The Catalyst Hero is one of many heroic archetypes and is often referred to as the Magician or Visionary. The term “catalyst” has scientific origins: it describes a substance that causes a chemical reaction without itself being effected. Jyn Erso, a key figure in Rogue One—a story steeped in the lore of the scientific development of the Death Star’s superweapon—is just that: a catalyst in the interaction of the Empire and Rebel Alliance. Even the novel Catalyst: A Rogue One Story, a prequel about the events involving the Erso family written by James Luceno, gives a direct nod to the archetype.
It is important to note that Catalysts can be a Hero or an antagonistic Shadow. Often a character will be a Catalyst in one story but shift to a…
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Star Wars Insider: 2019 Special Edition (Digital) - 1 Issue, Star Wars Insider: 2019 Special Edition