Why Inquisitors Are All Called Brother & Sister

Warning: Spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi episodes 1 & 2

As seen in Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Inquisitors are referred to as “Brothers” and “Sisters.” Introduced in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 1, the show’s principal Inquisitor is Reva, who is known to her allies as Third Sister. Rather than use their given names, the Inquisitors distinguish each other with numbers.

In the Star Wars franchise, the Inquisitors are an organization of lightsaber-wielding, Force-sensitive warriors who fight in the service of Darth Vader and the Empire. Created in the aftermath of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, the Inquisitors live to fulfill one task, which involves the execution of the various Jedi who managed to survive Order 66. After making appearances in Star Wars: Rebels and the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game, the Inquisitors are finally making their live-action debut as the primary threat to Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi in his six-episode Disney+ series. The arrival of the Grand Inquisitor, Reva, and Fifth Brother has provided viewers with a taste of their ruthlessness.

An interesting detail about these Star Wars villains is how different they are from the Sith Lords. Though they’re essentially on the same side, there are a few key differences that distinguish them from characters like Darth Vader and Darth Maul, one of which being their titles. Every Inquisitor is either a “Brother” or a “Sister.” The reason for this distinction can be attributed to the nature of their order. Unlike the Sith Lords, who typically operate solo, Inquisitors are a close-knit group whose members travel together and fight side-by-side against their enemies. This aspect of the Empire’s Order of Inquisitors was on display in Obi-Wan Kenobi, which showed a trio of them working as a team. Based on this, it makes sense for the Inquisitors to use titles that highlight their camaraderie.

The titles strongly represent the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that’s supposed to be shared by the Inquisitors. And along with that, of course, comes competition, as the Inquisitors in both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Rebels have expressed a willingness to outdo their peers. Curiously though, the close relationships implied by their Brother and Sister titles don’t seem to come with the loyalty that one would expect from a real sibling dynamic. That was made clear by the disputes between the Inquisitors in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Reva’s decision to kill the Grand Inquisitor.

A betrayal within the Inquisitors in Obi-Wan Kenobi shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Regardless of whatever familial bonds they may have, the Inquisitors are still Jedi who have fallen to the dark side. Ultimately, the Brothers and Sisters of the Inquisitors are driven by the same emotions that fuel the Sith, meaning that they’re equally prone to ambition, greed, hatred, jealousy, and more. These flaws could further divide their order in the episodes to come.

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Obi-Wan Kenobi releases new episodes on Disney+ on Wednesdays.