One of the best things about the Star Wars: High Republic publishing initiative is that it has introduced fans to an extensive and fascinating cast of new characters. Other than Yoda, Yarael Poof, and Oppo Rancisis, all of the characters in this era are new and fans don't know how their stories will end.
While there are many characters to choose from in the growing collection of novels, comics, and short stories set in this era, the best characters are those who provide a new and unique perspective in the Star Wars universe. These characters are entertaining, grow in meaningful ways, teach the audience valuable lessons, and challenge fans' perceptions of the Jedi, the Force, the Republic, and the galaxy itself.
Lourna Dee
With the exception of Marchion Ro, Lourna Dee is the most intriguing member of the Nihil. She is a formidable fighter who is able to hold her own against veteran Jedi such as Stellan Gios and OrbaLin.
She has no qualms about maiming or even killing her fellow Nihil to prove a point. In addition to her fighting prowess and her ruthless tactics, Lourna is able to deceive other members of the Nihil and mask her true intentions. All of these elements make Lourna a cunning, cutthroat, and unpredictable character made even more compelling and nuanced in the audio drama Tempest Runner.
Leox Gyasi
During the High Republic launch event, Into the Dark author Claudia Gray has spoken about how the pilot Leox Gyasi is what would happen if 1990s Matthew McConaughey were given a spaceship. Leox is a charming, smooth-talking, clever, and compassionate character. He feels like a scoundrel while also being wiser and more mature than one might expect.
His relationship with his younger co-pilot Affie Hollow is one of the best parts of Into the Dark. As a father figure to Affie, he sets a positive example for her while genuinely caring for and working alongside her. Leox is also asexual, which is a step in the right direction of providing more diversity and positive representation in Star Wars.
Avar Kriss
One of the best parts of the High Republic is seeing how certain Jedi view the Force differently. One of the best examples of this is with Avar Kriss. She views the Force as a song and uses this to detect and strengthen her bonds with other Force users, creating a network of sorts. This ability manifests in epic fashion when Avar connects with other Force users to save countless lives during the Great Disaster in Light of the Jedi.
In addition to her impressive abilities, Avar is shown to be an open-minded individual. As the Drengir threat becomes more perilous, Avar dares to form an alliance with the Hutt Cartel in order to drive back the Drengir. Many powerful individuals within the Republic are uncomfortable with this alliance and critical of Avar's decision, but she stands by her decision as she knows it is the best course of action.
Sskeer
Trandoshans, perhaps one of the scariest alien races in the Star Wars galaxy, are often depicted in a negative light, usually as savage hunters and in an antagonistic role. It is refreshing to see a Trandoshan who is not only portrayed in a positive light but is shown to be a wise and compassionate Jedi Master. These traits have helped Sskeer's apprentice Keeve Trennis learn to be a Jedi Knight who believes in herself and doesn't give up on others.
The death of his friend and fellow Jedi Master Jora Mallie and the Drengir taking control of him have taken a detrimental toll on Sskeer and his relationship with the Force. It is devastating to see Sskeer suffer so profoundly, yet it is also admirable to see how he is able to persevere through some of these challenges as well.
Bell Zettifar
Bell Zettifar has some of the best character development in the High Republic so far. In Light of the Jedi, Bell is a Jedi apprentice still struggling with things like descending from a great height with the use of the Force. He cannot achieve this on his own and needs to be saved by other Jedi so he doesn't hurt himself when performing this maneuver.
By the end of Light of the Jedi, Bell is not only able to perform this feat on his own, but he uses it to save the life of a child. In The Rising Storm, Bell continues to become more confident and more of a leader as he takes charge during the Nihil's attack on the Republic Fair and saves many lives, particularly those who would have otherwise drowned aboard the sinking Innovator. Along with this growth as an individual, Bell has a deep connection with his Jedi Master Loden Greatstorm, an emotional connection that is at the heart of Light of the Jedi and The Rising Storm.
Elzar Mann
In many ways, Elzar Mann is the High Republic's version of Anakin Skywalker. In his relationships with others, his relationship with the Force, and his approach to solving problems, Elzar is a deeply passionate individual. He is in love with fellow Jedi Avar Kriss and they have some romantic history, with Elzar frustrated they cannot be together.
He views the Force as a bottomless ocean and often pushes the boundaries of the Force and his abilities. He has unconventional methods, but these methods usually yield positive results. His differences are mostly accepted and encouraged instead of being shunned. However, his passionate emotions do cause him to give in to the dark side at one point in The Rising Storm, a moment that he deeply regrets. Elzar's passion and inner conflict make him one of the most compelling Jedi of the era, along with a glimpse of how Anakin might've fared during the days of the High Republic.
Ty Yorrick
After leaving the Jedi Order, Ty Yorrick became a monster hunter and saber-for-hire. The idea of a mercenary being Force-sensitive and a former Jedi is fascinating. She is an example of how someone with these abilities can help others and forge her own path instead of following the path of the Jedi Order.
Ty Yorrick often takes on jobs that help others and saves lives from vicious monsters and other threats. Just because the Jedi Order wasn't a good fit doesn't mean she had to go down a dark path or have no future. She found a way to use her gifts that is authentic to her.
Reath Silas
While many protagonists crave adventure, Into the Dark's Jedi Padawan protagonist Reath Silas prefers spending time in the Jedi Archives. It is refreshing and relatable to many to have a protagonist who would rather stay in his comfort zone and stick with the familiar, in addition to being more defined by hard work than by talent.
Reath's experiences teach him the importance of stepping outside of his comfort zone, confronting his insecurities, and that, while his own happiness is important, it is crucial to forge trust and meaningful connections with others to navigate life's greatest challenges.
Marchion Ro
While the Jedi and the Republic are able to solve the various crises that Marchion Ro and the Nihil throw at them, it is clear that the Eye of the Nihil is playing the long game. It is captivating to watch his machinations unfold, from manipulating and even sacrificing some of the Nihil, to manipulating and weakening the Jedi and the Republic through events like the Great Disaster and the attack on the Republic Fair. His hatred for the Jedi and the Republic is palpable, although much of his endgame is still shrouded in mystery, as is much about his past.
Marchion Ro has proven himself to be a formidable villain, but he still has weaknesses like relying entirely on the captive Mari San Tekka for the Path engines, and the voice of his deceased father in his head that sometimes makes him doubt himself. These things make Marchion Ro feel like an authentic, fleshed-out character instead of being a generic villain.