Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker is the main protagonist of the original film trilogy of the Star Wars franchise, where he is portrayed by Mark Hamill. Finding himself apprenticed to the Jedi master Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi, he soon becomes an important figure in the Rebel Alliance's struggle against the Galactic Empire. He is heir to a family deeply powerful in the Force, the twin brother of Rebellion leader Princess Leia of the planet Alderaan, and the son of former Queen of Naboo and Republic Senator Padmé Amidala and fallen Jedi turned Sith Lord Darth Vader (formally, Anakin Skywalker).

Behind the Scenes
In early drafts of the Star Wars story, Luke Skywalker's role of farmboy-turned-Jedi hero was filled by Annikin Starkiller, a character who combined the traits of Luke and Prequel-era Anakin Skywalker. The name “Starkiller” was changed to “Skywalker,” which had less violent connotations, late in the script's development. “Starkiller” later became the name of Darth Vader's secret apprentice in the video game the Force Unleashed.

Luke Skywalker was portrayed by Mark Hamill in the Star Wars Original Trilogy, the Star Wars Holiday Special, and other media, including a commercial for the New Jedi Order book series Robot Chicken: Star Wars, and an episode of the Muppet Show. In Revenge of the Sith, Aidan Barton briefly appeared as the infants Luke and Leia. Several voice actors have portrayed Luke in Star Wars radio dramas and video games, including Bob Bergen, Joshua Fardon, and Mark Benninghofen.

Trivia

 * In 2008, the character was selected by Empire magazine as the 54th greatest movie character of all time.
 * Luke is listed at number 14, of the Fandomania.com 100 Greatest Fictional Characters.