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[[folder:Sheev Palpatine/Darth Sidious]]
'''[[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Sheev Palpatine]], God of TheEmpire And TheDarkSide''' (Darth Sidious, Dark Lord Of The Sith, The Emperor, Senator/Supreme Chancellor/Palpatine, ''possibly'' [[Literature/DarthPlagueis Cosinga Palpatine II]][[note]]only in ''Legends'' canon[[/note]], [[HumanoidAbomination "The Shadow"]][[note]]according to Darth Tenebrous[[/note]], [[Literature/DarthPlagueis King of The Beasts]], [[TheAntiChrist The Sith'ari]] ([[DevilComplex self-proclaimed]][[note]]it's actually Darth Bane[[/note]]), [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire The Dark Side]], The Phantom Menace, [[WebVideo/BackstrokeOfTheWest D the Superior, The D, The Pudding, Dark Improbity, Merke, Map, Jehovah the West Four, Paul, Pa El Pattinson, Mahler T, Parkinase]] [[MemeticMutation Frank, Alright, Evil, Too Weak, The]] [[IAmTheNoun Senate]], [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker "All The Sith"]]...or just Palpatine for short)
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/71aedfda_df4e_42d9_94ae_ce0c727997b3.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:As Supreme Chancellor]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/palpatine_wosw_4.png[[/labelnote]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Click here]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_5993.jpg[[/labelnote]] for Palpatine's clone bodies left to right: [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire Legends]] and [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker Canon (initial and rejuvinated)]] incarnations]]
* Greater God
* Symbol: [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sith_symbol.png The Sith Insignia]] and [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/galactic_empire_flag.png the Imperial Crest]]
* Theme Songs: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7c-n4k3XrU The Emperor]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fol9kwQ6-k The Emperor Arrives]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H26Hdv3i0U Emperor's Throne Room]]
* Alignment: NeutralEvil, bordering [[ChaoticEvil Chaotic]] post-resurrection (masqueraded as LawfulGood during the Republic and LawfulEvil during the Empire)
* Portfolio
** In general: '''[[BigBad The Ultimate Villain Of The Skywalker Saga]]''' ([[GreaterScopeVillain even when off-screen]]), ManipulativeBastard ''par excellence'', TheAce of TheDarkSide, [[SatanicArchetype The Galaxy's Very Own Version Of The Devil]], [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Adolf Hitler]], [[NoHistoricalFiguresWereHarmed And To A Lesser Extent Nixon And Augustus]], ImmortalitySeeker, AmbitionIsEvil, DarkIsEvil, TheCorrupter, [[LoveToHate A Fan Favorite For His Sheer]] [[EvilIsCool Epic]] [[CardCarryingVillain And Unapologetic Villainy]] ([[AboveGoodAndEvil though he claims good is a point of view]]), [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness Disposes Of Anyone He No Longer Needs]], EvilOldFolks, PsychoElectro, FauxAffablyEvil ([[BitchInSheepsClothing mainly to hide]] [[TheSociopath what he really is]]), [[WickedCultured A Fan Of The Opera And Culture]], EvilMakesYouUgly, VillainousLegacy, {{Pride}}, EvilCannotComprehendGood and [[{{Sadist}} Sadism]] [[FatalFlaw As His Critical Weak Points]], ThePowerOfHate, [[EvilCounterpart The Evil Equivalent Of Yoda]] [[VilerNewVillain And Worse Version Of His Apprentice]], MysteriousPast [[DefiedTrope with NO]] FreudianExcuse in sight, SquishyWizard, EvilFeelsGood, [[CompleteMonster Quite Possibly The Most Evil Being In All The Galaxy]] ([[StereotypeFlip ironic, given he's from Naboo]]), '''[[EvilIsHammy UNLIMITED POWER!!]]'''
