Favorite Characters: Qui-Gon Jinn (Star Wars)

*Qui-Gon-related spoilers.*

I didn’t take the time to rewatch The Phantom Menace for its 25^th anniversary, but of course that’s put it back in the public eye, which got me thinking about the film again. This coincided nicely with the realization that I haven’t done a write-up on Qui-Gon yet, so here we are!

Thinking back to my first viewing of The Phantom Menace as a kid, I remember loving Qui-Gon. There’s something about being dropped into this movie and seeing a galaxy where the Jedi are still at the top of their game, and Qui-Gon is a strong embodiment of that. Like Obi-Wan in A New Hope, he’s 100% a wise mentor type—intelligent, capable, and virtually unflappable. But he’s not a reclusive reminder of a lost art. He’s a respected Jedi who’s equally suited to diplomatic situations, spring-into-action combat scenarios, and unexpected side trips that call for improvisation.

Regardless of what happens to him and Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon projects a calm, self-assured presence throughout the film. He doesn’t need to throw his weight around—though he will if pressed—but he exudes this sense that everything will be all right as long as you’re with him.

But as much as Qui-Gon feels like such a Classic Jedi, he’s a bit of a (lowercase ‘r’) rebel, wanting to defy the Jedi Council when they tell him that Anakin is too old to take on as a padawan. Qui-Gon is solid and reassuring, and he’s dedicated to the Jedi code, but he also has a mind of his own. He’s not afraid to go off-map and find his own way out of a dicey situation, and while there’s a nobility to him, he’s not above reproach. Not finding a way to free Shmi, first of all, is just horrible. And second, it sets up a lot of the trauma and fear that will eventually make Anakin vulnerable to the Dark Side.

These qualities—and flaws!—make Qui-Gon feel more like a character than an archetype. He’s not simply the wise mentor who guides the hero before dying at a critical moment. Even though Qui-Gon does do all that, shepherding both Obi-Wan and Anakin and then getting killed by Darth Maul, he’s more than simply a function of someone else’s story, to be removed from the board after fulfilling his role. Because we’re shown Qui-Gon’s humanity, it’s easier to get invested in him and care more deeply about those final moments between him and Obi-Wan.

I also want to highlight something that, while not exclusive to Qui-Gon, is something I frequently appreciate about the Jedi and is nicely depicted through him. For all that the Jedi are warrior monks who train from an extremely early age and avoid personal attachments, for all that they’re often calm and thoughtful, I like that many of them are also shown to have a sense of humor. It can come through quietly, amusement in response to an unimpressive foe or a wry comment when a reckless padawan meets the consequences of their actions, but many of them have it. I love that, that they’re not serious and remote all the time. I mean, they’re space wizards with laser swords, for God’s sake! We’ve gotta have some fun, right?