Leia

Leia Organa, commonly known as Princess Leia and later General Leia, is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. Created by George Lucas, she appears across films, animated series, and novels and is portrayed in live action by Carrie Fisher. In the Star Wars canon, Leia is the daughter of Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) and Padmé Amidala, the twin sister of Luke Skywalker, and was born on Polis Massa. She is raised as a princess of Alderaan by Bail and Breha Organa and becomes a central leader of the Rebel Alliance and later the Resistance.

In the original trilogy, Leia is depicted as a capable diplomat and fighter who helps challenge the Galactic Empire. In A New Hope (1977) she is captured on the Death Star but communicates for help and ultimately aids in the Rebel victory by securing crucial plans that enable the destruction of the Death Star. In The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), she strengthens the Rebel fight, participates in key missions, and plays a pivotal leadership role in the search for and defeat of the Emperor.

In the sequel trilogy, Leia serves as a high-ranking leader of the Resistance against the First Order and mentors younger characters, notably Rey. In The Last Jedi (2017) she dies after projecting herself through the Force to save others, a feat shown again in The Rise of Skywalker (2019), where her legacy guides the protagonists.

Legacy and influence: Leia is widely regarded as one of cinema’s most enduring female protagonists, noted for her combination of political acumen, courage, and independence. The character has become an icon of empowerment in science fiction and popular culture, and her story continues to be explored across media within the Star Wars canon.