** Applicable before the Empire: WoundedGazelleGambit, SelfMadeMan, [[VillainHasAPoint Not Wrong That The Jedi Have A Problem With Pride Or That There's Republic Corruption]], [[PresidentEvil Chancellor Of The Republic]], ParentalSubstitute ('''[[AbusiveParents not a good one]]'''), [[VillainWithGoodPublicity Pretending That]] RedIsHeroic, EvilAllAlong, BastardUnderstudy turned TheStarscream ([[SlainInTheirSleep ask Plagueis]]), [[FountainOfMemes A Dark Lord Of Memes]], [[FalseFriend Acts As The Iago To Anakin]], SecretIdentityIdentity, XanatosSpeedChess, [[TheBadGuyWins Comes Out Of The Prequel Trilogy Victorious]]
** Applicable during and after to Empire: [[ObviouslyEvil Obviously]] EvilOverlord, [[ModestRoyalty Wears A Simple Black Cloak]], [[VillainousFriendship Extremely Toxic "Friendship" With Vader]] ([[AdaptationalNiceGuy A Trait His Legends Counterpart Lacked]], [[PragmaticVillainy Doesn't Want To "Rule A Galaxy Of The Dead"]], KarmicDeath, [[TakingYouWithMe Operation: Cinder]], BackFromTheDead in both continuities [[KilledOffForReal But Not Forever]], [[SanitySlippage Not As Stable Post-Resurrection]] [[TheCaligula And It Shows]], LukeIAmYourFather ([[GruesomeGrandparent more like "Rey, I Am Your Grandfather"]]), attempted FamilialBodySnatcher [[OffingTheOffspring And Definitive Kinslayer]], CameBackWrong, [[CameBackStrong Then Strong]], [[HatedByAll By The End, The Galaxy Despises Him]], KarmaHoudiniWarranty
** Applicable to Franchise/StarWarsLegends only: [[AdaptationalJerkass Is Even More Unpleasant]] [[HateSink To The Point Of Downright Contemptibility]], AdaptationalBadass as well, AbusiveOffspring, MurderInTheFamily, [[TeensAreMonsters Started As An Impulsive Sociopathic Teenager]], possibly TheAntiChrist, [[FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse His Dad Was An Abusive Jackass, But That Doesn't Excuse]] [[EnfantTerrible ANYTHING]], possible StrawMisogynist, [[DoNotCallMePaul Possibly Called Cosinga, But Doesn't Like It]], DraggedOffToHell
* Domains: Ambition, Despotism, Empire, Military, Manipulation, Subversiveness, Deception, Treachery, The Dark Side, Hatred, Power Lust, Corruption, Evil
* Heralds: His Inner Circle, including but not limited to Grand Vizier Mas Amedda, Ars Dangor, Sate Pestage, Sim Aloo, Janus Greejatus, Sly Moore and Kren Blista-Vanee, [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire The Dark Side Adepts]], [[PuppetKing Supreme Leader Snoke]] ([[UnwittingPawn not that he knows]]), [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker Ochi of Bestoon, General Pryde]]
* Author: [[Pantheon/AdaptationalChanges George Lucas]]
* BastardUnderstudy to: '''[[Pantheon/LifeManipulators Darth Plagueis]]''' (formerly, as his Sith apprentice), [[Pantheon/{{Villainy}} Melkor]] (currently)
* Interested in: [[Pantheon/{{Otherness}} Dis, Godzilla]], [[Pantheon/BetrayalAndTreachery Starscream, Arthas Menethil]], [[Pantheon/{{Derivatives}} The Batman That Laughs]], [[Pantheon/BodilyForm The Venom Symbiote]]
* Allies
