C-3PO

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C-3PO
C-3PO
Droid type Protocol droid
Manufacturer Anakin Skywalker
Gender Masculine? programming
Height 1.67 m[1] (approx. 5'6")
Sensor color Gold ("Naked" in Episode I)
Home planet Tatooine
Master (owner) Anakin Skywalker, Shmi Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Raymus Antilles, sina, Princess Leia Organa, among others
Affiliation Galactic Republic, Rebel Alliance, New Republic

C-3PO ([si ˈθɹi pi ʔɔw], nicknamed Threepio) is a fictional character from the Star Wars universe, who appears in both the original Star Wars films and the prequel trilogy. He is also a major character in the television show Star Wars: Droids, and appears frequently in the series' "Expanded Universe" of novels, comic books, and video games. C-3PO is one of the four characters to appear in all six of the Star Wars feature films, and the only character portrayed by the same actor in all six installments of the Saga. In all his various appearances, he is portrayed by Anthony Daniels.

C-3PO is a protocol droid designed to serve humans, and boasts that he is fluent "in over six million forms of communication." C-3PO is generally seen with his long-time counterpart, R2-D2, a small, quirky astromech droid. Threepio's main function as a protocol droid is to assist with etiquette, customs, and translation so that meetings of different cultures run smoothly. In his time, C-3PO loyally served over forty masters. He hated adventure and space travel, as they often resulted in him coming out on the wrong end of a fight, losing parts, and having them reattached, sometimes incorrectly. Together with his fellow droid R2, Threepio played a vital and pivotal role in the Galaxy's history, however lowly he thought of himself.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Figure of C-3PO at the San Diego Museum of Man
Figure of C-3PO at the San Diego Museum of Man

[edit] Early years (112 BBY–32 BBY)

[edit] Construction

I beg your pardon... what do you mean, 'naked'? My parts are showing?! My goodness!

—C-3PO to R2-D2, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

C-3PO was originally activated on the Cybot Galactica foundry world of Affa[2] in 112 BBY.[citation needed] His more well-known incarnation, however, was "born" on Tatooine around 32 BBY, when he was rebuilt by a young boy named Anakin Skywalker, who came upon the protocol droid's standard 3PO-series discarded and gutted head and chassis while in a Mos Espa street with friend Kitster Banai.[3]

Later, Anakin decided to smuggle C-3PO home piece by piece. Kitster asked him what use the droid would have at home and Anakin told him that the droid would be used as a servant as a Cybot Galactica protocol droid. Anakin found that the droid's balance gyro was quite old dating back several decades.[3] Anakin made the droid functional with scrounged and improvised parts; while Threepio boasted a standard protocol droid verbobrain and communicator module, it is unknown whether these parts originated with his chassis, or if they were acquired independently by Anakin. Threepio's wiring and construction were sound, but Anakin could not afford even the simplest of droid coverings.[2]

[edit] Life on Tatooine

Oh, my. Space travel sounds rather perilous. I can assure you they will never get me onto one of those dreadful starships!

—C-3PO, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Having originally designed him to help his mother, Shmi, Anakin carried Threepio along when he bartered with nearby Jawa traders. On one occasion Anakin came across a wounded Tusken Raider. Due to 3PO's fluency in millions of languages Anakin was able to nurse the Tusken Raider back to health,[2] though the Tusken Raider was not fond of Threepio, and roared at him to "shut up" in his own language.[4]

In 32 BBY C-3PO met his future partner, R2-D2, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Queen Amidala of Naboo and Jar Jar Binks, whom he characterized as "odd." Threepio never knew he was "naked" before R2 mentioned it. He was extremely embarrassed by this, but Padmé remarked that the droid was perfect. C-3PO and R2-D2 formed a fast friendship, working together to perfect Anakin's podracer for the Boonta Eve Classic. The more experienced droid told Threepio of the danger of space travel, to which Threepio proclaimed that no one would get him to go on a starship.[4]

Shortly afterwards, C-3PO became part of Anakin's pit crew during the Boonta Eve Classic, where he saw Anakin defeat Sebulba. Unfortunately, C-3PO and his master parted ways when Qui-Gon freed the boy after winning a bet with Anakin's master, Watto. Before parting with his master, Anakin assured the droid that he would make sure Shmi didn't sell him and said his final goodbye.[4]

You've been a great pal. I'll make sure mom doesn't sell you or anything. Bye!

—Anakin Skywalker, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Nearly five years later, Shmi married Cliegg Lars and C-3PO, along with Shmi, went to live with Lars and his son Owen. Three years earlier, Shmi upgraded Threepio with coverings so that he might last longer in the sandy environment.

[edit] Clone Wars (22 BBY–19 BBY)

[edit] Reunion

Die Jedi Dogs! Oh! What did I say?

