Star Words: Episode IV, Part 25

When Luke opens the cell door and finds himself facing the mysterious woman who drew him into this adventure in the first place, he seems at a loss for words. Not so with Leia.

"Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"

This says so much about her character. First off, she isn't fooled by his disguise for a second. She has an acute, well-developed sense of observation, not to mention knowledge of the specifications of Imperial soldiers. Clearly she's an asset to the Rebellion for more reasons than her parentage.

Secondly, even on the verge of execution she retains her acerbic sense of humor. Just look at that expression on her face. What a welcome change from the weepy, swooning damsels of so many other stories. It's followed up with another great exchange. Luke, finally thinking to take off his helmet, gets his big heroic line: "I'm Luke Skywalker; I'm here to rescue you!" .....And Leia replies "You're who?" Because thus far, he's a nobody. That will change, both in Leia's eyes and in the view of the entire galactic conflict, but for now it's a pretty humbling reception. Leia's not here to boost anyone's ego.

Next time, a curiously-worded statement from Tarkin....