** Within the galaxy far, far away: [[Pantheon/MilitaryRanks Captain Phasma]] ([[TheManBehindTheMan by proxy of the First Order]]), '''[[Pantheon/OutlooksOnLife Wilhuff Tarkin]]''', [[Pantheon/TacticsAndStrategies Grand Admiral Thrawn]][[note]]for now[[/note]], [[Pantheon/{{Karma}} Director Orson Krennic]]
** Other allies: [[Pantheon/InfluentialFigures King Cold]] [[Pantheon/{{Transformations}} and his]] [[Pantheon/NarrativeActions sons]], [[Pantheon/VillainousAppearances Aku]], [[Pantheon/{{Mentalism}} Tzeentch]], [[Pantheon/MotivationsForEvil Red Skull]], [[Pantheon/FantasticalLeadership Emperor Palamecia]], [[Pantheon/TyrannicalFigures Big Brother]], [[Pantheon/VillainousAttitude M. Bison]], [[Pantheon/ValuesAndEthics Ghetsis Harmonia]], [[Pantheon/ArcsAndEpisodes Barney Stinson]], [[Pantheon/SelfHatred Lord Drakkon]], [[Pantheon/BodilyForm Lucrezia Mongfish]]
** Former allies: Darth Plagueis (his old master), [[Pantheon/WeaponWielding Maul]] (his first apprentice), [[Pantheon/ActsOfWar Count Dooku/Darth Tyrannus]] (his second apprentice/interim until Vader), [[Pantheon/{{Voices}} Asajj Ventress]] (by proxy via Dooku), [[Pantheon/FamilyDynamics Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader]] (his third apprentice and "prize"), [[Pantheon/RoyaltyOther Nute Gunray]], [[Pantheon/CombatClothing Emir Wat Tambor]], [[Pantheon/MilitaryRanks General Grievous]] (Seperatist Leaders)
* On speaking terms with: [[Pantheon/{{Workmanship}} Mr. Plinkett]]
* TeethClenchedTeamwork with: '''General Grievous''', Babidi
* Rivals: [[Pantheon/FormsOfImmortality Tenebrae]], Thanos, Darkseid, [[Pantheon/EvilActions Davros]], [[Pantheon/ExtraterrestrialAbilities The Combine]], [[Pantheon/ValuesAndEthics The Emperor of Mankind]], [[Pantheon/{{Upbringing}} Charles Zi Britannia]], [[Pantheon/{{Armies}} The Ur-Quan Kzer-Za]], [[Pantheon/WeaponizedAppendages Megatron]]
** FriendlyRivalry with: [[Pantheon/FormsOfImmortality Lord]] [[Pantheon/NamingConvention Voldemort]], [[Pantheon/TyrannicalFigures Sauron]], [[Pantheon/LegacyAndInfluence Thaal Sinestro]]
* Enemies
** [[ArchEnemy Arch-Enemies]]: '''Anakin Skywalker''' (who's life he ruined and who killed him eventually), [[Pantheon/EnergyWeaponry Luke Skywalker]] (for redeeming his father), [[Pantheon/{{Successors}} Rey]] (his granddaughter, who killed him for good), Darth Maul (another life he personally ruined), [[Pantheon/{{Monarchs}} Padme Amidala]] (his main political obstacle and wife of Anakin), [[Pantheon/SpeechNToZ Grandmaster Yoda]] (also TheRival in terms of the Force), Mace Windu (who he killed personally)
** Within the galaxy far, far away: ''Every single one of his former allies'' EXCEPT Grievous, '''[[Pantheon/StarWars EVERY OTHER JEDI]]''', [[Pantheon/StarWars The Rebel Alliance and Resistance]] (most of all [[Pantheon/{{Siblings}} Leia Organa]]), [[Pantheon/{{Successors}} Darths Bane, Zannah]] and [[Pantheon/{{Language}} Nihilus]], [[Pantheon/IntrovertFlaws Kreia]], [[Pantheon/CharacterRoles Jar Jar Binks]], [[Pantheon/PowerMentalities Galen Marek]], [[Pantheon/TraitorArchetypes Nom Anor]], [[Pantheon/{{Destinies}} Ben Solo/Kylo Ren]], [[Pantheon/{{Ambiguity}} The Ones]]
** Politically motivated enemies and "rebels": [[Pantheon/MotivationsForWar Lelouch vi Britannia]], [[Pantheon/SuicideAndSacrifice Suzaku Kururugi]], [[Pantheon/OutlooksOnJob Havelock Vetinari]], [[Pantheon/{{Heroism}} Captain America]], [[Pantheon/MachineryAndTechnology Optimus Prime]], [[Pantheon/ReligiousPractice Josiah Bartlet]], [[Pantheon/{{Colours}} Char Aznable]], [[Pantheon/MilitaryTechnology Ryouma Nagare]], [[Pantheon/WeaponizedTools Team Dai-Gurren]], [[Pantheon/{{Disabilities}} Nunnally