The main characters of the original Star Wars trilogy are some of the most adored figures in pop culture, and in their time on-screen in the three movies, they truly helped make the franchise into the colossus it is 40-plus years later. With over six hours of brilliance, there is plenty of time for characters to shine, an opportunity that most grab with both hands.
While characters like Luke, Leia, and Han, of course, have the most screen time, other characters are hugely efficient, becoming iconic figures even in their much shorter time in the limelight.
Lando Calrissian - 14 Minutes 30 Seconds
For over 14 minutes across The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Lando Calrissian is a tremendous presence, eating up the screen with his charisma and cool demeanor, and it is a joy to watch.
In not a lot of time, Lando becomes one of Star Wars' most well-known and adored characters, a testament to the writing of the character and the charm of Billy Dee Williams. Due to his role in the story, it may feel like Lando has more time than this, but that shows the impact he makes.
Yoda - 16 Minutes 30 Seconds
Of all the characters in the original trilogy, Yoda truly makes the most of his screen time. Each of Yoda's 16 minutes contains something iconic, helping make him one of the trilogy's and the franchise's best characters.
Whether it be his introduction, his speech to Luke, his lifting the X-Wing from the swamp, or his death, Yoda captivates audiences. Fans cannot help but adore the quirky yet humble Jedi Master. His wisdom is second-to-none, and the lessons Yoda teaches Luke have resonated with fans for over 40 years.
Obi-Wan Kenobi - 20 Minutes 45 Seconds
The majority of Obi-Wan Kenobi's time on screen comes in A New Hope, with the character only appearing for mere moments as a Force Spirit in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He is consistently brilliant through all of it, though.
As the sage mentor to Luke Skywalker, he is outstanding, and that alone made him one of Star Wars' best characters. His time as a Force Spirit was great also. But, it is his role in A New Hope that not only makes up the majority of his screen time - at 17 and a half minutes - but made audiences fall in love with Obi-Wan.
R2-D2 - 36 Minutes 30 Seconds
Neither the prequel nor sequel trilogy properly utilized or showcased R2-D2 in the way that the original trilogy did, with the little astromech getting over 36 minutes to showcase why he is one of Star Wars' best droids between the three original films.
His role in the films becomes more limited as he goes from 17 minutes to 11 to seven in the three films, respectively, but he is pretty memorable in all of them. Whether it be due to how he leads audiences through Tatooine to Luke or his role in the rescue of Han Solo, Artoo is one of the trilogy's most lovable characters with some amazing scenes.
Darth Vader - 37 Minutes 30 Seconds
There is no way to describe how great of a villain and overall character Darth Vader is that has not already been repeated time and time for over four decades. But he manages to become perhaps the greatest and most iconic villain in pop culture in under 40 minutes.
Audiences cannot help but be in awe of Vader whenever he steps on the screen. His presence is unlike any other in the franchise: he is a Star Wars villain that emanates immense power and inspires pure fear. On top of that, much of his screen time in the latter two films builds on his internal struggle and character depth, making him an extraordinary character.
Chewbacca - 38 Minutes
Chewbacca may never have gotten a lot of emotional exploration or a deep character arc in the original trilogy, but in just under 40 minutes of screen time, he cemented himself as one of the franchises most lovable.
Most of Chewie's time on-screen is spent alongside Han Solo, with the Wookiee proving himself to be one of the best friends and sidekicks in the Galaxy, and the pair form the Star Wars trilogy's best duo. His roar is iconic, and he has key parts in many memorable scenes, from the trash compactor debacle to getting captured by Ewok's on Endor.
C-3PO - 47 Minutes 15 Seconds
It may surprise some fans to know that Threepio spends over 10 minutes more on-screen than Artoo does throughout the trilogy, but it is true, with the protocol droid so often lurking in the background, as well as getting many humorous moments when Artoo is not around.
Fans tend to prefer Artoo to Threepio, but that does not mean Threepio is not a loved character. His frantic nervousness, his annoying nature, and his fear of danger so often lead to hilarious quips. He and Artoo bounce so well off one another, and fans will never forget how they kick off Star Wars in A New Hope.
Leia Organa - 57 Minutes 30 Seconds
Few characters in pop culture are as consistently kickass and memorable as Leia Organa. Nearly every scene she touches in the original trilogy turns to gold, and she is an absolute joy to watch for just under an hour.
Whether it be her romantic moments with Han, her spitting in the face of the Empire, showcasing her bravery and leadership skills, or in her smaller emotional scenes, Leia has so much brilliance for audiences to enjoy in the trilogy. That is, of course, helped by the colossal presence of the late, great, and legendary Carrie Fisher, whom fans continue to miss and adore.
Han Solo - 60 Minutes 45 Seconds
To many fans, Han Solo is the best Star Wars character. Dripping with unmistakable charm, moral ambiguity, and character, the smuggler-turned-rebel General brings so much to the original trilogy.
For as cool and badass as Han and his ship are, though, the hour he spends on-screen also shows him as one of the saga's most complex characters. A pessimist who, deep down, is a good guy, Han clearly has struggled in his life, but largely brushes off the idea of the Force and the rebellion early on before coming round to the cause. While Han's character archetype may not be unique or all that creative, the character himself certainly is just that.
Luke Skywalker - 106 Minutes 30 Seconds
For fans across the world, Luke Skywalker is their hero. The original trilogy sees him grow and develop from a simple farmboy longing for the horizon to a Jedi Knight, someone powerful and wise with a desire to do good. It is joyous viewing.
In the trilogy itself, Luke may not be as complex as the likes of Han or Vader, and he can be annoying at times during his hour and 45-plus minutes of screen time, but he resonates with audiences. Even after becoming this powerful, mature Jedi, audiences still relate to Luke and aspire to do good the way he so beautifully does in Return Of The Jedi. He is the hero of the trilogy and rightfully has the most screen time.