—C-3PO at the Battle of Geonosis, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

In 22 BBY, Shmi was kidnapped by a group of Sandpeople. Sensing that his mother was in danger, Anakin traveled with Padmé to Tatooine where they reunited with Threepio. C-3PO recognized Anakin and Padmé instantly and presented them to Beru Whitesun, Owen, and Cliegg Lars. Once Anakin returned with his mother's lifeless body, C-3PO attended her small funeral in back of the Lars homestead.[5]

After Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala's visit to Tatooine, C-3PO left with his old master at Owen's suggestion, who said it was what Shmi would have wanted. Threepio accompanied his master to the planet of Geonosis to rescue his Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Shortly afterwards, he followed R2 after the little droid disobeyed direct orders from Anakin. He found himself in a droid construction facility and, after being pushed onto one of the platforms by his "friend" R2, his head was taken off and temporarily attached to the torso of a B1 battle droid, while the head of the droid was placed onto Threepio's torso. Due to the combat droid's programming, Threepio reluctantly participated in the Battle of Geonosis where he was stopped by Kit Fisto. After being rescued by R2D2 and reunited with his body, he, with the rest of the Republic, left Geonosis. Not long after, he became one of the three witnesses to Padmé and Anakin's marriage on Naboo.[5]

[edit] Entering the Clone Wars

C-3PO was given to Senator Amidala as a gift from her husband, Anakin Skywalker. C-3PO served as Senator Amidala's personal protocol droid for most of the Clone Wars. When on Naboo, Senator Amidala often assigned C-3PO to assist the Naboo Royal Council.[citation needed] Following the defense of Naboo and the bio-plague of Ohma-D'un by the Confederacy, Queen Jamillia appointed the droid to serve as liaison to the Jedi during that campaign.[6] He was a reluctant participant in many adventures of the ex-Queen, including a rather hazardous mission during the Battle of Ilum,[7] where his loyalty was essential in helping Jedi Master Yoda rescue fellow Jedi Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee.[8]

Often chastising his funny yet rude astromech companion, R2-D2, for being reckless, C-3PO finally earned what he had long desired: his coverings were upgraded to a shiny bronzium coating due to his tenure as Amidala's servant. He also, in a meeting of the Loyalist Committee, became the first entity in the galaxy to address Supreme Chancellor Palpatine as "Your Majesty," perhaps anticipating his future elevation to Emperor.[9] He also severely disapproved of combat droids, once demanding to "have a serious talk with their programmer."[10]

[edit] The end of the Clone Wars

I feel so helpless.

—Threepio after talking with Senator Amidala, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Near the end of the Clone Wars, Threepio became concerned about Padmé and Anakin's behavior. He was aware of Padmé's pregnancy and the meetings she held with the Loyalist Committee, which included Bail Organa and Mon Mothma. After Skywalker and R2-D2 returned from Anakin's massacre of the Jedi, Threepio and R2 held a quiet discussion about Anakin, but he assured the little droid that he must have been stressed.[11]

However, C-3PO became a witness to his maker's turn to the dark side of the Force when he accompanied Padmé to Mustafar. When Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi's duel moved to the interior of the facility on Mustafar, C-3PO and R2-D2 took it upon themselves to get the injured Senator aboard her cruiser. When Obi-Wan returned to the ship, C-3PO piloted it to the asteroid facility of Polis Massa and witnessed Padmé give birth to the Skywalker twins and die shortly afterwards. C-3PO and R2-D2 fell into the custody of Bail Organa, who ordered his memory wiped on the Tantive IV in order to protect the twins from the Emperor and their father, Anakin Skywalker, who had become the Sith Lord known as Darth Vader.[11] After his memory was erased, Threepio would state that he had first worked with binary loadlifters. Unbeknownst to Threepio, he would later reunite with the Skywalker twins nearly two decades later.[12]

[edit] Early Imperial era (19 BBY–0 BBY)

What?! Go on adventures? Explore the galaxy? You must be short-circuiting again! We are droids, after all... Nothing exciting ever happens to us!

—C-3PO to R2-D2, Star Wars Droids: The Kalarba Adventures

Though he and R2-D2 were officially part of the droid complement of the Tantive IV for the next 19 years, C-3PO also served Alderaan's royal house, the House of Organa, on Alderaan on occasion. While accompanying them to the Emperor's Ball, he mistook his maker, now Darth Vader, for a new droid: he was reassigned as a preschool teacher for a year as punishment.[13]

He was also featured in the game: Star Wars: Jedi Knight:Jedi Academy. The droid duo's servitude of the Tantive IV was short lived, however. During a routine drill—supervised by Chief Petty Officer Corla Metonae—that involved the launching of the ship's escape pods, the Tantive IV was attacked by a pirate group from the Karthakk system. The Corvette was forced to flee, leaving its jettisoned pods behind. It was later discovered that C-3PO and his counterpart were aboard one of the abandoned pods. Bail Organa placed high priority on recovering the droids.[14] Following this alarming event, C-3PO and R2-D2 began being traded around by various owners. They found themselves traveling the galaxy serving a series of different masters, such as Ambassador Zell of Majoor.[15] One owner, a glitterstim smuggler, left the droids on Ingo. It was there that they were owned by Thall Joben and Jord Dusat.[16] This got them involved in a speeder race against none other than bounty hunter Boba Fett. When the droids learned that their masters intended to decline a golden desirable opportunity because they refused to have droids' memories erased, they secretly left in an escape pod to allow the humans to avoid making that sacrifice [17] After that, the two helped Jann Tosh and Mon Julpa restore the Tammuz-an monarchy.[18] Later, Tosh, on his way to enroll in the Imperial Academy, left the droids on Manda. It was there that they got jobs at a hotel.[citation needed] From there they went to Biitu and were involved with the Great Heep. Mungo Baobab saved them from the Heep and took the droids back to Manda.[19] Later, on Roon, Baobab found some Roonstones which C-3PO told him were etched with the ancient poem Dha Werda Verda.[citation needed] The Roonstone events even led to C-3PO competing in the Roon Colonial Games.[20] When the droids went with Mungo to the Baobab Archives, however, they were separated from him and sold to a used technological goods trafficker.[citation needed]