Lamperouge]], [[Pantheon/FantasticalLeadership The New Alliance of Free Stars]], [[Pantheon/FantasticalLeadership The Interstellar Alliance Advisory Board]], [[Pantheon/StarTrek the Federation Starfleet]]
** Other enemies: [[Pantheon/HeroicArchetypes Batman]], [[Pantheon/CourageAndVirtue Guy Shishioh]], [[Pantheon/HeroicActions Gandalf]], [[Pantheon/ExtraterrestrialBehaviour the Dalek Empire]], [[Pantheon/UltraSeries the Ultras]], [[Pantheon/FacialAttributes Zordon]], the Pantheon/PowerRangers
* Opposed by: The House of Pantheon/{{Extraterrestrials}}
* Respects: [[Pantheon/MannersOfAuthority Emperor Augustus]] (in a VillainRespect way)
* Dreads: [[Pantheon/AlignmentChanges Iroque]], [[Pantheon/{{Thieves}} The Phantom Thieves of Heart]]
* The RuleOfTwo was meant to ensure each new Sith Lord would be stronger than the last, which ultimately culminated in the Naboo senator Sheev Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious. [[TheAce Though the strongest Sith in Force powers]], his true strength was political intelligence. [[Film/ThePhantomMenace He set up a crisis on Naboo]] to ride the sympathy vote to [[PresidentEvil Supreme Chancellor]], and a decade later [[Film/AttackOfTheClones started a proxy war to gain power]]: the Clone Wars. The Jedi's reputation was stained by the conflict, but the coup de grace was Order 66: [[Film/RevengeOfTheSith after their attempt on his life]], he'd order the clones to kill the Jedi and label the remaining Jedi as traitors...except [[FallenHero for the newly minted Vader]], who'd tie up loose ends [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness like the Separatists]]. Through all this he completed transitioning the Galactic Republic into the military dictatorship known as [[TheEmpire the Galactic Empire]]. [[DespotismJustifiesTheMeans All he wanted was power absolute]], [[TheBadGuyWins and it seemed he had it]]. But Yoda and Kenobi survived to play the LongGame with children of Skywalker he thought had perished, and his new apprentice [[ManOnFire was severely]] [[WeCanRebuildHim wounded]]. And [[KarmaHoudiniWarranty karma would eventually have its due]].
** The start of Palpatine's downfall was the Rebel Alliance, which only grew when [[Film/ANewHope the Death Star's usage on Alderaan]] showed how the Empire is rotten to the core. However it would not be his despotism that would kill Palpatine, but what was meant to be his greatest prize: Darth Vader. As Anakin, Palpatine [[ParentalSubstitute had acted like a father]] to groom him for apprentice-ship, and clinched it by playing on his fear of losing his beloved Padme and his resentment for the Jedi Council. But as Vader learned Luke was his son, [[WeCanRuleTogether he saw an opportunity]]. The Emperor saw Luke as Vader's replacement, goaded him into committing {{Patricide}}...but Luke refused to give in. [[VillainousBreakdown Having gone off-script broke Palpatine's cool]] and he just decided to kill him for insubordination. [[EvilCannotComprehendGood But as he had underestimated Luke's morality, he forgot about the spark of light in Vader]]. This spark reignited Anakin Skywalker, who threw the Emperor to his death to save his son. [[MutualKill Though Palpatine's last resistance had killed Anakin's body]], [[RedemptionEqualsDeath his soul was saved]].
