Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Characters & Cast

Initially, Ahsoka is motivated by a desire to prove herself worthy of being Anakin's apprentice and a true Jedi. As she witnesses the complexities and failures of the war and the Jedi Order, her motivation shifts towards doing what is right, regardless of dogma or affiliation. She becomes driven by a personal code of morality and loyalty to individuals like Captain Rex, rather than institutions.

Ahsoka begins the series as a brash, eager, and sometimes overconfident 14-year-old Padawan. Under Anakin's tutelage, she matures into a skilled warrior and a compassionate leader. Her arc is defined by her growing disillusionment with the Jedi Order. A pivotal moment comes during the Second Battle of Geonosis where she proves her merit as a warrior. Her journey culminates in Season 5 when she is framed for bombing the Jedi Temple. Though exonerated, the betrayal from the Jedi Council leads her to reject their offer to return, and she walks away from the Order entirely. In the final season, she returns as a capable, independent commander, no longer a Jedi but still a champion of justice, leading Republic forces during the Siege of Mandalore. Her survival of Order 66 cements her transformation into a solitary, resilient figure who must find a new path in a galaxy ruled by the Empire.

Anakin's primary motivation is to protect the people he loves—Padmé, Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, and the Republic itself. He is driven by a desire to be the most powerful Jedi ever to ensure he can prevent loss, a fear that stems from his mother's death. This desire for power and control, combined with his impatience and distrust of authority, makes him susceptible to the dark side's allure.

The series profoundly deepens Anakin's character from the films, bridging the gap between the heroic Jedi Knight and the future Darth Vader. Taking on Ahsoka as his Padawan forces him to become more responsible and shows his capacity as a caring mentor. However, the show also highlights his recklessness, his deep-seated attachment issues, and his growing frustration with the Jedi Council's strictures. His relationships with Padmé and Ahsoka are central, revealing a vulnerability and a protective instinct that will later be twisted by the dark side. Ahsoka's departure from the Order is a significant blow, leaving him feeling abandoned and betrayed, which Palpatine exploits. The final season poignantly portrays his last heroic acts before his inevitable fall in Revenge of the Sith, making his transformation feel earned and utterly tragic.

Rex's initial motivation is simple: follow orders and win the war for the Republic. This evolves into a fierce loyalty to his men, his Jedi generals (Anakin and Ahsoka), and the ideals of the Republic, which he distinguishes from its flawed leadership. Ultimately, he is motivated by a desire to protect his friends and honor the memory of his fallen brothers by living a life of purpose beyond the war.

Captain Rex starts as the archetypal soldier: brave, loyal, and efficient, following orders without question. Throughout the series, he evolves into one of its most complex and morally centered characters. Serving alongside Anakin and Ahsoka, he develops a strong sense of individuality and a deep respect for his Jedi commanders. Key arcs, such as the Battle of Umbara, force him to grapple with the difference between being a good soldier and doing the right thing, even if it means defying a superior officer. The discovery of the inhibitor chips and the fate of his friend Fives solidify his belief that clones are more than just numbers. In the finale, his loyalty to Ahsoka allows him to resist Order 66 long enough for her to save him, marking the culmination of his journey from a programmed soldier to a man defined by his choices and friendships.

Obi-Wan is motivated by his unwavering faith in the Jedi Order and the principles of the Republic. He is dedicated to ending the war and restoring peace to the galaxy. On a personal level, he is driven by his duty as Anakin's mentor and friend, constantly trying to guide him along the right path and temper his more dangerous impulses.

Obi-Wan's character is consistent with his film portrayal but gains significant depth. He is the quintessential Jedi Master: wise, patient, and a masterful diplomat. The series explores his unwavering commitment to the Jedi Code, often putting him at odds with Anakin's more impulsive methods. A significant part of his arc involves his tragic relationship with Duchess Satine Kryze of Mandalore. Their story reveals a past where Obi-Wan considered leaving the Jedi Order for love, adding a layer of personal sacrifice to his character. Satine's eventual death at the hands of Darth Maul is a profound loss that tests his Jedi detachment and strengthens his resolve to end the war, highlighting the personal cost he pays for his devotion to duty.