Padmé Amidala is one of the best characters in the Star Wars franchise, and many of her most inspiring moments occur in The Clone Wars series. The series allows audiences to see how characters from The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith spent their time during the clone wars.
For Padmé, a former queen serving as a senator from Naboo, the time of galactic conflict prior to Revenge of the Sith was spent in public service, with a dedication for speaking for those who couldn't advocate for themselves. She worked alongside Bail Organa and others to serve the best interests of the people who elected her. Here are ten of her most powerful quotes from the series.
"I put my faith in diplomacy."
In "Bombad Jedi," Padmé, Jar Jar, and 3PO are headed to the planet Rodia to assist an old friend of the Senator. Chancellor Palpatine contacts Padmé on her ship and expresses his concern at her taking such a risk with such little protection. Padmé's dedication to diplomacy before violence is always strong, even in the face of danger, and she remains first in her conviction that she is doing the right thing.
"Don't blame yourself. These things tend to happen in a war zone."
In season one's eighteenth episode, a deadly virus has been unleashed in an underground lab on Naboo where Padmé, Ahsoka, Jar Jar, and many clones are trapped. Padmé's protective suit protects her from infection, and she uses this protection to do what she can to ensure that the virus does not escape the confines of the lab.
While working together to take down some battle droids, Ahsoka misses a blast that hits Padmé's suit, compromising it and leaving her vulnerable to the disease. Padmé is as forgiving and gracious as always; she remains calm and quickly does what she can to soothe Ahsoka's misplaced guilt.
"I've learned to trust in myself, and you will, too."
When Ahsoka begins to have visions of an attempt on Padmé's life, she is nervous and afraid. She doesn't trust that her visions are accurate, and is worried that she won't be able to foresee and prevent a real attack on her friend's life.
She requests to accompany Padmé to Alderaan. On their way to the planet, Padmé can sense Ahsoka's insecurity and tells her that being afraid is normal, but that she should learn to trust her own instincts.
"I am a friend of the Jedi. I'm no stranger to taking risks."
In episode seven of season three, Ahsoka acts as a bodyguard for Padmé in order to prevent an assassination attempt she has foreseen. She tries to convince Padmé to take less risks, including returning to Coruscant and abandoning the convention she will be speaking at on behalf of refugees impacted by war. She is even advised against something as simple as standing alone on a balcony. Despite the very real danger, Padmé shows little fear.
"Fear: In these times it is the greatest weapon wielded against those who would stand up for truth and justice."
In "Assassin," Padmé goes to a conference on Alderaan to speak on the refugee crisis caused by the war. Despite the knowledge of a threat against her life, Padmé insists on going ahead with the speech. She is aware of the importance of the cause and hopeful that her words and influence may do some good. She gives a moving speech focused on the safety of the people which is met with applause from all.
"Say nothing of fiscal responsibility. What about moral responsibility?"
Season three, episode 10 of The Clone Wars is an example of one of the things the show does best: telling stories about mature themes for a young audience. Always eager to minimize violence, Padmé speaks out against ordering the creation of more clone troopers to fight the Separatists. She wants to attempt negotiations that could minimize casualties and costs to civilians and questions the ethics of putting more money towards the war, as well as putting more lives at stake.
"If we continue to impoverish our people, it is not on the battlefield where Dooku will defeat us, but in our own homes."
This quote is from a speech Padmé gives on the Senate floor, over the matter of defunding the banks in order to finance the war. Padmé questions the duty of politicians during this time, stating that their first responsibility is and should always be to the people they serve. What's even more impressive is that she didn't know she would be speaking on the issue until the day the speech was to be made.
"If you see injustice, you must stand up and face it. You must get involved."
In "Senate Murders," Padmé delivers this quote that could be taken from any real-life activist. It's a message that defines Padmé and her sense of morality. She is always dedicated to doing the right thing, which is why she chose a life of public service.
"It's what we're capable of that frightens me."
In episode 19 of the show's second season, everyone is considering the issue of the Zillo Beast. Sidious' insistence that it be brought to Coruscant puts everyone at risk, and his position also puts him at odds with the Jedi. The cruelty to the beast is reasoned away by pointing to the unknown. Padmé's response once again places her as the moral compass of the show.
"A Jedi may be responsible for the murder, but that Jedi is not Ahsoka Tano."
When Ashoka is framed for murders she did not commit, everyone quickly turns against her. Anakin and Padmé are the only two people who remain loyal to Ahsoka and confident in her innocence. They team up to defend her against the judgement of the Senate, and Padmé speaks publicly in Ahsoka's defense. Padmé is never afraid to do the right thing because it is unpopular.