** Not even death was the end for Palpatine however, though the circumstances depend on the continuity. An ImmortalitySeeker in either timeline, though not one concerned with his empire knowing; either leaving it to fall into civil war [[TakingYouWithMe or using a Contingency to break it apart for letting him die]]. Through cloning, he would lie in wait [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire In one timeline]], he emerged under a new, dark side magocracy and still hoped to twist Luke to his cause. [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker In another]], he would serve as the secret de-facto leader of [[TheRemnant the First Order]] through [[PuppetKing Snoke]]. The galaxy would surrender or burn by his superlaser-powered Star Destroyers, and he intended to salvage his crippled body by taking Rey's body for herself...she was his grandchild[[note]]well, daughter of a ModifiedClone[[/note]] after all. However his second conquest would not be nearly as successful, he would left without viable clone bodies, and either a survivor of Order 66 would drag his soul into Chaos or Rey with the guidance of the spirits of Jedi would destroy Palpatine with his own Force Lightning. Either way, after almost/more than a century Palpatine ''finally'' was snuffed out once and for all.
* The Emperor joyously shouted "[[EvilIsHammy UNLIMITED POWER!]]" upon his ascension. His cunning, resources and strength in the Dark Side quickly made him a valued member of the Pantheon/GrandUnitedAllianceOfEvil, and following Sauron's defection to Darkseid a potential replacement for the fallen Maiar. The Emperor commands the Pantheon/GUAEConquestForce and has a supporting role in the Pantheon/GUAEMalumMagia, much to Voldemort's chagrin; Sheev is quick to roast Voldemort by saying "I subverted democracy and ruled the galaxy for decades, you couldn't even take over a high school!" That being said, their rivalry isn't one of outright hatred as the two are pretty similar in power and aesthetics.
* Despite supplanting him in Melkor's eyes Sauron actually likes Sidious as a WorthyOpponent. It helps that Palpatine has [[GalacticConqueror a more sensible endgame]] than [[OmnicidalManiac Melkor]]. To stop him talking about Sauron Melkor boasted he created the Dark Side, but Palpatine rebutted "[[EvilTaintedThePlace only in YOUR galaxy]], [[Literature/StarWarsTheAftermathTrilogy and I sense it may be somewhere in or beyond the Unknown Regions]]. Melkor did lead to Palpatine considering the importance of [[GodOfEvil gods of evil]], having first looked for the Emperor of the Kingdom Dolorous only to be dissapointed [[TheDevilIsALoser Dis embodies "the trap of the Dark Side"]]. Further search and study of the concept of [[MadeOfEvil physical evil]] led Palpatine to find Aku. Though they argue whether regular tyranny or AnarchoTyranny is better, the two enjoyed each other's company. For now, an armistace of convenience has been formed between their empires.
* His plans span decades and he has a galaxy full of enemies, but perhaps none of his opponents has a more personal grudge than the Skywalker lineage. Though Anakin accepts he's at fault for what he did as Vader[[note]]to the point [[IAmAMonster he felt he was irredeemable]] [[LoveRedeems before Luke]][[/note]] [[TheCorrupter Palpatine was still the devil on his shoulder]] and the most negative influence in his life. As he founded and embodies the tyranny of the Empire, Leia is second on the list of "those in the Skywalker family who hate Palpatine", what with being a key figure in the Rebel Alliance and his more indirect role in Ben's turn to the dark side. And they're just some of the more obvious examples. On a more general level he is the ArchEnemy to the Rebel Alliance and by extension the Resistance, who stand for the democractic principles he destroyed. This opposition led to the New Alliance of Free Stars joining the Rebels as the Galactic Empire is almost ''everything'' their [[TheAlliance alliance]] stands opposed to as well. Other interstellar [[SpacePolice law enforcement]], [[SpaceMarines marines]] and [[SuperheroesInSpace superheroes]] that advocate for freedom and oppose tyranny are considered enemies of the Empire by their very nature. On Palpatine's hit list are the Interstellar Alliance Advisory Board, The Federation of Starfleet, the Ultras, Zordon and the Power Rangers.
