The conflict between Finn, played by John Boyega, and Captain Phasma, portrayed by Gwendoline Christie, is one of loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance. As part of the First Order, both characters shared a common beginning, but their choices led them down vastly different paths. Finn’s defection from the First Order became a symbol of rebellion, while Phasma’s relentless pursuit of the traitor embodied the First Order’s unwavering resolve. Their story is one of betrayal, survival, and the fight for freedom in the galaxy.
Finn’s Awakening on Jakku
Finn, originally designated FN-2187, served as a stormtrooper under Captain Phasma’s command. Phasma, known for enforcing absolute discipline and loyalty, oversaw the training and conditioning of stormtroopers. FN-2187, like many others, had been taken from his family as a child and raised to serve the First Order without question. The helmet and armor became symbols of anonymity and obedience.
During a mission to the village of Tuanul on Jakku, FN-2187 participated in the massacre of civilians. The orders came from Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma, ensuring the village was destroyed in the search for a map to Luke Skywalker. However, FN-2187 could not bring himself to fire on unarmed innocents. For the first time, hesitation emerged in the mind of a soldier trained to obey without question.
The guilt and horror of that moment began to break FN-2187’s conditioning. Upon returning to the Star Destroyer Finalizer, Captain Phasma noticed the stormtrooper’s unusual behavior. Orders were given for FN-2187 to submit his weapon for inspection and report for reconditioning. Aware that the process would erase any remaining traces of individuality, FN-2187 chose to defect.
The Escape from the Finalizer
In an act of desperation, FN-2187 freed Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, who had been captured by the First Order. Together, the unlikely pair stole a TIE Fighter and escaped the Finalizer. Poe gave FN-2187 a name: Finn. Crash-landing on Jakku, Finn was separated from Poe but found himself on a path to the Resistance.
Captain Phasma’s reputation as a commander who tolerated no weakness or failure was well-known within the First Order. News of Finn’s betrayal reached Phasma, sparking a personal vendetta. The defection of a stormtrooper under Phasma’s direct command was not only a blow to the First Order’s image but also a challenge to Phasma’s authority. The hunt for Finn began, driven by the need to uphold the First Order’s dominance and to punish the one who dared to break free.
Confrontation on Starkiller Base
The conflict between Finn and Captain Phasma reached a critical point during the Resistance’s attack on Starkiller Base. Finn, now committed to the Resistance, infiltrated the base with Han Solo and Chewbacca to rescue Rey and disable the base’s shields. The mission brought Finn face-to-face with Phasma, who was captured during the infiltration.
Finn forced Phasma to lower Starkiller Base’s shields, enabling the Resistance to destroy the weapon. The interaction revealed Finn’s growth since leaving the First Order. Once a stormtrooper under Phasma’s command, Finn now stood as her equal, using the knowledge of First Order protocols against her. Phasma’s reputation as an unbreakable enforcer of discipline suffered a blow with this act of defiance.
The Final Duel on the Supremacy
The rivalry between Finn and Captain Phasma culminated during the events aboard the Supremacy, Supreme Leader Snoke’s flagship. After the Resistance launched a desperate escape from the First Order, Finn joined forces with Rose Tico to infiltrate the Supremacy and disable its tracking system. The plan failed, leading to the capture of Finn and Rose.
During the ensuing chaos, Finn confronted Captain Phasma in a final duel. The battle symbolized Finn’s journey from a nameless stormtrooper to a Resistance fighter. Armed with an electro-baton, Finn held his ground against Phasma, who wielded her own weapon with deadly precision. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, showcasing the tension and stakes of their rivalry.
Phasma’s armor, made of a rare chromium alloy, provided near-impenetrable protection. However, Finn used his knowledge of the First Order’s tactics and the environment aboard the Supremacy to gain the upper hand. In a critical moment, the floor beneath Phasma collapsed, sending her plummeting into the fire below.
A Story of Rebellion and Obsession
The story of Finn and Captain Phasma highlights the clash between individuality and control. Finn’s decision to break free from the First Order’s conditioning represented the power of choice and humanity. Phasma, in contrast, symbolized the First Order’s relentless grip on its soldiers and its need to enforce order at all costs.
Phasma’s pursuit of Finn was not just about punishing a traitor. The defection of a stormtrooper under Phasma’s command was a personal insult and a challenge to her authority. Her obsession with maintaining the First Order’s image drove her to hunt Finn across the galaxy.
Legacy of Finn and Captain Phasma
Finn’s defection inspired hope within the Resistance. The bravery shown in standing against the First Order, despite years of conditioning, became a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Finn’s actions weakened the First Order from within, exposing vulnerabilities in its seemingly unbreakable structure.
Captain Phasma, though ultimately defeated, left a lasting impression as one of the First Order’s most fearsome commanders. The chromium armor and commanding presence made Phasma an unforgettable figure in the struggle for the galaxy. The pursuit of Finn showcased Phasma’s loyalty to the First Order, even as it became her downfall.
The rivalry between Finn and Captain Phasma stands as a testament to the power of choice and the cost of loyalty in the Star Wars saga.
