Your Guide to the Characters of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives in theaters on December 18, 2015. The movie features old characters as well as some new ones. The movie is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, so needless to say, a lot has changed and you may need a crash course as to who is who in the movie. Here is a guide to the characters of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Related: Star Wars: The Force Awakens TRAILER & Poster Release

Characters of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Han Solo-

Han’s affiliation is with The Resistance, formerly with The Rebellion. He is portrayed by Harrison Ford. He is a bit of a loner, but he does understand the importance of being part of a group to help others for the common good.

Luke Skywalker-

Luke’s affiliation is with The Resistance, formerly with The Rebellion. He is portrayed by Mark Hamill. Luke became one of the most powerful Jedi warriors. He, along with the assistance of Anakin Skywalker, Luke’s father, destroyed the powerful hold that Emperor Palpatine had the galaxy. Luke retreated to isolation instead of helping to build the Jedi Order back up, fearing that like his father, he would turn to the Dark Side, destroying those he loved the most.

Leia Organa-

Leia’s affiliation is with The Resistance, formerly with The Rebellion. She is portrayed by Carrie Fisher. Leia’s true heritage was kept from her for years until an encounter with her brother Luke led her to her Jedi heritage.

Kylo Ren-

Kylo’s affiliation is with The First Order, where he is a commander. He is portrayed by Adam Driver. It was first thought that he was a Sith, but in actuality, Kylo Ren is a warrior with the Force, who is under the command of Supreme Leader Snoke, a figure from the Dark Side. He’s one of the newest characters of Star Wars, and we’re looking forward to getting to know him!

Rey-

Another one of the new main characters of Star Wars: the Force Awakens, Rey’s affiliation is with The Resistance, spending the majority of her life as a scavenger of the desert of Jakku. She is portrayed by Daisy Ridley. She is a fighter that is skilled and strong-willed.

Related: Who’s Ready for Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

Finn-

Finn’s affiliation is with The Resistance, formerly with The First Order. He is played by John Boyega. He started his journey with The First Order, although it is unclear at the moment why he left his Stormtrooper position.

Poe Dameron-

Poe’s affiliation is with The Resistance. He is played by Oscar Isaac. He is an X-wing fighter pilot and squadron leader.

Maz Kanata-

Maz’s affiliation is with The Pirate. She is played by Lupita Nyong’o. Her eyes have a secret power and are covered with goggles. She has been alive for more than one thousand years and at one time, she was a castle owner. Maz Kanata will be set as a CGI character.

Supreme Leader Snoke-

Snoke’s affiliation is with The First Order. He is played by Andy Serkis. Snoke is very powerful in the Force’s dark side, with Kylo Ren working under him.

General Hux-

Hux’s affiliation is with The First Order. He is played by Domhnall Gleeson. He was a First Order General and Commander of Starkiller Base.

C-3PO-

C-3PO’s affiliation is with The Resistance, formerly with The Rebellion and The Galactic Republic. He is played by Anthony Daniels. He was created by Anakin Skywalker as a young boy, made with discarded droid parts.

Chewbacca-

Chewbacca’s affiliation is with The Resistance, formerly The Rebellion. He is played by Peter Mayhew. Chewbacca is Han Solo’s best friend and first mate.

Lor San Tekka-

Tekka’s affiliation is with The First Order. He is played by Max von Sydow. He holds crucial information that is needed in locating Luke Skywalker. He is employed by Poe Dameron to find him.

Captain Phasma-

Pharma’s affiliation is with The First Order. She is played by Gwendoline Christie. She is described as fierce, loyal, power-hungry and ruthless.

R2-D2-

R2-D2’s affiliation is with The Resistance, formerly The Rebellion and The Galactic Republic. He is played by Kenny Baker. He is one of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s most trusted and loyal companions.

Which of these characters of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is your favorite? I’ve always loved R2, but I’m holding judgement until I meet all the new characters when the movie comes out in theaters!