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7 Star Wars High Republic Characters Who Are Criminally Underrated
The Star Wars: The High Republic publishing initiative introduced a brand new and diverse cast of characters across its novels, comics, and audio dramas. While some, like Avar Kriss and Marchion Ro, have become fan favorites, many equally interesting and well-developed characters have flown under the radar. These unsung heroes and villains are responsible for fighting for the very soul of the Republic, and each brought a different point of view to the intertwining events.
From astute politicians to tragic Jedi and even those who appear to be regular galactic citizens, these characters deserve more recognition for their contributions to one of the most exciting new eras of Star Wars storytelling.
1. Marda Ro
Marda Ro’s story is a slow and tragic descent from innocent girl to religious zealot. As the founder of the Nihil and the grandmother of Marchion Ro, disillusionment shaped the choices that led to the creation of what essentially was a terrorist group. She began as a member of the Path of the Open Hand—a cult that believes the Force should be “free,” and that the Jedi and their philosophy are crimes against the Force. Her kindness and what other members of the Path believed to be innocent was a slowly bubbling deep-seated fanatical belief that led her down a dark path.
Her blind devotion to the Path and its leader, the Mother, made her radicalization inevitable, as Marda could not think independently from the cult’s philosophy to form her own opinions. Eventually, a personal tragedy became the catalyst for her radicalization. The death of her first love, Jedi Padawan Kevmo Zink, at the hands of a creature that fed off of Force-users solidified her belief that the Force itself was a corrupting influence. This event sets her on a course to build a group that would one day terrorize the galaxy, making her a foundational figure of the era’s greatest threat.
2. Yana Ro
Yana Ro was as dangerous as she was practical and her story is closely intertwined with her cousin, Marda Ro. Unlike her more fanatical cousin, Yana did not buy into the Mother’s philosophy and only stayed with the Path for Marda and her girlfriend, Kor. She believed in using any means necessary to survive and did so with expertise, as she was the only one to return from a death trap set by the Mother.
She is a key figure in the Path of the Open Hand and one of the few who challenges Marda’s growing extremism. Yana is a crucial counterpoint to Marda’s zealous and blind devotion. Yana is a survivor, driven by a desire to protect Marda and Kor—the only two people she cared about. At her core, Yana is a survivor, and her story offers a different, more grounded perspective on the Path’s evolving ideology and eventual transformation into the Nihil.
3. Gella Nattai
Jedi Knight Gella Nattai is a key figure in the “Forever War” between the planets Eiram and E’ronoh. Her diplomatic skills are tested time and again as she works to broker peace in the conflict by protecting the betrothed Eiram prince and E’ronoh princess. She is deeply committed to her mission, but grapples with the devastating personal toll the war has taken on innocent lives.
Gella’s journey cannot exist without Axel Greylark, the wayward son of the Chancellor. While he initially is a secret operative for the Path and nearly destroys any chance of peace, Gella has a major influence on him, helping to guide him toward a path of redemption. Gella symbolizes the human cost of the war and never wavers in her dedication to compassion, even in the most difficult and life-threatening situations.
4. Chancellor Greylark
As the Supreme Chancellor, Kyong Greylark is a politically savvy leader who faces the unique challenge of guiding the Republic through an age of frontier exploration while also being a mother. Her public life as a strong leader led to a strained relationship with her son, Axel, which in turn, led to his personal spiral.
Her difficult decisions are for the good of the Republic, but every step she takes towards being a stronger leader is a step away from being an attentive mother. Each time her son winds up in a compromising situation, she is responsible for ensuring he receives proper punishment so she does not come across as a Chancellor compromised by her family. Ultimately, Kyong realizes that Axel is more important than leading the Republic.
5. Creighton Sun
Jedi Master Creighton Sun was a respected member of the Jedi Council and a voice of reason that everyone—not just the Jedi—heeded. A historian with a deep understanding of the Force, his wisdom was sought out during times of crisis, particularly regarding the peace talks between Eiram and E’ronoh. Sun was integral to ensuring the marriage of the warring planets’ heirs went through, even when the ceremony turned deadly.
Sun also played a major role in the Battle of Jedah, singlehandedly convincing the opposing factions to lay down arms with just his words. He also was key during the final fight against the Path on Dalna in Star Wars: Cataclysm. His quiet, but respected, presence and thoughtful guidance make him an essential part of the Jedi leadership during the High Republic.
6. Kevmo Zink
Kevmo Zink is a Jedi Padawan whose tragic story is the catalyst for the eventual rise of the Nihil. Young and carefree, he crossed paths with Marda Ro on Danla and the two became attached to one another. Zink firmly believed that the Jedi were tools of the Force to bring balance and protect the Republic, while Marda believed any use of the Force was abuse and would have terrible repercussions. When Zink used the Force to save Marda, her friends, and their newborn babies from drowning, his actions were still seen as a grave sin by Marda and the Path.
When Kevmo was attacked by the newly-hatched Leveler (a Nameless), Marda witnessed his slow and agonizing death as he was petrified. Instead of grieving her first love, she saw his death not as a tragedy, but as a consequence of his “abuse” of the Force. This event fueled her radicalization and solidified her path toward founding the Nihil.
7. Rooper Nitani
Rooper Nitani was a young Jedi Padawan under Master Silandra Sho. She is a central character in Quest for Planet X and Quest for the Hidden City, where her adventurous and curious nature shines. In Quest for the Hidden City, Rooper works side by side with her master on a perilous mission, showing just how skilled the young Padawan is, as Silandra was known for holding Jedi to very high standards. In Quest for Planet X, Rooper is left to her own devices while Silandra is on a retreat on Jedah. It is during this time of independent study and reflection that she learns to let the Force guide her and her own decisions, as she winds up on a galactic adventure.
Her adventures provide a more personal, ground-level view of the events of the era. She is a refreshing character who embodies the optimistic spirit of the Jedi before the fall. Rooper’s journey highlights the importance of faith and perseverance, showing that even the smallest actions can have a large impact on the galaxy.
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