When another owner, Governor Wena, put the droids up for auction, they ended up going to Hosk Station. Between there and Kalarba, the droids had a number of adventures with Nak Pitareeze and his family, Olag Greck, and Jace Forno. Though Nak would often disrespect him, Threepio nonetheless cared for the boy and his family. When Plag kidnapped Nak and forced him to fix his ships, Threepio and his counterpart came to the rescue and foiled Greck's plans. One time, Threepio fell out of a speeder and cracked his faceplate. The crude repair job he got afterward was two pieces of tape in the shape of an X. That X on his head led him to be mistaken for C-3PX, an extremely dangerous assassin droid who was wanted in seven systems. Some Hosk Arena promoters who thought Threepio was 3PX tried to make him fight in a droid death match. 3PX later sacrificed himself to save 3PO.[21]

C-3PO and R2-D2 later went with a police droid named Unit Zed to Nar Shaddaa, where Jace Forno blasted off his left leg below the knee. However, the replacement leg that he got actually contained secret programming that overrode his regular personality. The "new" C-3PO led a droid rebellion against Boonda the Hutt. However, his original programming was later restored when R2-D2 replaced his "possessed" leg.[22] After that, the two droids were owned by an Ithorian botanist named Zorneth[23] and then a diplomat, Councilor Harthan.[24]

Some other masters of the droids during this time included Stigrit Krax, Larka Nimondro, Prince Jagoda,[24] Lott Kemp, Jost Ellon,[25] Vik Idd and Nikki Idd,[26] King Gokus,[27] Van P. Quist,[citation needed] and Tyne.[citation needed] After all their many adventures, the droids finally returned to the Tantive IV. Serving the Rebel Alliance, the droids deactivated an Imperial defense system during the Battle of Wayland, allowing the Alliance Fleet to land on Fresia.[28]

[edit] Early Galactic Civil War (0 BBY–4 ABY)

[edit] Meeting Luke Skywalker

It's alright Artoo, you can trust him. He's our new master.

—C-3PO, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

When the Tantive IV came under attack by Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer Devastator, C-3PO and R2-D2 were launched in an escape pod on the orders of Princess Leia Organa to deliver a secret message to Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi. On Tatooine, C-3PO and R2-D2 were captured by Jawas, taken into their Sandcrawler, and sold to Owen Lars. In the process of being sold, Threepio managed to convince Owen's nephew, Luke Skywalker, son of his creator Anakin Skywalker, to buy Artoo.[12] He would be their forty-third master.[citation needed]

During a conversation with Luke, Threepio revealed to the lad that he and his counterpart were well acquainted with the rebellion against the Empire. While cleaning R2-D2, Luke stumbled across the hidden message from Princess Leia, though C-3PO claimed he had no idea whom she was and that it may have been old data. That night, R2-D2 made a daring escape from the homestead after Luke had removed his restraining bolt. C-3PO attempted to stop him but was unsuccessful. He would later join Luke in his search through the Jundland Wastes. When they did find R2, they were attacked by Tusken Raiders, causing C-3PO to stumble over and have his arm ripped off. Thankfully, Obi-Wan Kenobi had found them and assisted them back to his home, although C-3PO said that there was no need to risk themselves on his account. Soon after being repaired and R2 showing Obi-Wan the message from Leia, they discovered the ruined Sandcrawler and Jawas who had sold him. Luke had sped off to discover that Owen and Beru Lars had been murdered by Imperial stormtroopers, leaving C-3PO and R2-D2 in Luke's care. After traveling to Mos Eisley while evading stormtroopers, C-3PO and R2-D2 escaped on the Millennium Falcon with Luke, Obi-Wan, the ship's captain Han Solo, and his first mate Chewbacca, with whom he would assist R2-D2 against in a game of dejarik. After hearing that Wookiees were known to rip peoples' arms out of their sockets when they lost, he gave R2-D2 one final piece of advice: "let the Wookiee win."[12]

[edit] Entering the Rebellion

We seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life.

—C-3PO to R2, Star Wars Episode III:REVENGE OF THE SITH

Threepio and his allies end up on the Death Star after it is found that their destination, the planet Aldreraan, no longer exists. The droids are left behind in a hangar control center while Luke and Han venture off to rescue the princess. Threepio has trouble with the comlink as the trio are endangered by a closing garbage compactor. R2 reverses the compactor, saving their lives, though Threepio thinks the worst has happened. The sacrifice of Obi-Wan allows the group to escape. [12]

The set up with the Rebel Base on Yavin 4. When Threepio realizes that R2 is going with on the Death Star attack, he tells that he'd better make it back or his life would get boring. R2 suffers damage during the successful attack. Threepio offers to donate any of his parts that would be helpful in his repair. R2-D2 was repaired and looked good as new. It is unknown if C-3PO donated any of his parts.[12]

[edit] On assignment for the Alliance

Help! I think I'm melting. This is all your fault!

