GUIDE TO THE STARS

Text: Lio Mangubat

With the big Clone Wars animated movie hitting theaters in galaxies both near and far, far away, we thought we’d give you a handy primer on all the “stars” of the complicated Star Wars universe.

Spanning thirty years, six major movies, and two galaxy-shaking wars, we won’t be surprised if you need some catching up on all your cantina lore. This handy star chart might help refresh your memory as we trace how Anakin Skywalker, the future Darth Vader, links every major character in the Star Wars universe.

Need-to-Know Clone Wars Terms

Clone Wars: A massive war between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists, a group of rebels.
Galactic Republic: Protected by Clone Troopers and brave Jedi Knights like Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker.
Separatists: Led by Count Dooku and General Grievous, with some help from Asajj Ventress, a.k.a. Deadly Baldie Lady.
Jedi: These noble knights have protected the Republic for thousands of years. They’re led by the wise old backwards-talking Yoda.
Sith: The evil version of the Jedi have been skulking about in the shadows, planning their big coming-out party. It ain’t gonna be pretty.
Master and Apprentice: Jedi and Sith alike sometimes take on apprentices to train. Darth Sidious is training Count Dooku, Obi-Wan is training Anakin, and Anakin’s training young’un Ahsoka Tano.
Supreme Chancellor: Senator Palpatine, head honcho of the Galactic Republic, is—uh-oh—actually Sith Lord Darth Sidious. He’s (spoiler alert!) using the Clone Wars as a front to build up his massive clone army, defeat the Jedi, seize power, and turn Anakin Skywalker into the baddest movie villain in history. But that’s a story for another movie.