This evil creature has worn three faces over the years: Mild but ambitious Senator Palpatine, a representative of Naboo; Darth Sidious, the shadowy Sith lord; and Emperor Palpatine, the Imperial leader consumed with the Dark Side.
Senator Palpatine:
Senator Palpatine embodies patience, making impressions all around with his wisdom on the running of the galaxy. He represents approximately 36 planets, one of which is his homeworld of Naboo. He prefers young Queen Amidala to her predecessor, King Veruna, as he believes her to be more malleable.
When Naboo is blockaded by the Trade Federation, Palpatine advocated pulling aside Chancellor Finis Valorum in favor of someone who would take immediate action concerning the Trade Federation. Queen Amidala, the young ruler of the Naboo, arrived to plead her case, and Palpatine offered repeated suggestions and guidance to the young girl.
After Amidala called for a vote of no-confidence in Chancellor Valorum, Palpatine was one of the candidates nominated, and was subsequently elected. Amidala is uncertain as to his motives and loyalty to his people.
Darth Sidious:
The evil Darth Sidious is in an agreement with the Trade Federation, masterminding their attack on the planet of Naboo. Sidious and his apprentice, Darth Maul, intend to exact revenge on the Jedi Order, revenge that is cut short when Maul is killed in combat with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Emperor Palpatine:
The hideous, Dark-Side-scarred Emperor rules over the corrupted Republic, now the Empire, with a fist of iron. His right hand is the former Jedi Anakin Skywalker, now under the name Darth Vader.
Emperor Palpatine communicates with his pupil via holograms, telling him that "the son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi."
On the second Death Star, the Emperor taunted Luke Skywalker with the possible destruction of the Rebel fleet, and laughed as Vader and Luke clashed lightsabers in a massive battle. But he was disappointed when Luke rejected the Dark Side, declaring himself a Jedi.
The Emperor lashed out with lethal bolts of energy, but did not expect his former pupil to attack. The wounded, one-handed Darth Vader hurled the Emperor Palpatine over the edge of a high-up catwalk, killing him only seconds later.
