Star Wars Heir to the Empire: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 1 characters

Appears from the start

The last surviving Imperial Grand Admiral, newly returned from the distant regions of the galaxy to take command of the Empire's divided remnants. Thrawn is a patient strategist who studies a species' art to infer its habits and vulnerabilities, and he intends to defeat the New Republic through preparation, deception, and precisely chosen pressure.

Appears from the start

Captain of the Imperial Star Destroyer Chimaera and a veteran of the old Empire. Pellaeon serves as Thrawn's second-in-command, supplying practical military experience while observing a commander whose methods are unlike those of the warlords who have squandered Imperial strength.

Appears from the start

Thrawn's silent Noghri bodyguard and assassin. Small, fast, and intensely loyal to the Empire, Rukh belongs to a people whose service gives Thrawn access to exceptionally dangerous agents.

First appears in chapter 2

A volatile Force-user living at the Emperor's hidden storehouse on Wayland, where he presents himself as the Jedi Master Joruus C'baoth. Thrawn wants his help controlling Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo's unborn children; C'baoth agrees only because he believes those Jedi should become his pupils.

First appears in chapter 2

The first of a hoped-for new generation of Jedi. Five years after the Emperor's fall, Luke serves the New Republic while trying to understand the limits of his training and the responsibilities of rebuilding the Jedi tradition without a teacher to guide him.

First appears in chapter 3

A leader and diplomat of the New Republic, Han Solo's wife, and Luke's sister. Leia is pregnant with twins and is beginning to develop her own connection to the Force while continuing to shoulder demanding political assignments.

First appears in chapter 3

A former smuggler and Rebel general who now undertakes difficult missions for the New Republic. Han is married to Leia and increasingly concerned that public duty leaves her exposed at a time when she is expecting their children.

First appears in chapter 3

Leia's longtime aide and trusted friend, known for a near-perfect memory and a talent for disguises. Winter helps manage Leia's political obligations and security while the Solos prepare for the twins' arrival.

First appears in chapter 5

A senior Bothan politician in the New Republic whose factional influence makes him a persistent rival to Admiral Ackbar. Fey'lya treats military decisions as political contests and is quick to question the judgment of heroes associated with the old Rebellion.

First appears in chapter 6

Second-in-command of Talon Karrde's smuggling organization. Mara is an able pilot and operative with unusual instincts, a guarded past, and a fierce personal hostility toward Luke Skywalker that even Karrde does not understand.

First appears in chapter 6

A cautious, well-informed smuggler chief who prizes neutrality and has built an intelligence network alongside his commercial operation. Karrde prefers leverage and careful agreements to open conflict, but his decision to shelter a valuable captive draws Imperial attention to his organization.

First appears in chapter 8

A former administrator and gambler who now manages the mobile mining operation at Nkllon. Lando's enterprise uses shield ships to protect vulnerable equipment from the system's intense sunlight, making it both an industrial success and a target for Imperial interest.

First appears in chapter 13

A young technical specialist employed by Karrde. Ghent is awkward outside his field but exceptionally talented at slicing encrypted systems and tracing information through computer networks.

First appears in chapter 19

A Noghri commando assigned to the continuing hunt for Leia Organa Solo. His encounter with Leia complicates the mission when he recognizes a scent associated with her father and begins to treat her as a figure entitled to hear his people's grievances.