—C-3PO to R2, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Following the Battle of Yavin, C-3PO accompanied Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca and R2-D2 on numerous missions for the Alliance. On one such mission, Threepio and Luke encountered the bounty hunter Beilert Valance on Feriae Junction while they were looking for parts to repair Artoo. While exploring Junction City, Threepio and Luke met a man named Skinker who took them to his salvage yard. Unaware of Darth Vader's bounty on himself, Skywalker, and R2-D2, C-3PO and the others fell into a trap. Sensing a trap, Skywalker shoved C-3PO into Skinker's office and dove in after, and then sent the droid out the back way while he tried to hold off the bounty hunter. As Valance was about to deliver the final blow, C-3PO suddenly reappeared and placed himself in front of his master, willing to sacrifice himself to save Skywalker. The boy in turn, concerned for his droid's safety, tried to send him away. Valance, not understanding the droid's actions questioned Threepio. He answered "Certainly it's not widely accepted. But perhaps if it were, even being a cyborg might be easier to bear." Because of Threepio's selfless act, the bounty hunter left them, allowing C-3PO to pick up Skywalker's fallen lightsaber and carry him back to their ship.[29]

During this time, 3PO served as interpreter for and worked with Leia Organa at the Rebels' ring base. He traveled with Luke Skywalker on a mission to Panna to rescue Han Solo for the first time. After arriving on Panna, Threepio and the others encountered the bounty hunter Boba Fett, who was also on the planet seeking to get information from Luke Skywalker about the Rebel Alliance.[30]

C-3PO later related many of these events to Mistress Mnemos, an Alliance BRT Supercomputer, for historical preservation.[31]

[edit] Crisis on Cloud City

Hurry up, goldenrod! Or you're gonna become a permanent resident!

—Han Solo to C-3PO during the escape from Echo Base, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

When the Alliance was transferred to the ice world of Hoth, C-3PO continued to work with Princess Leia on some personal matters such as drying out her clothes in the frozen environment. C-3PO was responsible for identifying the Empire's probot, alerting the Rebels to the Empire's awareness of their location. Things became worse when Luke Skywalker went missing on a scouting mission. After failing to pinpoint his exact location, Threepio could do little but wait until Han Solo returned with the latter. Fortunately, Skywalker was saved due to the efforts of Solo. Soon afterward in the Battle of Hoth, C-3PO escaped with Han Solo in the Millennium Falcon, while his partner joined Luke in his pursuit of the mysterious Yoda.[32]

Shut him up or shut him down!

—Han Solo, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

During this time, C-3PO and Han developed a strange relationship, with C-3PO quoting odds and Han defying them. Normally, Han would have simply shut C-3PO down but due to the mechanical failures on the Falcon, C-3PO was plugged into the ship and communicated with it to determine the problem (which Han took credit for). He would later comment that the Falcon had a most peculiar dialect. After a chase through the Hoth asteroid field, the Falcon escaped to Cloud City on Bespin.[32] While exploring a room almost immediately after his arrival, C-3PO was blasted by a stormtrooper. Vader demanded his memory be retrieved and when he saw his parts, recognized his creation and ordered its destruction.[3] However, after being gone for far too long, Chewbacca headed to the Ugnaught recycling facility where he found the dismembered droid. When Darth Vader revealed his presence to the group, Chewbacca was sent into a holding cell but, after an apparent change of heart from Vader (perhaps part of his resurgent paternal instinct), was permitted to rebuild the droid, which, much to the displeasure of C-3PO, was done poorly. Chewbacca carried the partially-rebuilt C-3PO on his back during Han Solo's encasement in carbonite.[32]

With the help of the city's administrator, Lando Calrissian, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO were able to escape. Although Chewbacca upon instant release attempted to choke Lando for Han Solo's capture, C-3PO apologized for the enraged Wookiee's behavior, which he feared would be the end of him. Having C-3PO on Chewbacca's back was beneficial: when Boba Fett escaped the city with Han Solo, C-3PO notified them of pursuing stormtroopers. Finally, after a chase through the corridors of Cloud City, the group made it to the Millennium Falcon. R2-D2, whom they found after Luke Skywalker arrived to rescue them, unlocked the door to the landing pad under C-3PO's command. After successfully escaping Vader's flagship, the Executor, C-3PO was fully repaired by R2-D2.[32]

[edit] Rescue of Solo and the mission to Endor

If I told you half the things I'd heard about this Jabba the Hutt, you'd probably short circuit!

—C-3PO to R2-D2, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Shortly after escaping Imperials on Cloud City, C-3PO joined in the search for Solo. On one occasion, he and Artoo piloted Han's ship, the Millennium Falcon, and rescued Leia from Prince Xizor.[33]

