How does Thrawn compare to Darth Vader or the Emperor as an antagonist/villain? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How do the politics of Heir to the Empire affect, maintain, or change the adventure-story tone that the original movie trilogy set?

What is Pellaeon’s narrative role in Heir to the Empire? How does he affect the story? In what ways does he serve as a foil to Thrawn, the novel’s primary antagonist?

What are the roles of C-3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca? How do they affect the narrative and what does each of their characters contribute to the theme of Loyalty and Trust running through the narrative?

How does Thrawn’s status as a non-human affect the story? How might it affect Zahn’s characterization of him? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

The original Star Wars trilogy is often defined as science fantasy rather than science fiction. How would you define the Thrawn trilogy, and why?

How have Luke and Leia’s relationships with the Force changed since the original movies, and how do those changes affect their lives in this narrative?

What is the role of loneliness and isolation in the novel? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.