Padmé Amidala is an iconic Star Wars heroine, and these quotes demonstrate her strength of character and wisdom. One of the most important characters in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Padmé Amidala is far more than just the wife of Anakin Skywalker and the mother of Luke and Leia. The young queen of Naboo was a beacon of courage throughout the entire Clone Wars timeline, and her wisdom inspired the Rebel Alliance in a deleted scene from Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith that’s still canon.
Natalie Portman’s Padmé Amidala is an unusual politician, one with remarkable courage and integrity. That makes Padmé’s relationship with Anakin Skywalker all the more disturbing, because this secret romance introduced an element of deceitfulness in such a noble character. That, though, is the message of the Star Wars prequel trilogy; that heroes are flawed, and that darkness can overcome the light if people choose to let it. Here are the most memorable quotes from Padmé Amidala, shining light on the entire Star Wars story.
16
“Your Honor…I Am Queen Amidala. This Is My Decoy.”
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
While the bulk of Padmé’s scenes in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace implied she was merely a handmaiden being dragged along on an adventure by the Jedi, she still contributed much wisdom to the story. Her diplomatic nature shone when she revealed her true role as Queen Amidala. Her devotion to her planet’s well-being inspired her to leave the safety of her personal guard, all to ensure the Jedi stay focused on their mission to help her planet.
At the same time, Padmé’s need for a handmaiden to serve as her decoy speaks to the danger and importance associated with being the queen. To be capable of carrying that burden at such a young age demonstrated Padmé’s wisdom and strength. Not to mention, managing to trick several Jedi of her false identity testified to Padmé’s intelligence.
15
“To Be Angry Is To Be Human.”
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
One of Padmé’s strengths is her ability to know the right thing to say when someone needs comfort. This certainly proved the case when Anakin was struggling to come to terms with the loss of his mother… and the way he handled his anger over the situation. When he was too late to save his mother’s life, he avenged her murder by annihilating the entire tribe responsible for her kidnapping. Confessing his crime, he clearly expected Padmé to be afraid of him. Instead, she offered him peace and a chance to grow.
This particular Padmé quote is memorable because it is troubling, though. There’s a sense of complacency in Padmé’s words here, an acceptance that probably wasn’t wise; Anakin had just demonstrated how vulnerable he was to the lure of the dark side, after all. This quote proves Anakin is Padmé’s blind spot.
14
“Sometimes There Are Things That No One Can Fix. You’re Not All Powerful, Ani. “
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Padmé Amidala
The elected Queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala won galactic acclaim for her heroism when she led her people against the Trade Federation. She became an influential member of the Republic Senate, but her life changed forever when she fell in love with Anakin Skywalker. Padmé Amidala found herself torn between her love for Anakin and her belief in the principles of the Republic, especially when Anakin became Darth Vader. She was brutally attacked by Anakin on Mustafar, and died in childbirth.
Even before the confusion of the Clone Wars, Padmé inadvertently became Anakin’s main support system and often grounded him when he began to spiral out of control. Anakin’s desire to fix and control everything stemmed from his childhood spent in slavery, and Padmé did whatever she could to help alleviate those deep-rooted fears. Anakin’s fear of change and loss hit a peak when his mother was killed by the Tusken Raiders.
Padmé’s words here show a deep understanding of Anakin, and perhaps hint she shared the same weakness; a desire to control everything around her. She was, after all, a queen from a young age, and then a prominent politician for a world whose former senator now served as chancellor. Sadly, Padmé’s words also foreshadow Anakin’s fall, because his desire to control would ultimately overwhelm him.
13
“All Mentors Have A Way Of Seeing More Of Our Faults Than We Would Like. It’s The Only Way We Grow.”
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Padmé is certainly one of the most insightful characters in Star Wars, as she always seemed to provide a fresh perspective to a situation that no one else had considered before. One of Anakin’s biggest struggles as a Jedi was feeling undervalued, and even before their romance took root, Padmé became his sounding board for those frustrations. Padmé’s responses almost always helped to keep him grounded and remind him that he has support.
Padmé had the ability to handle Anakin’s insecurity with grace, validating Anakin’s frustration while gently reminding him that it was Obi-Wan’s responsibility as his teacher to show him areas to improve on. Even before his turn to the dark side, Anakin and Obi-Wan didn’t exactly have the easiest of relationships, but Padmé did often protect their bond. Her advice reminded Anakin that Obi-Wan was only trying to improve his weaknesses and flaws so he could become a better warrior overall.
12
“…I Call it Aggressive Negotiations.”
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Anakin and Padmé definitely fall on different sides of their ideas of politics, but that doesn’t stop them from falling in love. Anakin, who was raised a slave and trained as a warrior, favors brute force when it comes to conflict. Padmé, ever the clever diplomat, prefers to negotiate. Still, that doesn’t mean she can’t do both. Padmé had already proven her efficiency with a blaster during the Battle of Naboo, so it was no surprise she proved to be battle-ready when she needs to be.