Roughly a year after escaping Cloud City, Luke commanded C-3PO and R2-D2 to deliver a message to Jabba the Hutt, the gangster who had the encased Han Solo in his palace. Unbeknownst to him, Luke had given the droids to Jabba as a ploy to gain entrance. C-3PO was placed as Jabba's replacement translator while R2-D2 served on his sail barge. C-3PO's first translation for the crime lord was of Boushh claiming the bounty for Chewbacca, whom he had on a chained leash. The meeting became intense when Boushh demanded 50,000 credits and in surprise, Jabba the Hutt smacked C-3PO who then noticed Boushh had a thermal detonator. Fortunately, C-3PO was undamaged and was able to negotiate the deal of 35,000 credits to Boushh (which came as a relief to the paranoid droid).[34] While Boushh was discovered to be Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker infiltrated the palace and killed Jabba's pet rancor in a fierce duel. This angered Jabba and he transferred his court to the sail barge with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca as food for the Sarlacc, while Leia served as Jabba's slave. Just as Luke Skywalker was pushed off the plank, he bounded back up and R2-D2 tossed him his lightsaber. In the midst of the battle, C-3PO was attacked by Salacious B. Crumb, yanking one of his sensors out its socket. Salacious was forced off by R2-D2, which gave C-3PO and R2-D2 a chance to escape the sail barge. Making their way to the platform, R2-D2 pushed C-3PO off and rolled off himself into the sands of the Dune Sea. As the sail barge was burning, the two were quickly rescued and the group headed off planet to the Rebels' gathering on Home One.[34] C-3PO accompanied the strike force to forest moon of Endor to disable the shield generator protecting the Death Star II. When he, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, and R2-D2 were captured by the Ewoks, they thought he was a prophesied god known as the Golden One. Though C-3PO claimed that pretending to be a deity was "against his programming", the droid was brought to Bright Tree Village as an honored guest at a banquet. Meanwhile, his companions were brought to the Ewok village as prisoners, intended to be the main course at a banquet honoring "the Golden One."[34]

Despite the droid's reluctance, Luke Skywalker convinced C-3PO at the banquet to demand that the release of the prisoners. C-3PO told the Ewoks he'd bring down lightning and fire and wrath if his friends were not released. Skywalker then levitated the frightened droid above the clamoring crowd, "proving" to the Ewoks that the droid really did have "magic" powers. Later that night, C-3PO acted as a storyteller, explaining the history and intentions of the Rebels to the tribe. This gained sympathy from the Ewoks and convinced them to help the Rebels at the Battle of Endor.[34] (Ironically, when Luke Skywalker first acquired him, he claimed that he was not a good storyteller.)[12]

C-3PO's part in the Battle of Endor was not yet complete, however. After infiltrating the shield bunker and being captured by Imperial forces, C-3PO began the Ewoks' assault on the Empire by calling over a group of stormtroopers with a false surrender. Chaos ensued as Ewoks jumped from hiding and attacked the Imperials, allowing for Han Solo and Leia to reach the bunker controls. When R2-D2 was forced to assist in infiltrating the bunker, C-3PO nevertheless followed, evading enemy fire. The battle ended with the Death Star II's destruction and the death of the Emperor. C-3PO was present at the celebration afterward.[34]

[edit] Post Galactic Civil War (4 ABY–24 ABY)

I'm sorry, but being blown up is not my primary function!

—C-3PO

After the Battle of Endor and the destruction of the second Death Star, C-3PO continued to travel with his permanent partner, now his friend. C-3PO would assist Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and their allies in the Alliance (and later, the New Republic) on many missions. At Bakura, he translated Ssi-ruuvi, the language of the Ssi-ruuk, to aid the Alliance.[35] C-3PO and R2-D2 were also members of Senate Planetary Intelligence Network (SPIN) for a short time, and underwent transformation by the Droid Modification Team to be disguised as Kessel droids so that they could infiltrate a gathering of Imperials to find out who was planning to take control of the Empire.[36]

In 8 ABY, C-3PO was led to believe that Han Solo was actually the King of Corellia during Solo's competition with Isolder for Leia's hand in marriage. Threepio agreed to assist Solo in his efforts, as one of his functions was as a counselor droid, but was shocked when the Corellian kidnapped the princess and took her to Dathomir. Present with Han on this crazed adventure, Threepio continued to present Han in the best possible light and wrote a song (with at least fifteen verses) for Han Solo entitled "The Virtues of King Han Solo." He surprised everyone when he performed the song, which he not only sang (in a voice reminiscent of that of popular vocalist Jukas Alim), but backed with the sound of a full symphony orchestra. He later discovered that Solo's newfound royalty was actually untrue. Surviving the hazards of Dathomir and the Imperial occupation fleet, he was present at Han and Leia's wedding.[37]

Shortly afterwards, C-3PO returned to Tatooine where he helped Han and Leia in their search for an Alderaanian moss painting storing a valuable code. It was here that Threepio reunited with Kitster Banai and Wald, childhood friends of Anakin Skywalker. With their help C-3PO and the others discovered Shmi's diary and in it, contained valuable information on the man that became the most feared figure in the galaxy. After reading the diary, Leia remarked that the droid her grandmother described reminded her of Threepio. The code was eventually found and destroyed.[38]

[edit] Caretaker of the Solo children

I do not overrate my importance! I daresay I am the most humble droid I know.

—C-3PO to TDL-3.5, The New Rebellion

Threepio later went to Honoghr with Leia during the Thrawn Crisis during her quest with Khabarakh to discover what had caused the plight of the Noghri. Threepio was forced to hide with Leia and Chewbacca when Imperial forces arrived overhead,[39] but later returned with Leia to Coruscant, where she gave birth to Jaina and Jacen Solo. Threepio would serve as caretaker for both the twins, and later Anakin Solo as well. To keep herself from being overwhelmed by the tasks that confronted her, Leia would enlist C-3PO's help. The protocol droid had uploaded information regarding child-rearing into his memory banks and would meet the challenge with an initial enthusiasm but mixed results. In an attempt to hide Leia from Imperial kidnappers, Threepio was temporarily reprogrammed by Lando on Nkllon to sound exactly like Leia. However, the Empire, led by Grand Admiral Thrawn, saw through the deception. Threepio also accompanied Han, Lando, Artoo, Luke, Chewbacca, and Mara Jade to Wayland on a mission to destroy the Mount Tantiss storehouse. Thanks to Threepio and some Noghri, the party was able to recruit aid from the local Psadans and Myneyrshi and destroy the storehouse.[40]

