Kylo Ren
Played by Adam Driver, Kylo Ren could probably be considered the lead antagonist of The Force Awakens – although he is not the most senior figure in The First Order. His character is one that makes one of the biggest differences between The Force Awakens and its predecessor, A New Hope. While he is, effectively, the Darth Vader of the new chapter, he is a very immature version – almost as if the Anakin Skywalker of the opening acts of Attack Of The Clones were already wearing Darth Vader’s suit.
He has all the bearing of a privileged, petulant teenager, thanks to his manipulation by Emperor Snoke. He is powerful in his access and use of The Force, but he lacks the discipline and focus of Vader, and indeed of his rival in the ranks, General Hux. He is, in effect, a hired thug, or an enforcer. This is an interesting direction for the character, given his heritage.
Kylo Ren is revealed to be Ben Solo – son of Han Solo and Princess Leia (now General Leia Organa), and grandson of Darth Vader. Emperor Snoke’s radicalization of the young Skywalker has resulted in an obsession with Vader, and a desire to succeed him as a legend in the galactic battle for power. The difference is that Ren is convinced that he is powerful enough to achieve the very thing that Vader repeatedly failed at – the seizure and maintenance of absolute power for his Emperor.
To that end, Ren is seen to be far more unstable in terms of psychological make-up and is prone to outbursts of anger that resemble particularly explosive temper tantrums. He is also far more blood-thirsty and his obsession with the mysterious location of Luke Skywalker is used against him by General Hux in the attempt to curry favour with Emperor Snoke.
