How Many People Did Palpatine Kill in the Star Wars Universe?

Throughout the Star Wars universe, Count Dussian Dantor, better known as Palpatine, is responsible for a myriad of deaths that span across numerous movies, TV shows, and expanded universe material. Given the breadth of the Star Wars franchise, it is challenging to provide an exact count. However, it is safe to say that the vast majority of deaths can be attributed to his actions and ambitions. From the clone wars to the Galactic Civil War, nearly everyone who met their demise suffered at the hands of his Sith apprentice, Darth Vader, or due to the broader consequences of Palpatine's quest for galactic conquest.

Indirect and Direct Causes

Technically, anyone who has died within the Star Wars franchise movies and series set between "The Phantom Menace" and "Return of the Jedi" or "The Rise of Skywalker," if you include the sequels, has died indirectly or directly due to Palpatine. The only instances that come to mind where deaths were not directly tied to him are those caused by natural means, such as the Tusken Wampa, bounty hunters like Sarlacc, or Jabba's rancor. Even Jabba and his cartel had their fates determined by actions that were still linked to Palpatine's web of influence. The remaining 99.99% of deaths are unequivocally the result of the actions of Palpatine and the pursuit of galactic domination.

Visualized Kill Count

A look into the comics and books reveals that Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker had a staggering kill count. According to various sources, he had 1,231 kills in the comics and 498 in books, which brings the total to approximately 1,744 deaths. This number is likely an underestimation, as much of the killing in the Star Wars universe is not always explicitly shown or detailed in the films and television shows.

Key Victims

Palpatine, initially Count Dooku, and later Darth Sidious, was responsible for the death of numerous Jedi, even before Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. Anakin killed Count Dooku in "Attack of the Clones," and together with the 501st clone trooper division, Darth Vader executed an unknown number of Jedi and Padawans at the Jedi Temple as part of Order 66. Years later, Darth Vader personally killed Obi-Wan Kenobi. Between these events, many accounts suggest that Darth Vader was directly involved in eliminating the surviving Jedi, depicted in the "Rebels" TV show comics and books.

Speculation and Fan Theories

While not definitively confirmed, fan theories abound regarding the killing of specific individuals. For instance, many fans wish to see Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano's former Padawan, come to an end at the hands of Darth Vader. This would fit with the broader narrative of the saga, where Grand Moff Tarkin states that Vader is the last follower of the Force, and Yoda confirms that Luke Skywalker will be the last of the Jedi. Ahsoka's death would not only be fitting for the story arcs of both Ahsoka and Darth Vader but could also illustrate deeper themes in the Star Wars saga.

Proposed Storylines

Ahsoka's death, for example, could be written in a manner that highlights its significance. The battle between Ahsoka and Darth Vader could be a climactic moment, with intense and powerful dialogue. Perhaps, Ahsoka's death could act as a setback for plans to build the Starkiller Base, as Tarkin suggests. Another dramatic scenario could be a situation where Ahsoka strikes down Palpatine in a final, dramatic duel, only to be killed by Darth Vader immediately after. This would create a powerful emotional impact for the audience, as it highlights the complex inner conflicts of Darth Vader and the consequences of Palpatine's teachings.

In conclusion, while we cannot quantify the exact number of deaths attributable to Palpatine, the impact of his actions is undeniable. The Star Wars universe is a tapestry of interconnected events, and the central role of Palpatine in these narratives highlights the dark side's influence on the galaxy.