** Vader once stated "the Emperor is not as forgiving as I am", [[EvenEvilHasStandards which says a lot]]. In ''Legends'' his response to the Death Star designer letting a critical flaw lead to its destruction was to torture them to death, revive them and repeat five more times so he gets the message. But none of his ex-subordinates are more angry at Sidious than Maul and Dooku/Tyrannus. The latter was always meant to be a tool to replace Anakin with one day, and the former was abandoned and had his brother killed by Sidious personally. Indeed, Maul may hate his master more than he hates ''Kenobi'', [[BigBadWannabe which makes Palpatine laugh]]. After being betrayed and killed by Anakin on Palpatine's orders, Dooku has formed an EnemyMine with the Jedi...and the ascended Separatists have severed ties from Sidious [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness due to how Vader "took care of them"]].
** While [[VillainWithGoodPublicity he still played the beloved Chancellor role]] he manipulated Jar Jar Binks into granting him additional powers. While some [[MemeticPsychopath like to joke Jar Jar was a secret dark side ally]] (and some even speculate [[WhatCouldHaveBeen that was in the original script]]), the truth is Binks is angry at himself for letting Palpatine play him for a fool and Palpatine for betraying everyone's trust. At this point it says something that one of Palpatine's only remaining in-universe allies is Tarkin, who's passion and brutality [[KnightTemplar in the name of serving the Empire]] [[CompleteMonster is near to Palpatine himself in its evil]]. That said, with the reveal of [[TakingYouWithMe Operation Cinder]] even once loyal Imperials walk on eggshells working with Palpatine.
** Even Palpatine didn't come from nowhere, as he was trained as a Sith under Darth Plagueis. [[SchrodingersCanon The details are ambiguous in canon]], but [[Literature/DarthPlagueis in Legends]] Plagueis [[WeCanRuleTogether actually wanted them to stay a team]]. Of course Palpatine doesn't play second fiddle to anyone so he killed him in his sleep[[note]]"whip out the lightning while he's shit-faced" was less poetic[[/note]]. Palpatine [[MemeticMutation is fond of sitting down and asking if people have heard of the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis]]. Plagueis [[EvilHasABadSenseOfHumor called this "a bad joke"]] [[EvenEvilHasStandards like other things he's done]], only for Sidious to chuckle "[[DeadpanSnarker no, calling you The Wise was a bad joke]]".
** Palpatine's second and hopefully final death was delivered by his own granddaughter, and for good reason; among his many crimes [[OffingTheOffspring he had her parents killed]] for trying to hide her from him [[FamilialBodySnatcher trying to steal her body]]. The fact she chose being a Skywalker annoys him to no end. Given that Rey's father was only meant to be a clone body for him to jump into but gained a will of his own, absolutely no-one blames her. Having been raised by Sidious, [[AbusiveParents Maul wonders if Dathan was lucky]].
** On Palpatine's end, he considers his greatest enemy to be the oldest enemy of the Sith: the Jedi. Having almost destroyed their order, that feeling is mutual. Having come close to besting him in battle ([[AmbiguousSituation though how close is a matter of debate]]), Mace is rearing to finish the job. Yoda is another of Palpatine's arch-enemies, being his Light Side equal. However even many Sith before him disavow Palpatine. Though Zannah is amused by Palpatine's sadism and Bane has to admit he achieved the Sith's main goals, Bane is opposed to Palpatine's senseless, [[StupidEvil often self-defeating cruelty]] as his strongest virtue [[PragmaticVillainy is being pragmatic]]. On his end Palpatine regards Nihilus as a disgrace to the Sith because his only real goal is feeding his HorrorHunger, [[OmnicidalManiac even if that would kill everything]].
