throughout the movies prove his growth. The friendship with the pair had development, even if there was no actual arc.
DID NOT GROW: MACE WINDU
While Yoda sat upon the Jedi High Council as the Grand Master, Mace Windu spent two-thirds of the prequel trilogy acting as Master of the Order (replaced by Yoda at the onset of the Clone War). A believer in tradition, a master swordsman, and strong in the Force, Mace Windu experienced no growth throughout the prequels.
He was always mindful and untrusting of Anakin, always strong-minded and heavy-handed, and throughout all three films never wavers in his beliefs, save for perhaps wanting to kill rather than capture Sidious. Windu did not need to grow, but some backstory would have arguably been good.
GREW: PÉ AMIDALA
Pé Amidala is not necessarily considered a highlight by many. The writing of the character could be so much better. Nevertheless, Pé does grow throughout the three movies, as an individual and in of her relationships with others.
The obvious example of her growth is her giving up her strong front and falling in love with Anakin, getting married to him despite the consequences. Outside of that though, she is, at first, the Queen of Naboo, and then transitions into a senator, being equally as strong but developing a different type of confidence, intelligence, and outspokenness.
DID NOT GROW: COUNT DOOKU
Count Dooku acted as the most visible villain in Revenge Of The Sith. He is the apprentice of Darth Sidious, and a cunning villain, as well as a talented swordsman.
His status as a fallen Jedi/Sith, swordsman, and suave, wise warrior is all we have on Dooku. He does not change in his two appearances. While he does not receive a great deal of screen time, there still is no growth in the character; until The Clone Wars, that is.
GREW: PALPATINE
Count Dooku was the villain in front of the faces of the Jedi Order, but Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine was the real evil in the Star Wars Galaxy, and the puppeteer of the Clone War.
His growth throughout the trilogy was subtle, and while he did not grow necessarily in of personality, his subtle adaptations throughout the trilogy stand out. He thrives in power and status, and as things get in his way he adapts to the situation to make sure his plan goes perfectly. Before revealing himself to the Jedi, and becoming disfigured, Palpatine grows with the case as he develops relationships and adapts his plans.
DID NOT GROW: JANGO FETT
Having the father of Boba Fett appear in the prequel trilogy was a good idea by George Lucas, and grabbed the attention of fans who loved the character despite his disappointing film outings. Unfortunately, Boba's father, Jango Fett, suffers a fate not too much better than he did.
Introduced as the template for the clone army, Jango Fett was a skilled bounty hunter; this was made clear throughout Attack Of The Clones until his awkward death. Had he lived until Revenge Of The Sith. Yes, we may not have gotten Boba in The Clone Wars as we know him, but it would have added a lot to him and Jango's story. Had Jango managed some significant character growth and still died at the hands of a Jedi, he could have been a highlight of the trilogy alongside his son. Unfortunately, growth was not on the table for Jango.
GREW: OBI-WAN KENOBI
Ewan McGregor gives the best performance of the prequel trilogy with his outing as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Excellent performances were scarce in the trilogy, but McGregor delivered, continuing Obi-Wan's legacy as one of Star Wars' most celebrated characters.
Obi-Wan starts off the trilogy as the rash apprentice of Qui-Gon Jinn, still learning and adapting, not quite the wise, calm, defensively styled, and mature Jedi fans knew. He then develops as he grows from a Padawan to a Jedi Knight and Master of Anakin. He then ends up a fully-fledged Jedi Master, wise and on the Jedi High Council.
DID NOT GROW: DARTH MAUL
It is so hard to gauge whether or not changes in the movies would be better for Star Wars overall, given the quality of The Clone Wars, and what it does to aid characters like Dooku, Grievous, and of the Jedi Order. If there was one character though who could have been so much more throughout the prequel trilogy, but who is immense in other media, it is Darth Maul.
Darth Maul is introduced as the apprentice of Darth Sidious and immediately sticks out. His red and black appearance is intimidating and straight-up cool. Then, the Duel of the Fates occurred, and Maul went down in history, but unfortunately died. He had one piece of dialogue, we learned nothing about him, and he had the potential to be the villain front and center of the trilogy, with Palpatine acting as the mastermind from behind the scenes. But Maul had no development whatsoever. It is a strange thing to think about, as his presence would have improved the prequels, but his story through the animated shows does so much for Star Wars overall.
GREW: ANAKIN SKYWALKER
Who else could it have been at the top of this list? Anakin Skywalker is the focal point of the prequel trilogy as we learn his backstory and how he ended up donning the iconic black suit as Sith Lord Darth Vader.
When we first see Anakin, he is but a young slave awaiting a time when he can escape Tatooine; that comes by way of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. From there, we see Anakin's progression as he struggles with his emotions, loses his mother, marries Pé, gets angrier, grows less trusting of the Jedi, and more trusting of Palpatine -- all before fully turning to the Dark Side of the Force, killing younglings, and becoming Darth Vader. The three movies resulted in an insane amount of growth here, both positive and negative.