Anakin’s earlier mention of “aggressive negotiations” is mirrored back as Padmé defends herself during the Battle of Geonosis. The peace-loving senator seemed to have disapproved of the concept when Anakin brought it up during their picnic, but her quick-witted use of the quote confirmed their flirtatious connection was growing into a true bond of friendship and love. If Anakin’s amused grin was any indication, the olive branch of acknowledging his point of view and showing a willingness to do what is necessary was well-received.
11
“Hold Me, Like You Did By The Lake On Naboo. So Long Ago When There Was Nothing But Our Love.”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Exhausted by the violently tumultuous political situation that has taken its toll on the Republic’s democratic structure in addition to her husband’s peace of mind, Padmé shed her strong demeanor for a moment. This callback to their secret wedding that took place when the Clone Wars had barely begun invokes an innocence that is increasingly absent as their story goes on. When the fighting was still in its infancy and Anakin and Padmé were so in love; their relationship became a rock that they would cling to as the years and battles raged on.
As Revenge of the Sith progresses, the war-torn state of the galaxy begins to wear on them. Anakin finds it harder to confide his fears in Padmé, and she can’t ignore the escalating danger facing the Republic. Though their every move in this film is intended to keep each other safe, they are always doomed to be torn apart. A far cry from the serene waters of Naboo, Padmé would ultimately meet her end on the fiery banks of Mustafar in one last attempt to reach her husband.
10
“I Haven’t Worked For A Year To Defeat The ‘Military Creation Act’ Not To Be Here When Its Fate Is Decided.”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Despite calls for her to serve another term as Naboo’s queen, Padmé left her planet in the hands of the next young queen to pursue a loftier goal. Expanding her political interest from Naboo to the entire galaxy, she became a senator in the Galactic Republic. Drawing on her experiences during the Naboo Crisis, she focuses her peace efforts on deflating the growing political turbulence faced by the Republic. Her devotion and shrewd use of logic would make Padmé a great diplomat.
Padmé was a leading force in opposing the creation of a Republic military, believing that such a show of force would only agitate their already strained relationship with the Separatists. Her role in this opposition created many enemies, even threats on her life. Despite multiple assassination attempts, Padmé remained devoted to working toward peace.
9
“What If The Democracy We Thought We Were Serving No Longer Exists?”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Being a former queen of Naboo and a prominent senator of the Republic, Padmé was seemingly one of the few Republic figures to be truly privy to its growing corruption and incompetence. Despite her lifelong involvement in politics, she remained without corruption, devoted to protecting the Republic’s democratic nature with pure motives. She sensed that this once-great society was steadily declining into imperialism. This was largely thanks to the maneuverings of Palpatine, but the complacency of the Republic was just as culpable, and while Padmé wasn’t completely aware of the first reason, she became outspoken about the latter.
Padmé revealed her fears to Anakin in a moment of anxiety, signifying that she was beginning to realize that the evil she’s fighting against might just be seeping into the Republic itself. It’s a great demonstration of her character and astuteness, and it’s also a bit of foreshadowing considering that the Empire was directly born out of the floundering Republic. Tragically, Anakin was unwilling to listen.
8
“Are You Allowed To Love? I Thought That Was Forbidden For A Jedi.”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Padmé made it clear that politics isn’t her only area of expertise, revealing to Anakin a degree of familiarity with the ways of the Jedi as well. This became the basis for Padmé’s objections to Anakin as he began to open up about his feelings for her. Anakin, of course, took the opportunity to redirect.
The way she spoke the line also seemed to hold a genuine sense of curiosity and amusement, implying an increasing interest in Anakin. The Padawan picked up on this, leaning into the discussion with the assurance that the total compassion with which the Jedi are meant to live their lives is merely a different way of looking at unconditional love. This conversation was one of the first sparks of their romance, and it also provides an important look into Anakin’s desire for a meaningful connection that he had been unable to make within the confines of the Jedi.
7
“I Will Not Condone A Course Of Action That Will Lead Us To War.”
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Even as a young teenager, Padmé’s political awareness proved to be quite prophetic throughout the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Unfortunately, time and time again, her advice and warnings weren’t listened to. A champion of peace, Padmé often advocated for demilitarization and peace throughout the Republic. This devotion hailed back to her days serving as Naboo’s queen, even when her planet was being threatened by the Trade Federation.
Seeking the help of the Republic by appearing before the Senate to plead her case, she still prioritized a solution through diplomacy. Even when it comes to a simple dispute with the Trade Federation, Queen Amidala could sense the dangerous potential for escalating conflict. Unfortunately, her mindset was in the minority, and the Naboo Crisis ultimately became the catalyst for the Clone Wars.