*** There's one old Sith that does like Palpatine, though: Tenebrae, also known as Vitiate, the Sith Emperor or Emperor Valkorion. This is mainly because they're the closest in personality to one another; both are [[CompleteMonster evil even by Sith standards]], seek absolute power and are pretty skilled at doing so. It's often debated which of the two is the ''true'' strongest Sith Lord, and as both want supreme power over everything they consider each other major rivals.
* As the archetype military dictator [[JustForFun/RecycledInSpace IN SPACE!]]. As such, he allies with proponents of authoritarianism like Emperor Mateus and M.Bison...[[ItsAllAboutMe though they're all equally self-absorbed]] so any friendship they have can be tossed aside. Personally Palpatine is more impressed by Big Brother (or more like rather the collective of INGSOC) for ensuring [[DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans a human boot will step on the face of their subjects forever]]...and without any superhuman abilities or advanced tech at that! An actual person/fascist he respects is Deathshed, who [[DayOfTheJackboot won his war of oppression]] and like the Sith Lord mainly operates from the shadows, using state of the art weapons and tech designs. The Red Skull sees Palpatine as a worthy Nazi, [[ANaziByAnyOtherName which the Emperor isn't surprised by]] and in turn finds the Skull a skilled operator that the Empire has. By contrast, he regards the Aryan Brotherhood's Nazi flavor as only useful [[PsychoForHire as disposable shock troopers]].
* As an iconic tyrant Palpatine also has many enemies who oppose him in a political level, such as Captain America who [[ThoseWackyNazis has seen fascism at his worst]], or Josiah Bartlet who stands for and represents democracy as Padme did. Others like Lelouch and Kamina have the same kind of spirit and drive that "[[YouRebelScum rebel scum]]". Outside of politics Gandalf regards him as a force of evil akin to "Sauron in human form". In Palpatine's defense he merely ''exploits'' the humanocentrism of the Empire, and he isn't just inspired by Adolf Hitler; he also takes influence from Napoleon and Augustus as "charismatic conquerors who subvert democracy". Augustus [[EveryoneHasStandards finds Palpatine cold-blooded]] but won't deny that he's absolutely cunning and politically intelligent...[[VillainRespect and Palpatine shares that sentiment]]. Napoleon is disturbed by Palpatine since he sees in him himself [[ShadowArchetype minus his ethics and integrity]], though won't deny [[SelfMadeMan he accomplished much through merit]].
* Biologically he's only a father in the sense of "one of his clones had a mind of their own and fled", though he was also a ParentalSubstitute of Maul and Anakin. [[AbusiveParents It's just that he was an awful father figure]]. Tellingly Ghetsis applauds his grooming and manipulation skills...admittedly because he wants in on the Imperial Court. The Emperor of Britannia and Emperor of Mankind [[EveryoneHasStandards deem him a worse parent and person than they could ever be]], though they're more rivals to the Sith Lord; For Charles, he wishes to master the Force instead to truly create "a world without lies", while Big E regards the Galactic Empire as an opponent to the Imperium of Man. Palpatine responded by saying [[NotSoDifferentRemark the Imperium of Mankind is just a theocratic version of his Empire]]...[[VillainHasAPoint which might be something the Jedi agree on for once]].
* The Emperor is unpopular with the House of Pantheon/{{Extraterrestrials}} due to [[FantasticRacism the Empire's humanocentrist views]], but Palpatine will ignore that if it benefits him-hence he chose to ally with King Cold and family. While he's a bit jealous they can [[EarthShatteringKaboom pull a Death Star]] [[PersonOfMassDestruction with their finger]], they've still come to respect the Emperor's efforts in military strategy and sheer intellect. They're also powerful aliens he can ''reason'' with. This is why he's privately afraid of the Daleks proving ''far'' persistent than he hoped, [[EvilVersusOblivion and they'd only leave a galaxy of the dead]]. The Combine are also problematic. Interestingly, Palpatine is a lot more confident dealing with the Daleks' ''creator'', Davros, mainly because [[EvilCripple of his physical situation]] and seeing in the Kaled a MadScientist version of himself. Davros himself would rather subvert the Galactic Empire for his own end[[note]]and ''maybe'' the Daleks when they're on the "friendly" side of their FriendlyEnemy dynamic[[/note]], but he does respect Palpatine as an opponent and as an EvilGenius.