The team of C-3PO and Chewbacca would typically take care of Jacen and Jaina when their parents were away. C-3PO would recite stories such as The Little Lost Bantha Cub and take them on field trips along with Chewbacca, who would keep an eye on them. On one such instance though, while attending a diplomatic reception, the twins started playing near a tentacle-cactus. When Threepio went to retrieve them, he himself became entangled in the plant, but was eventually saved.[41]

In another particularly dangerous experience for the Solo twins, they escaped from Chewbacca's and Threepio's watch during a trip to the Holographic Zoo of Extinct Animals on Coruscant and ended up in the sub-levels of Coruscant. Distraught, Threepio frantically searched for them, but they had been found by King Onibald Daykim and were reunited with their parents.[42]

In 10.5 ABY, Emperor Palpatine was resurrected through the use of cloning technology. However, the clones became faulty due to the tampering of his DNA by Carnor Jax, this forced Palpatine to target Leia and her unborn child as he needed to possess the child's body. After fleeing to Nespis VII, Leia gave birth to a son she named Anakin after his grandfather.[43] While on Nespis VII, Threepio and Artoo were nearly destroyed after they spotted an Imperial installing a homing beacon on the Millennium Falcon. They were saved due to the timely arrival of Captain Solo and Chewbacca. Unfortunately, the reborn Emperor and his fleet discovered the Alliance's existence, leading C-3PO and the others to flee to Iziz, a city on the planet of Onderon. Palpatine eventually found them but was shot in the back by Han. He was finally destroyed when Empatojayos Brand sacrificed himself to save Anakin.[44]

Threepio and Artoo later accompanied Leia on a diplomatic mission to Nam Chorios but were unable to save her from being drugged and kidnapped. They also could not stop the Death Seed plague from being unleashed on the crew by Seti Ashgad and Dzym. Taking flight with one of the few surviving crewbeings, the two fled in a small ship, but the crewman died and they were stolen. Eventually rescued by Han and Lando, the two droids finally managed to convey their message for help, though the sector was rife with chaos due to the plague.[45]

In 14 ABY, C-3PO accompanied Master Skywalker and Han Solo on their mission to Crseih Station to investigate rumors of a healing cult, and the possible existence of Jedi trainees. Instead of finding Jedi trainees, they found Waru, a creature from another dimension. Though astonished at first, Threepio and the others soon learned of Waru's alliance with Lord Hethrir and the kidnapping of the Solo children. Fortunately, Hethrir was destroyed following a confrontation with Leia, Han, and Luke while Waru returned to his dimension.[46]

[edit] Later missions

In addition to becoming the caretaker of the Solo children, C-3PO would also undertake several missions with his family and friends. In 16 ABY, Threepio accompanied Lando Calrissian, R2-D2, and Lando's associate Lobot on a mission to investigate the mysteries of the runaway alien ship known as the Teljkon Vagabond. After a long exploration of the ship's innards, and some minor damage to Threepio's circuitry, the team discovered that the ship actually contained the last vestiges of the Quella civilization.[47]

In 17 ABY, during the Kueller crisis, Threepio along with Artoo and a young mechanic named Cole Fardreamer, was instrumental in stopping Kueller from regaining power by disabling the explosive devices he had placed in a large number of droids.[48]

A year later, Threepio accompanied the Solos on a vacation to Corellia. During the outbreak of the First Corellian Insurrection, Threepio and Chewbacca managed to get Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin away from the burning Corona House.[49] Threepio also accompanied Luke, Gaeriel Captison, Belindi Kalenda, and Lando to Centerpoint Station, and alerted them to the fact that the temperature inside Hollowtown was increasing to dangerously high levels.[50] C-3PO also participated in Talon Karrde's expedition to the Kathol Sector to find Jorj Car'das, serving as a translator particularly in Old Tarmidian.[51]

[edit] Yuuzhan Vong War and the Dark Nest Crisis (25 ABY–36 ABY)

There are few occasions when I envy humans, but this is certainly one of them.

—C-3PO at the aftermath of the Second Battle of Coruscant, The Unifying Force

With the onset of the Yuuzhan Vong War and the stirring up of much anti-droid frenzy, C-3PO entered a phase of contemplation regarding his own mortality, and his place in a biological society. Evidence indicates that he may have emerged from the Vong war more assertive and less tolerant of abuse from his biological companions—from Captain Solo in particular. Despite his inner conflict, Threepio continued to participate in the war effort. He was the one who was able to translate the Yuuzhan Vong language which benefited the New Republic greatly. When Viqi Shesh, accompanied by a group of Yuuzhan Vong infiltrators attempted to break into the Solo apartment, Threepio was waiting for them and lead them to a trap; they were immediately surrounded by Noghri bodyguards and dealt with, though Shesh escaped. C-3PO would also have a huge role in the war, saving Luke's infant son, Ben Skywalker, from Viqi Shesh after he was captured. In 30 ABY, Threepio participated in the Liberation of Coruscant, where he and Artoo helped Han, Leia, and the Priest Harrar, pilot the Millennium Falcon into an opening at the Well of the World Brain.

