The galaxy is often shaped by those who make choices, whether to embrace freedom or enforce tyranny. Finn, portrayed by John Boyega, and General Armitage Hux, brought to life by Domhnall Gleeson, are two characters who stand on opposite sides of this struggle. Both emerged from the First Order, yet their paths could not be more different. One chose rebellion and hope, while the other remained loyal to control and power. Their journey through the Star Wars saga is a tale of contrasts, betrayal, and the ultimate fight for the galaxy.
The Rise of Finn: From Stormtrooper to Rebel
Finn began life as FN-2187, a stormtrooper conditioned from birth by the First Order. Like all stormtroopers, FN-2187 was taken as a child and trained to serve Supreme Leader Snoke’s forces without question. The conditioning was harsh, designed to create soldiers who would obey any order without hesitation. For years, Finn followed orders, living as part of a system that sought to dominate the galaxy.
Everything changed during a mission to the village of Tuanul on Jakku. The First Order launched a brutal attack under the command of Kylo Ren and General Hux. FN-2187 witnessed the massacre of innocent civilians. For the first time, something inside him broke free. The helmet that had once been a shield now felt suffocating. A moment of hesitation during that mission marked the beginning of his awakening.
Seeking a way out, FN-2187 made a daring choice. Capturing Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, he revealed his intention to defect. Poe gave FN-2187 a name: Finn. Together, they escaped the Star Destroyer Finalizer, crash-landing on Jakku. Finn’s journey from stormtrooper to rebel had begun.
Joining the Resistance was not easy. Haunted by the First Order’s reach and unsure of his place in the galaxy, Finn struggled with his identity. The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa, gave him purpose. Finn fought alongside Rey, Poe, and others to dismantle the First Order. Battles on Starkiller Base and later Crait proved his loyalty to the cause. Finn wielded a lightsaber briefly during the duel with Kylo Ren, though he lacked the training of a Jedi. The courage shown in those moments cemented Finn’s role as a hero.
General Hux: The First Order’s Ruthless Strategist
General Hux, the son of Imperial officer Brendol Hux, was raised with a single purpose: to restore the Empire’s vision through the First Order. Armitage Hux inherited his father’s cold, calculating nature and deep belief in the First Order’s supremacy. Unlike Kylo Ren, Hux’s loyalty was not rooted in the Force or mysticism. His faith was in military power, technology, and absolute order.
As one of the First Order’s highest-ranking officers, Hux commanded immense resources. The Starkiller Base project became a symbol of his ambition and ruthlessness. Overseeing the base’s construction, Hux sought to destroy the New Republic and the Resistance in one strike. During the attack on Hosnian Prime, Hux delivered a chilling speech before unleashing Starkiller Base’s power. The destruction of an entire system displayed his unwavering commitment to the First Order’s cause.
While Hux thrived on order and discipline, his relationship with Kylo Ren remained strained. The two competed for Snoke’s favor, each seeking dominance within the First Order. Hux viewed Kylo’s reliance on the Force as a weakness, while Kylo saw Hux as nothing more than a tool. This rivalry deepened after Supreme Leader Snoke’s death, leaving Kylo in command.
Despite outward loyalty, Hux’s resentment grew. The ideals of the First Order were more important than its leadership. This belief led to his ultimate betrayal, but not out of compassion for the Resistance. Hux sought revenge against Kylo Ren and the chaos caused by his rule.
The Stark Contrast Between Finn and Hux
Finn and General Hux represent two sides of the same conflict. Both began their journeys within the First Order but chose vastly different paths. One broke free to fight for freedom, while the other clung to power, driven by ambition and ideology.
Finn’s choice to abandon his conditioning highlights his humanity. The First Order’s grip on its soldiers was nearly unbreakable, yet Finn overcame it. Through friendships with Rey, Poe, and even Rose Tico, Finn found a reason to fight. His actions inspired hope in others and weakened the First Order from within.
Hux, by contrast, exemplifies the dangers of blind loyalty and ambition. A product of the Empire’s remnants, Hux never questioned the First Order’s methods. The destruction of entire planets, the use of child soldiers, and the oppression of countless systems were justified in his eyes. Even Hux’s betrayal of Kylo Ren was motivated by self-interest rather than a desire to end the First Order’s tyranny.
Legacy in the Star Wars Saga
Finn became a symbol of defiance against tyranny. As a stormtrooper who chose the path of freedom, Finn’s story resonates with the idea that anyone can make a difference. The bravery shown in battles against the First Order, alongside the friendships formed with Resistance allies, left a lasting impact on the galaxy.
General Hux, though ultimately betrayed by his own hubris, played a pivotal role in the First Order’s rise and fall. The technological achievements and military campaigns led by Hux shaped much of the conflict during the sequel trilogy. The rivalry with Kylo Ren remains a key element of the First Order’s internal struggles, ultimately contributing to its collapse.
Two individuals from the same organization, yet their choices determined their legacies. Finn and General Hux stand as testaments to the enduring battle between freedom and oppression in the Star Wars galaxy.
