R2-D2

Definition

R2-D2 is an R2-series astromech droid and one of the key witnesses of the Skywalker saga. He serves Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker and later the Resistance.

Role in the saga

R2 carries plans, repairs, messages and sometimes the entire plot. Without him the Death Star plans do not reach Luke, Obi-Wan does not receive Leia’s call and many space battles end early.

Personality

Although he only beeps, R2 reads like a full character: brave, stubborn, loyal and occasionally disrespectful toward authority.

Fan relevance

R2-D2 is Star Wars in miniature: technology as magic, comedy under pressure and heroism without speeches.