Kylo Ren

Kylo Ren, born as Ben Solo, is a prominent character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, specifically in Episodes VII through IX. He is portrayed by actor Adam Driver, and is the central antagonist throughout the trilogy, struggling with his allegiance to the Dark Side, while being drawn towards the Light. He is the son of Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo, and the nephew of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. However, despite his ancestry, he is seduced to the Dark Side by the evil Supreme Leader Snoke.

As an apprentice under Luke Skywalker, Ben Solo initially learns the ways of the Jedi before being manipulated by Snoke. Fearing that Ben will bring destruction, Luke momentarily contemplates ending his nephew's life, which pushes Ben over the edge and solidifies his path to becoming Kylo Ren. Fueled by anger and a desire for power, Kylo Ren destroys Luke's Jedi Academy, killing many of the students and fleeing with a small group known as the "Knights of Ren."

Over time, the First Order rises under Snoke's leadership, and Kylo Ren takes on the mantle of a powerful dark warrior who kills across the galaxy. He wears a helmet reminiscent of his grandfather, Darth Vader, and wields a distinct red crossguard lightsaber as a symbol of his dedication to the Dark Side. Kylo Ren idolizes Vader, aiming to finish what his grandfather started and eliminate the remaining Jedi to establish dominance over the galaxy.

The character of Kylo Ren is marked by a deep internal conflict. He feels the pull of the Light Side of The Force and constantly battles against it. At the same time, he becomes obsessed with finding and destroying the last hope of the Jedi – Rey. Throughout the trilogy, Kylo Ren and Rey share a unique Force bond, which connects them on a profound level, allowing them to communicate and feel each other's emotions, despite being worlds apart.

In "The Last Jedi," Kylo Ren eliminates his master, Snoke, and takes over as the Supreme Leader of the First Order. Though it initially appears as though he is acting to protect Rey, it becomes clear that his intentions are centered around gaining power and ruling the galaxy with her by his side. When Rey refuses, the rift between them grows even larger.

In the final film of the trilogy, "The Rise of Skywalker," Kylo Ren learns his true heritage: that he is the grandson of Emperor Palpatine. This revelation sends him on a journey to Exegol to join forces with Palpatine, who promises him a powerful Empire. However, Kylo Ren's connection and continuous battles with Rey ultimately lead him to a moment of redemption.

When Rey confronts the resurrected Emperor Palpatine, Kylo Ren renounces the Dark Side and returns to being Ben Solo. Together, they face Palpatine, who drains their life force. In the end, Rey defeats Palpatine, but is left lifeless in the process. Ben Solo, now attuned to the Light Side of the Force, sacrifices himself by giving his life force to Rey, reviving her and ultimately dying in the act. With his final redemption, Ben Solo breaks free from the shackles of Kylo Ren and the Dark Side, honoring his Jedi lineage.