How Snoke Could Have Been a More Memorable Villain in the Star Wars Franchise

When discussing the Star Wars saga, one of the more divisive aspects is the character of Snoke. Many fans, even those deeply invested in the franchise, found him underdeveloped and unsatisfactory as a villain. In this article, we will explore how a few key elements could have improved Snoke's character, making him a more compelling antagonist in the Star Wars universe. We'll analyze his character design, backstory, and the impact of writing choices, comparing him to the iconic villain Anakin/Vader to highlight opportunities for improvement.

The Importance of Backstory and Connection

One of the primary criticisms of Snoke was the lack of clear backstory and connection to other key characters and elements in the franchise. Without strong ties to the existing narrative, Snoke struggled to capture the audience's imagination. A more detailed backstory, especially linking him to Emperor Palpatine, would have provided a firm foundation for understanding his motivations and actions.

Showing Snoke's origins and his relationship with Palpatine could have added depth to his character. For example, the revelation of his role in manipulating Kylo Ren (then known as Ben Solo) could have been more integral to the plot. This would have allowed the audience to understand the villain's manipulative nature, making his eventual confrontation with Rey and the other heroes more impactful and satisfying.

The Challenges of Character Design and Presence

Another significant issue with Snoke was his physical appearance. The character's design was often criticized as generic and unimpressive. Snoke's appearance on screen was often played for laughs, which detracted from the seriousness of his role as the primary antagonist. A well-designed and intimidating character presence can make a villain more memorable and terrifying.

Comparing Snoke to Anakin/Vader, we see a stark contrast in design choices. While Vader's iconic armor and Villainous presence were carefully crafted to instill fear and awe, Snoke's design was far less compelling. His appearance as a melted, generic figure did not align with the grandeur and otherworldliness expected from a franchise focused on high stakes, epic conflicts. A more visually striking and menacing appearance could have made Snoke a more formidable and intriguing villain.

Enhancing Writing and Dialog

The quality of writing and dialog also plays a crucial role in a character's impact. During his brief time as a major antagonist, Snoke's dialog felt uninspired and failed to resonate with the audience in the same way that Vader's did. The imbalance in the writing between the two characters was noticeable, and it impacted how each villain was perceived by fans.

One of the major criticisms of Snoke's writing is the rushed and underdeveloped character arc. Given the opportunity, his complex relationship with Palpatine and his role in the rise of Kylo Ren could have been explored in more depth, creating a more substantial and believable character. In comparison, Vader's character arc, from a powerful Jedi to a feared Sith Lord, was both nuanced and dramatic, making him a timeless and influential villain.

Conclusion and Reflection

While the Star Wars franchise has many iconic villains, Snoke remains a controversial and somewhat disappointing figure despite the potential for greatness. By focusing on a richer backstory, more compelling character design, and improving the writing and dialog, Snoke could have been transformed from a one-dimensional antagonist into a more memorable and terrifying villain.

Ultimately, what would have been necessary to make Snoke a better character and villain is a well-crafted backstory, a visually and conceptually impressive design, and top-notch writing that connects with the audience on an emotional level. These are the elements that make a villain memorable and impactful in any narrative, and they are key to creating a truly memorable villain in the Star Wars universe.