The Heroes of the Galaxy

At the heart of the trilogy stand the iconic figures beloved by millions: Luke Skywalker, the callow youth thrust upon the path of destiny; Han Solo, the audacious smuggler who discovers a cause worth fighting for with the Rebel Alliance; and Leia Organa, the princess whose beauty is only rivaled by her unwavering resolve and daring spirit. These cherished characters remain true to their essence, while also evolving in response to the ever-changing tides of their universe. It seems unlikely that a reader entirely unacquainted with the Star Wars saga—presuming such readers exist—would find these characters particularly profound. However, depth isn't the aim of this offshoot narrative. Remarkably, Zahn breathes more life and growth into these established personalities than many writers are allowed with Star Trek narratives.

Familiar Faces Return

Supporting characters from the cinematic adventures also make their presence felt, each playing pivotal roles in the unfolding saga. Lando Calrissian, once the overseer of Cloud City and now the ruler of another mining world; Wedge Antilles, the ace pilot and steadfast companion of Han and Lando; Chewbacca, Han's loyal Wookie co-pilot; and the mechanical duo of Artoo-Detoo and C-Threepio—all return. Figures like Mon Mothma, the New Republic's council leader, and General Ackbar maintain their established roles, weaving them into the tapestry of the tale.

New Threats Emerge

With the demise of almost every dark-side figure and Imperial leader at the conclusion of Return of the Jedi (1983), Zahn introduces fresh antagonists. C'baoth emerges as a classic example of a malevolent sorcerer spiraling into madness. On the other hand, Grand Admiral Thrawn stands as a singularly intriguing adversary. His legendary strategic genius, coupled with ambitions that align with his resources and convictions, sets him apart. He consistently defies expectations and, indeed, often steals the spotlight across the trilogy with his cunning maneuvers.

An Expanded Universe

Zahn doesn't confine his creativity to villainous characters alone. He introduces new figures such as Talon Karrde, Mara Jade, and their band of smuggler colleagues, alongside more generals from the New Republic and an array of diverse beings. At moments, the abundance of significant secondary characters can overwhelm, yet as the plot intricacies deepen and familiar faces recur, certain individuals begin to emerge from the crowd. Among these, Karrde and Jade shine, each justifying their aid to the New Republic through self-serving motives, much like Han in the films' early days. General Bel Iblis, who self-imposed exile after the catastrophic loss of the Katana fleet to Thrawn (at the close of Dark Force Rising, 1992), also captivates the reader's intrigue.