[edit] Confederation-Galactic Alliance War

In the years following the Yuuzhan Vong War, C-3PO still served the Solos and was often at odds with Han Solo. During a tour around the Solos' new home, C-3PO was outsmarted by a teenage Ben Skywalker and felt embarrassed.

During the Confederation-Galactic Alliance War C-3PO was left alone in the Solos' as Leia and Han were not allowed on Coruscant as they had betrayed the Galactic Alliance. Similarly, they were seen as enemies of the state on Corellia, and had a bounty placed on their heads by Thrackan Sal-Solo. Eventually Threepio was allowed to join the Solos on the Falcon. The three were summoned to the Kiris Asteroid Cluster, where they met with Wedge Antilles and Dur Gejjen. During their meeting, Threepio attempted to record their meeting but was asked to leave by Leia. He later learned of the Corellians' plan to draw out the Queen Mother using the Solos though Threepio was highly against Han's role in the plan which was to be a decoy. He felt Captain Solo would embarrass not only himself but Leia as well if they executed the plan. Shortly thereafter, Threepio accompanied the Solos on their diplomatic mission to Hapes where they expected to meet with her to discuss her role in the war. Unfortunately, the Solos and Threepio were forced to make a hasty retreat once they were caught up in an attack on Tenel Ka's life.

Shortly afterwards, the Solos encountered the assassin, Nashtah (actually Aurra Sing), who tried to assassinate Tenel Ka in the Hapan Palace. Because the Solos were seen leaving with Nashtah, they were suspected of being involved in the plot to kill Tenel Ka and her daughter, Allana. Unbeknownst to Threepio, the real reason for their temporary allegiance with the assassin was to draw out the coup's leader. Chased after by Hapan security guards, the four went deep in Hapan space where the Solos met Lalu Morwan, who was the one who hired Sing for the job. On the Falcon Morwan explained to the group the reason for her wanting to kill Tenel Ka and her affiliation with the Heritage Council. Despite Lalu's dislike of the droid, the two worked together briefly to heal Captain Solo's badly damaged arm. As part of the plan to pass on valuable information to the Queen Mother, Threepio was tasked with watching Morwan to make sure she didn't discover the Solos' true intentions. However, things turned ugly when Han was forced to disable Lalu by punching her in the nose. The trio and Falcon then unexpectedly entered the Battle of Hapes where they were shot upon by the Anakin Solo, commanded by Jacen, though they were able to escape. While the Millennium Falcon was being repaired at a Tendrando Arms space station at Gyndine, Threepio was left to watch and catalog all the mechanics did to the Falcon. He later rejoined Han and Leia after the Falcon's repair was complete.

[edit] Chronological list of owners

In fact, on occasion, I have been called upon to perform unexpected functions in circumstances which would have appalled my designers.

—C-3PO to Luke Skywalker on Tatooine, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (novel)

The following is a chronological list of owners. When a being's name appears twice, it means that Threepio fell out of their possession, and then later returned.

[edit] Owners with an unknown place in the chronology

  • Tyne

[edit] Behind the scenes

C-3PO was voiced by Anthony Daniels in all six Star Wars films. In Episode I, someone else puppeteered the skeletal C-3PO model, and the puppeteer was then digitally removed in post-production. For Episode II Daniels requested to take over the puppeteering duties, but those scenes were edited out and replaced with Daniels voicing the C-3PO model during post-production. Daniels gave the voice, wore the costume during principal photography, and provided the voice from Episodes III to VI.

Daniels also performed the voice C-3PO in the live-action segments of The Star Wars Holiday Special, while only voicing the character in the animated portion. He was also the voice of the character in the two Star Wars animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars and Star Wars: Droids, as well as in the radio drama adaptations of the three films of the original trilogy.

Daniels reprised C-3PO for the Disneyland thrill ride Star Tours, which was co-created by George Lucas in 1987. He was videotaped while recording the dialogue, and this tape served as reference for the Imagineers to program the Audio-Animatronic C-3PO in the queue area. Daniels also donned the costume for certain video segments played before and after the simulator ride itself, and also portrayed an electronically disguised Ewokese announcer heard in the queue area. Daniels also appeared in the C-3PO costume for various promotional materials for Star Tours, including the electronic presskit, a Disney special on Star Tours hosted by Gil Gerard, and various opening day skits. When Star Tours opened a bilingual version at Disneyland Paris, Daniels re-recorded C-3PO's dialogue in French... (although none of his French movie voice actors included Daniels) but he does not voice the Tokyo C-3PO.

Daniels made several appearances as 3PO on numerous TV shows and commercials, most notably on a Star Wars-themed episode of The Donny and Marie Show in 1977, on a Star Wars-themed episode of The Muppet Show in 1980, and on three episodes of Sesame Street.

Daniels revealed that initially he did not agree to be cast as a robot he imagined to be just a mindless box on legs, as was the stereotypical robots in many of the science fiction stories of the time. He changed his mind after reading 3PO's part in the script and seeing a concept painting by Ralph McQuarrie, understanding this robot had a personality.[citation needed]

Many fans believe that older accounts of Threepio's creation on Affa in 112 BBY have been overruled by his portrayal in The Phantom Menace. In fact, the older version of Threepio's origin also originated with George Lucas, and both versions were harmonized from the outset: in 1977, Lucas provided a guide for early Expanded Universe creators, in which Threepio's origin on Affa was established, and also the fact that he was "totally reassembled by a young boy working for a junk dealer" before joining the Alderaanian diplomatic corps "several years" later, around 20 BBY. While some of the early material in this guide has been superseded, there is no reason for discarding this particular plot-point.

