Why Audiences Reject Overpowered Characters: Lessons from Rey Skywalker

Rey Skywalker, the heroine of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, was hailed as a strong, independent character. But as the series progressed, some fans felt disconnected from her, particularly due to her seemingly limitless powers. Rey was introduced as a scavenger, a young woman with no apparent training, yet by the end of the trilogy, she was a match for seasoned Jedi like Kylo Ren, and even seemed to possess the ability to perform feats that other characters could only dream of. The issue with Rey isn’t that she’s powerful—it’s that her power came too easily. Viewers enjoy seeing characters struggle, fail, and grow, but Rey’s development often felt rushed. She faced little to no real challenge in earning her abilities, and the stakes were never high enough to make her journey feel earned. Overpowered characters like Rey can sometimes feel like they don’t have to work for their success, which removes the tension and drama that make stories compelling. Audiences want to see growth, vulnerability, and human struggles, not just characters who are “born to be great.” Rey’s journey lacked the emotional depth and challenges that help an audience connect with her on a deeper level, making her powers feel unearned.