Padawan

Definition

A Padawan is a Jedi apprentice trained directly by a Jedi Master or experienced Jedi Knight.

How do you become a Padawan?

Younglings at the Jedi Temple must survive the Gathering on Ilum and find their own kyber crystal. Only then does a master pick them.

Visual marker

The Padawan braid, worn over the right shoulder. You see it on Anakin in Episodes II/III and on Ahsoka throughout The Clone Wars.

Promotion to Knight

After a trial — usually a mission in which the Padawan proves their maturity — they are formally promoted to Jedi Knight. The braid is cut off.

Why it matters

The Padawan rank is the apprentice phase of the saga. Anakin, Ahsoka, Ezra, Cal Kestis — every Star Wars story about learning runs through it.