6
“Fear: In These Times It Is The Greatest Weapon Wielded Against Those Who Would Stand Up For Truth And Justice.”
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – “Assassin”
In the midst of the Clone Wars, many planetary systems were caught in the crossfire as the Republic and the Separatists struggled over control of the galaxy. Moved by the sheer amount of collateral damage, Padmé tried to gather support for the growing refugee crisis faced by the Republic. This involvement swiftly earned her a target on her back. Proof that no good deed goes unpunished, Padmé seems to attract more assassination attempts than any other Star Wars character. Despite warnings to remain in hiding, Padmé made the journey to Alderaan to make a speech about the issue.
Padmé doesn’t mind keeping the galaxy’s large pool of bounty hunters busy, though. Her devotion to the safety of the Republic’s citizens was more important to Padmé than the threats to her personal safety. Thankfully, her faith in Ahsoka to keep her safe paid off, and her speech was met with roaring approval.
5
“This War Represents A Failure To Listen.”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Armed with two very different experiences the Clone Wars, Anakin and Padmé had a hard time aligning their perspectives on the conflict’s eventual solution. Alarm bells started going off in Anakin’s head after Padmé proposes the notion that the Republic is losing its way. Alarmed, Anakin accused her of sounding like a Separatist, but Senator Amidala responds with an insightful comment.
The inclination to choose fighting over diplomacy, coupled with a lack of communication, is what brought the already chaotic political situation to a violent escalation. Again, Padmé’s wisdom fell on deaf ears. Her request for Anakin to reason with Palpatine came too late, as Anakin has already been asked to play the pawn in too many political games. Unfortunately, had Anakin realized Palpatine’s motives earlier, he might have been able to escape his manipulation, saving the galaxy with him.
4
“”Evil? I’ve Fought Evil And It Was Easy: I Shot It. It’s Apathy I Can’t Stand.”
The Queen’s Shadow by E. K. Johnston
Padmé’s transition from queen to senator wasn’t one she took lightly. Becoming a senator would give her a greater influence over her planet’s interaction with the rest of the Republic, not to mention the many political forces at work in the Republic that would impact Naboo. Her efforts led to countless assassination attempts and even her own death in the end, but none of this deterred her from her mission.
Danger never scared Padmé into inaction. Her primary motivation was always to better the lives of each citizen of the Republic, and she was one of the few politicians who remained focused on that goal in spite of the temptations of power. Padmé was often slow to hide her disappointment and disgust in some of the other leaders in the Republic, noting that their reluctance to act often makes situations worse.
3
“Anakin, You’re Breaking My heart. You’re Going Down A Path I Can’t Follow.”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Padmé’s romance with Anakin was doomed from the start. Anakin was always destined to become Darth Vader, and Padmé would die before her children could know her. Still, the two lovers’ confrontation on Mustafar is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the franchise. Padmé knew she was fighting a losing battle, but she couldn’t stop pleading with Anakin to turn back into the sweet boy she fell in love with.
The most tragic part of this confrontation is that these two characters had a seemingly unbreakable bond that had blossomed from years of childhood innocence and the intimacy of their secret romance. Before this, they were each other’s safe place and could share burdens that no one else could help with. On Mustafar, they found themselves chasms apart.
2
“Obi-Wan. There’s Good In Him. I Know There Is Still…”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Padmé’s character was always bright with an unshakable hope. Even in the midst of despair, clinging to life while her husband fell to the darkness, Padmé assured Obi-Wan there was still hope to save Anakin from himself. She saw beyond the horrors Anakin had committed, and even at this lowest point in the Skywalker saga, she clung to hope.
Yet, this line stems from more than just seemingly blind hope. Thanks to their close bond established in the prequels, Padmé knews Anakin – the real Anakin – absent the influence of the dark side and Palpatine’s manipulations. This quote holds a prophetic importance, with Padmé’s son becoming the fulfilment of this. Luke would inherit his mother’s hopeful spirit, ultimately drawing his father back from the dark side.
1
“So This Is How Liberty Dies: With Thunderous Applause.”
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Padmé’s most significant quote speaks to the themes of George Lucas’ entire Star Wars prequel trilogy, uttered during a fateful senate meeting in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Padmé watched as Palpatine wrenched power from the Senate and openly announced his plans to transform it into the Empire. The Senate agree with his plan, cheering and applauding, and Padmé is one of the few senators to see this motion for what it truly was.
The Senate floor erupted into cheers as the Republic died. Padmé’s political aptitude and peaceful nature were on full display as she somberly noted the slippery slope a society can take when leadership becomes untrustworthy. Despite her premature ending in the franchise, Star Wars wouldn’t be the same without Padmé – or her wisdom and insight.
