Whilst the Star Wars prequel trilogy may have been divisive, it debuted some iconic characters with intriguing character arcs.

With the high praise received by Book of Boba Fett and the new Obi-Wan series set to release soon, there's more than enough Star Wars for fans to enjoy. But the prequels still contain some of the best and worst moments throughout the franchise. Whether it be Anakin's dark transformation into Darth Vader, or Jar Jar's unlikely path towards becoming a Senator, each character throughout the trilogy experienced some sort of growth within their individual narrative arcs.

Whilst the films may have been divisive, there's no denying that the prequel trilogy debuted some iconic characters with intriguing character arcs. However, the trajectories of some of the character's storylines weren't as well developed as others, even if they were fan-loved characters.

10 Mace Windu

Despite the fact that Mace was one of the most powerful members of the Jedi Council, his character didn't experience as much growth as others throughout the prequel trilogy. He maintained a steady path in the films as a learned and abiding Jedi, who followed the Jedi Code carefully.

Mace's arc showed his powerful fighting style, but also explored how his dedication to the order was also his downfall, as he died whilst trying to protect everything the Jedi stood for. However, with rumors of a Mace Windu return on the horizon, his character arc may not be over just yet.

9 C-3PO & R2-D2

For a pair of droids, C-3Po and R2-D2 achieved some impressive feats. The exploration of their introduction to each other in the prequel trilogy gave fans more insight into the dynamic of the lovable duo and saw how they came to be so important to the Rebellion in the original trilogy.

C-3Po went from being a half-made protocol droid to becoming part of the Padmé's consort and accompanying her on many diplomatic missions, whilst R2 found himself partnered with Anakin on Jedi business. Whilst they didn't change much, both droids were loyal to their friends, and their journeys through the prequel trilogy made for a heartwarming arc.

8 Count Dooku

Dooku was an intelligent and measured villain throughout the prequels, who also proved to be a talented fighter and strategist. As explored in Attack of the Clones, Dooku had been working covertly with the Separatists and Palpatine, keeping his identity as a Sith lord a secret.

Whilst his character arc was an interesting one, Dooku's story had more depth in The Clone Wars, where his background and own plans for the future were truly delved into. In the end, Dooku's oversight of Palpatine's cunning nature led to his death, which made for a more than abrupt end for his character.

7 Jar Jar Binks

However much Jar Jar may have been disliked, he did change immensely throughout the prequel trilogy, which made for an interesting character development. When he was first introduced in The Phantom Menace, it was as a bumbling and idiotic side character, who couldn't help but continuously put himself in danger.

Yet, he did help to form the peace treaty between the people of Naboo and the Gungans, and even became a Senator. Considering his lowly start to the trilogy, Jar Jar's character growth was commendable, especially when taking into account his storylines explored in The Clone Wars where he was once even mistaken for a Jedi.

6 Padmé Amidala

From Queen of Naboo to a powerful and respected Senator, Padmé was a great leader who fought passionately for valiant causes. Whilst she was a noble and kind character, Padmé's character growth wasn't quite as impressive as others in the prequel trilogy, as she was already pretty well-rounded when first introduced.

However, she did adapt when she needed to and was a brilliant politician who saw through the lies of the Separatists and successfully negotiated with the Jedi. Although her relationship with Anakin was destructive in the end, Padmé consistently acted with grace and remained true to herself right until her tragic death in Revenge of the Sith.

5 Qui-Gon Jinn

Qui-Gon may have only appeared in one film in the prequel trilogy, but the development of his character even after death made for a fascinating trajectory. Introduced as a compassionate and calm Jedi in The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon was a good example of a Jedi who followed his own instincts, whilst still abiding by the Order.

Even after his untimely death at the hands of Darth Maul, Qui-Gon's guidance of Obi ensured his memory lived on with great influence. With the revelation that he had transcended to become a Force ghost at the end of Revenge of the Sith, his character arc became one of the best for the implications his new status held.

4 Yoda

Although he was already extremely wise, by the end of the prequel trilogy it seemed that Yoda had gained even more perspective due to the tragedy he lived through. In the beginning, Yoda's place on the Jedi council and status as Grand Master allowed for him to become somewhat complacent in the Jedi ways and stunted his chance at growth.

However, the tragic events in Revenge of the Sith pushed Yoda to reevaluate, and his best decision in the prequel trilogy came when he ordered the remaining Jedi into hiding, and exiled himself. Through the downfall of the Order, Yoda was forced to adjust accordingly, and it made for an insightful and somewhat sad character arc.

3 Sheev Palpatine

Palpatine's cunning nature master plan made for a clever and calculated character trajectory, one that he had worked towards for a long time. His rise from Senator to Emperor of his new Empire was formidable and gave a great arc that introduced an already established villain well.

Palpatine's dedication to his own cause was at the heart of the prequel trilogy, as he played those around him with chilling expertise and transformed himself into an impressive ruler. Whilst some of his plans may have gone awry, he still accomplished everything he wanted and caused devastation for those around him. With all that he achieved, Palpatine's transformation into the Emperor was one of the most interesting arcs in the trilogy.

2 Anakin Skywalker

Whilst Anakin's descent to the dark side was undeniably tragic, it also made for one of the best characters arcs in the trilogy. At the start, Anakin was just a kid who had been born into a life of slavery, but with the help of the Jedi, he became a powerful Jedi Knight, who helped to bring down the Trade Blockade and lead the Jedi to victory against the Separatists many times.

From there, his character only grew more volatile as a result of his forbidden romance with Padmé, the death of his Mother and Palpatine's manipulation of him. Despite the fact that the path he was on had already been determined, Anakin's growth through the films into Darth Vader made for an engaging trajectory and a brilliant origin story for a well-loved villain.

1 Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi's transformation from naive padawan in The Phantom Menace, to a wise and battle-scared warrior in Revenge of the Sith made for an intriguing character arc, and the best in the prequel trilogy. Obi experienced a great deal of loss throughout the films, watching as Qui-Gon was killed and witnessing Anakin's fall to the dark side.

Yet, he was unperturbed in his goodness and carried on in the face of all this anguish to become a heroic figure. Obi's growth was born out of hardship but was nonetheless incredible, and his character arc showed how strong he grew to be. Even after all he endured, Obi was still a genuinely good character, and the conclusion of his story on Tatooine looking over Luke showed his intrinsically good nature was still in tact.

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