Note: This post started when I casually mentioned to my AI assistant that my favourite Star Wars character is Rotta the Hutt. What followed was an unexpectedly thoughtful discussion about identity, family legacies, and why a former baby Hutt managed to become one of the most relatable characters in the galaxy. The Star Wars opinions are mine. The psychological unpacking was a team effort. 😄
A few days ago, I had an interesting conversation with my ChatGPT. The discussion started with me asking about Star Wars characters and the types of personalities that tend to like them.
ChatGPT described that fans of Din Djarin might value loyalty and responsibility; fans of Ahsoka might admire independence and integrity; and fans of Obi-Wan might appreciate wisdom and resilience.
Then ChatGPT asked me: So, who's your favourite character? Can you guess what was my answer?
Rotta the Hutt
For those unfamiliar with Star Wars lore, Rotta is the son of Jabba the Hutt. And I meant Rotta the Hutt from the 2026 movie, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.
What I find most interesting about Rotta is that he seems determined not to become his father. For context: Jabba the Hutt is an untouchable, ruthless mob boss in Star Wars.
In The Mandalorian and Grogu movie, the scene (spoiler alert!) that really stayed with me was when he chose to remain behind and help the New Republic. It wasn't a flashy or heroic moment. It was simply a choice to do something different from what people might have expected of a Hutt.
ChatGPT suggested that perhaps the character resonated with me because of my own experiences growing up. Like many people who grew up with challenging family dynamics, part of my identity was shaped by what I wanted to avoid; for example, not wanting to repeat certain behaviours or to make the same mistakes and decisions.
I had never connected those thoughts to a Star Wars character before. Yet when I look at Rotta's story, I can see why it resonates. He inherited a reputation and certain expectations and assumptions about who he would become. Instead, he chose a different path.
What Fictional Characters Reveal About Us
Of course, this is where fiction and real life differ. In real life, change is usually much messier than a character arc. There isn't a single defining moment when we suddenly become a different person.
Instead, we make hundreds of small decisions over many years, e.g., who we spend time with, how we treat people, what values we prioritise, and how we respond when life becomes difficult.
I used to avoid becoming the person I didn't want to become. These days, I think I'm more motivated in becoming the kind of person I respect, i.e., someone who keeps learning and contributes meaningfully through her work.
Perhaps that is why I like Rotta. Not just because he rejected his father's legacy, but because he chose to build his own.
I guess that's why certain characters stay with us. It's not because they are the strongest or the most heroic, but because they reflect questions we have been asking ourselves all along.
For me, Rotta's story is not really about a Hutt choosing a different path.
We are not limited to the stories we inherit. We are also shaped by the choices we make, and sometimes, those choices matter more than where we started.
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