Minor Characters
Character Analysis
We're confident that Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 wouldn't mind being addressed as a group. They probably wouldn't even take offense at being labeled minor characters. These guys—okay, this guy, this Wookiee, and these droids—are all about the awesome power of loyalty, friendship and self-sacrifice. They're the Rebels Alliance's support system. Without them, the Empire would never have been defeated.
Check it out:
If Lando never went undercover as a guard in Jabba's palace, Luke, Han, and Leia may never have escaped from Jabba's slimy clutches. They'd be stuck there, enduring one creepy dance party and rancor attack after another.
Later, Lando plays an even bigger role, leading the intergalactic charge against the Death Star. He guides the Rebel fleet, and never loses faith in Han, even as his buddy struggles to destroy the Death Star's defense shield. With his cool head and fierce devotion, it's no wonder the Alliance makes him a general.
Chewbacca is equally instrumental in the Rebels' success. He lets Leia bring him to Jabba as a prisoner, just so they can save Han. When that plan goes awry, Chewie's indispensible in the mutiny on Jabba's sail barge. Later, he helps fend off waves of stormtroopers on Endor as the Rebels fight to destroy the bunker. Chewbacca is as loyal as they come… and not just because he looks like a gigantic dog.
Last but not least, we have the droids. How do they help? Let's see: C-3PO delivers Luke's message to Jabba, even though he's wicked scared, and R2-D2 tosses Luke his lightsaber so the young Jedi can lead the assault on Jabba's sail barge.
On Endor, C-3PO unites the Rebels with the Ewoks—and we all know that without an assist from the Ewoks, that bunker was never getting blown to bits. Then R2-D2 takes one for the team and gets electrocuted trying to crack the code on the bunker's front door. They may be machines, but when it comes to protecting their pals, these droids are all heart.
Ultimately, Luke, Leia, and Han may get all the glory and grace more Return of the Jedi T-shirts and lunchboxes, but without the help of this brave, motley crew of supporting players, the Jedi would've never made their spectacular return in the first place.