Star Wars fans are getting a fresh take on the horrors of the Imperial rule over the galaxy in new episodes of the Disney+ series Andor. For the first time, audiences are being shown the intimate details of the Empire, the Senate, and the effects of Emperor Palpatine's rule.

While Sheev Palpatine was certainly capable of rising to power by himself, he instead smartly used the influence of others to climb the ranks of the Republic and eventually become the most powerful man in the galaxy. As such, there were certain characters that were key to Palpatine's consolidation of power, both in the Republic and the Empire.

Finis Valorum

Terence Stamp as Chancellor Valorum in Star Wars The Phantom Menace

Finis Valorum was the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic in the time period leading up to Sheev Palpatine's election, with his rule coming to an end during the events of The Phantom Menace. Valorum was booted from office with a vote of no confidence after his bungling of the Naboo Invasion.

While Valorum was completely unaware of Palpatine's schemes, his own incompetence in dealing with the Trade Federation's overreach cemented his own political demise, paving the way for Palpatine to claim his seat with little resistance. Had he inspired greater confidence in his subjects, Valorum might have still been the chancellor for years to come, thus protecting the galaxy from his successor.

Padmé Amidala

Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala

Padmé Amidala may be better known as a senator from Naboo, but she was first the planet's queen, serving her nation during the Trade Federation's blockade and subsequent invasion. It was during this time that she fostered a relationship with Sheev Palpatine, who served as Naboo's senator.

After escaping Naboo during the invasion, Queen Amidala took advice from Senator Palpatine concerning Chancellor Valorum, agreeing to pose a vote of no confidence to remove him from office. Her motion was ratified, leading to Valorum's expulsion from office and paving the way for Palpatine to take his place, making Padmé one of the most infamous Star Wars characters.

Yoda

Yoda looking back in Attack of the Clones

Master Yoda was the eldest Jedi in the Order at the time of the Clone Wars and a leading voice in the actions of the High Council in the Republic's final years. The powerful Jedi Master was trusted by all his fellow Jedi Knights for his wisdom, candor, and experience.

While Yoda was certainly an honorable individual, he was nevertheless quite myopic when it came to matters concerning the Dark Side. Though he could sense a mounting dark presence, Yoda was unable to predict Darth Sidious' dark actions, with his short-sightedness spelling the Jedi's doom.

Darth Maul

Darth Maul talks to Palpatine in The Phantom Menace

Darth Maul was Sidious' apprentice during the events of The Phantom Menace, serving his master by sparking conflict on Naboo. He eventually confronted Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, killing the former in a duel before being seemingly killed himself.

While Maul did survive his injuries, his part in Sidious' plan was played at the time of his defeat. He had unknowingly triggered events that would lead to Anakin joining the Jedi Order, and eventually his corruption at the hands of Palpatine. In later years, Maul would prove to be one of the few to sense the coming rise of his master and, though he tried to stop it, he would prove unsuccessful.

General Grievous

General Grievous on his ship in Revenge of the Sith

General Grievous is one Star Wars villain with an incredibly interesting backstory, beginning as a venerated warrior and gradually developing into a gruesome cyborg abomination. He served as the commander of the Droid Army during the Clone Wars, unknowingly serving Darth Sidious for some time.

While Grievous ultimately proved to be a rather small part in Sidious' grand scheme, he nevertheless kept the Republic occupied with the war. His distractions allowed his master to continue his plan, putting in place all the necessary arrangements for his takeover.

Jar Jar Binks

JarJar Binks gives Chancellor Palpatine emergency powers in the senate in Attack of the Clones

Jar Jar Binks was the relatively unassuming Gungan Representative at the Republic Senate. He most frequently served alongside Senator Padmé Amidala, who left him in charge of her duties after she was forced to flee from an assassination attempt during the events of Attack of the Clones.

While Senator Amidala was gone, Representative Binks made a motion in the Senate to give emergency powers to the Chancellor in anticipation of the coming struggle against the Separatists. The motion was ratified, giving Palpatine more power than ever before, which he would hold on to throughout the rest of the Clone Wars and beyond.

Count Dooku

Count Dooku using Force lightning in Attack of the Clones

Count Dooku is a former Jedi who grew disillusioned with the High Council for their repeated hypocrisy. After a period of self-reflection, Dooku betrayed the Jedi Order and became a Sith Lord, adopting the name Darth Tyrannus during his training under Darth Sidious.

Count Dooku was one of Palpatine's most important allies in consolidating power for himself. Dooku ran the political side of the Separatist Alliance, keeping the war effort against the Republic going for years. Ultimately, when both sides had been weakened enough, Palpatine disposed of Dooku and seized power for himself.

Mas Amedda

Mas Amedda adresses the Galactic Senate in Star Wars Revenge Of The sith

Mas Amedda was the Vice Chancellor under Chancellor Valorum during the period leading up to The Phantom Menace. However, when Palpatine took control, Amedda remained in his position, eventually becoming one of the new chancellor's most trusted advisors, who was even aware of his true identity as a Sith Lord.

Amedda continued to serve Palpatine after the Empire's formation, helping the new Emperor cover up his illegal deeds from the Senate. He even managed to keep the construction of the Death Star from being discovered by the Senate, allowing Palpatine to build his formidable space station without fear of political upheaval.

Grand Moff Tarkin

Grand Moff Tarkin Speaking With Leia In Star Wars

Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin is certainly one of the most intimidating Star Wars villains, and one who proved to be immensely useful to Emperor Palpatine. After the reorganization of the Republic into the Galactic Empire, Tarkin became one of the leading officers in the new navy, even retaining control over the Death Star itself.

Tarkin proved to be a stickler for the rule of the Emperor, stamping out any resistance without mercy. He callously completed his duties to the Empire, displaying his sadistic nature at every turn. Ultimately, Tarkin was invaluable to the Emperor in terms of keeping peace and dispatching any rebellion up until his death aboard the first Death Star.

Anakin Skywalker

Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader mask

As a young Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker made the unfortunate mistake of becoming friends with Chancellor Palpatine. Over the years, Palpatine bent and molded Anakin to his whim, eventually manipulating him into betraying the Jedi Order and becoming the Sith Lord known as Darth Vader.

As Darth Vader, Anakin overthrew the Jedi Order, the greatest threat to Palpatine's rise and, in so doing, ensured that no one would be there to stop the new Emperor from demonstrating his full power over the galaxy. In the years that followed, Vader became Palpatine's chief enforcer, destroying anyone that would dare to question the rule of their Emperor.

NEXT: Every Jedi In Tales Of The Jedi (& What Happened To Them), Explained