So I’ve been watching parts of the original Star Wars with my young son as he’s been getting into it. I realized there is some great typology and examples of how people deal with conflict, stress, or adversity. So here we go:
Luke Skywalker: The Whiner
Degenerates into complaining and whining when things don’t go their way.
Quote: “But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!”
Princess Leia: The Reactor
Responds reactively to uncomfortability with hostility and aggression
Quote: “I don’t know where you get your delusions laser brain.”
“Can someone get this walking carpet out of my way?”
Han Solo: The Delusional Narcissis
Interprets everything to come out as the ultimate winner in every situation. Sees things through self-absorbed lens.
Quote: “I had everything under control until you led us down here.”
“Sometimes I even amaze myself.”
“Better her than me.”
C-3PO: The Blamer
Always must find the origin of problems in somebody else. Usually includes a measure of whining. Victim complex.
Quote: “This is all your fault.”
“This is all your fault.”
“This is all his fault.”
Chewbacca: The Incoherent Babbler
When things get hard or tense, the mouth sometimes opens but nothing helpful ever makes it out. They never are able to share enough to be known or really know others. They are resigned to permanent sidekick status in life.
Quote: “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargghhh!”
R2D2: The Person (Droid) of Action
Doesn’t fall for all the BS around him/her. Just stays the course and courageously does what he needs to do despite the nonsense or chaos going on.
Quote: “Assorted beeps and clicks.”
Obi-Wan Kenobi: The Sacrificial Leader
The mature one who knows when it’s time to take one for the team. This would be a positive example of sacrifice in comparison to the victim martyr complex often demonstrated by C-3PO.
Quote: “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can imagine.”
(Bonus)
Sandpeople: The Bandwagon Coward
Courageous as long as he or she’s got a posse behind them. Total coward when standing on their own and easily intimidated.
Quote: “Aaarp. Aarp. Aarp…”
I’m sure your life is better now for having read that. This is some of what happens you’ve seen a movie dozens of times 🙂
So the question is, “Do you see yourself in Star Wars: A New Hope?”