C-3PO's name is often misspelled (even in official sources) as "C-3P0" (with a zero instead of the letter "O").

In the Italian version of the original trilogy, C-3PO's name is changed to D-3BO. The original name was restored in the new trilogy. In the French version of the original trilogy, the name is Z-6PO, but the original name was restored in the new trilogy as well, like most characters (except for Darth Vader and a few others in France).

C-3PO is the first character to speak in A New Hope ("Did you hear that? They've shut down the main reactor. We'll be destroyed for sure!") and the last character to speak in Revenge of the Sith ("What? Oh, no."), giving C-3PO the honor of having the first and last words in the Star Wars movie saga (taking the films in the order they were made).

He was spoofed as Dot Matrix, voiced by entertainment host Joan Rivers in Spaceballs. Although Dot Matrix is female, her gait, design and color resemble C-3PO's.

[edit] Appearances

Names in bold italics indicate major theatrical releases.

(Moldovan)

(Moldovan)

(Moldovan)

(Moldovan)

[edit] Non-canon appearances

[edit] Sources

  • Star Wars Customizable Card Game: Premiere Limited
  • Episode I: The Visual Dictionary
  • Attack of the Clones: The Visual Dictionary
  • Revenge of the Sith: The Visual Dictionary
  • Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary
  • Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary
  • Inside the Worlds of Star Wars Episode I
  • Inside the Worlds of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
  • Inside the Worlds of Star Wars Trilogy
  • Star Wars: Complete Locations
  • Star Wars Encyclopedia
  • A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, First Edition
  • A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, Second Edition
  • A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, Third Edition
  • The Official Star Wars Fact File
  • The New Essential Chronology
  • The New Essential Guide to Characters
  • The Essential Guide to Characters
  • The Essential Guide to Planets and Moons
  • Diplomatic Corps Entrance Exam
  • Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Movie Scrapbook
  • Star Wars Roleplaying Game
  • Star Wars Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook
  • Star Wars Technical Journal (Volume One)
  • Star Wars: The Power of Myth
  • Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide
  • The Art of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (excerpt)
  • The Art of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  • The Art of the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition
  • The Making of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  • Tzhe Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film
  • The Rebel Alliance Scrapbook
  • The Ultimate Star Wars Episode I Sticker Book
  • The New Essential Guide to Droids
  • The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
  • Star Wars Miniatures: Rebel Storm
  • Star Wars Miniatures: Bounty Hunters
  • Skywalking: The Life and Films of George Lucas
  • X-wing: The Official Strategy Guide

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ Andy Mangels, Star Wars: the essential guide to characters, 1st edition published November 1995, ISBN 0-345-39535-2; pg 16, the "C-3PO" entry, infobox.
  2. ^ a b c C-3PO in the Star Wars Databank
  3. ^ a b c Thank_the_Maker! on Wookieepedia, a Wikia wiki
  4. ^ a b c Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (Novelization)
  5. ^ a b Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  6. ^ Star Wars Republic: The New Face of War
  7. ^ Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 15
  8. ^ Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 16
  9. ^ Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 1
  10. ^ Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 23
  11. ^ a b Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  12. ^ a b c d e f Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
  13. ^ Dark Empire Sourcebook
  14. ^ Corla Metonae in the Databank
  15. ^ Star Wars Droids 3: The Scarlet Pirate
  16. ^ Star Wars: Droids: The White Witch
  17. ^ Star Wars: Droids: A Race to the Finish
  18. ^ Star Wars: Droids: The Lost Prince
  19. ^ Star Wars: Droids: The Great Heep (parts one and two)
  20. ^ Star Wars: Droids: The Roon Games
  21. ^ Star Wars Droids: The Kalarba Adventures
  22. ^ Star Wars Droids: Rebellion
  23. ^ Star Wars Droids: Season of Revolt
  24. ^ a b Star Wars Droids: The Protocol Offensive
  25. ^ Star Wars Droids 1: The Destroyer
  26. ^ Star Wars Droids 2: The Ultimate Weapon
  27. ^ Star Wars Droids 4: Lost in Time
  28. ^ Star Wars: Empire at War
  29. ^ Marvel Star Wars 27: Return of the Hunter
  30. ^ The Star Wars Holiday Special
  31. ^ Gambler's World
  32. ^ a b c d Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
  33. ^ Shadows of the Empire
  34. ^ a b c d e Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
  35. ^ The Truce at Bakura
  36. ^ The Glove of Darth Vader
  37. ^ The Courtship of Princess Leia
  38. ^ Tatooine Ghost
  39. ^ Dark Force Rising
  40. ^ The Last Command
  41. ^ Jedi Search
  42. ^ Dark Apprentice
  43. ^ Dark Empire II
  44. ^ Empire's End
  45. ^ Planet of Twilight
  46. ^ The Crystal Star
  47. ^ The Black Fleet Crisis
  48. ^ The New Rebellion
  49. ^ Ambush at Corellia
  50. ^ Showdown at Centerpoint
  51. ^ Vision of the Future

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