* The Ur-Quan Kzer-Za are somewhat of a middle ground between "aliens reasonable enough to [[VillainTeamUp side with the Galactic Empire]]" and "aliens [[AbsoluteXenophobe who see no difference between the Empire and everything else]]". They believe other life forms should submit and actually see slavery as a good thing, believing that Palpatine has done some good steps for "readying" the galaxy...for them. Or as Palpatine has said, "they want all my stuff". Despite his similarities to Palpatine Megatron would rather compete with him for galactic dominance because [[FantasticRacism of a dim view on organics]] and [[DependingOnTheWriter sometimes]] [[EvenEvilHasStandards considering him TOO evil]]. The Emperor only laughs at his view on organics: he's a MasterOfAll in both Dark Side powers [[MasterSwordsman and lightsaber combat]] ''in base'', [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire and come]] [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker his resurrection]] [[HumanoidAbomination he's practically a nexus and manifestation of]] TheDarkSide. [[BadassBoast He isn't bluffing when he says he's all the Sith]]. Still, he wants even more power with is why he's been consorting with Tzeentch [[BastardUnderstudy and hopes to eventually replace him]]. Tzeentch knows this, [[VillainousFriendship but they enjoy each other's byzantine chessmaster skills]]. On the forces of Chaos as a whole, Palpatine sees it as "[[CrapsackWorld what if the Dark Side had no light side to oppose it?]]", [[PassionIsEvil which given the nature of Chaos is an accurate assessment]].
* While they haven't succeeded in the galactic ''empire'' business, Babidi and Thaal Sinestro have a plan to. Babidi's desire for power is simpler than [[ItsAllAboutMe even Palpatine's]], however Darth Sidious isn't dismissive of another evil and power-lusting mage, especially since he has the power to mind control people based off the darkness in their hearts. As such, he has convinced the alien to serve as a Dark Side adept...mainly to keep him on a tight leash. Sinestro is more concise in his goal: [[WellIntentionedExtremist he wants to ensure an ordered cosmos]] through the power of fear. Palpatine reached out a hand, commending him as having the better halves of Tarkin and Thrawn...only for Sinestro to respectfully decline as neither's ego can abide being subservient to each other. [[WorthyOpponent However they do respect each other's capabilities]], and its that pride alone that stops Palpatine from getting his hands on a Sinestro Corps Ring...[[TheDreaded for good reason]].
* Palpatine says [[AboveGoodAndEvil good is a point of view]], though that might be an excuse to act as evil as he likes [[CardCarryingVillain since he doesn't mind being called evil]]; he was ''always'' evil and [[SchrodingersCanon may]] [[Literature/DarthPlagueis have even]] killed his own family. Damien Thorn mused that this proves Palpatine [[TheAntiChrist is his equivalent in the Force]]. In turn Palpatine has taken quite the liking to the kid and would rather they be allies than rivals...[[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder for the time being]]. Even Lucas himself has described him as [[SatanicArchetype the Devil of Star Wars]]. He [[EvilFeelsGood enjoys the Dark Side so much]] that Iroque and the Phantom Thieves are one of only gods who he's unnerved by. He's the absolute tyrant that both the Indigo Tribe and the Phantom Thieves believe needs a severe HeelFaceBrainwashing, and Sheev considers what they would try to do to him[[note]]reduce him to an EmptyShell version of his Chancellor persona[[/note]] a FateWorseThanDeath.
* One of the other few beings that makes the Emperor nervous is Godzilla, due to his experience with [[NotZilla the Zillo Beast]]: the creature's rampage and inability to manipulate put him in a rare moment of vulnerability, and he regrets the mistake he made in bringing it to Coruscant. [[AdmiringTheAbomination At the same time he admires Godzilla]] because of its frightening power. He only regretted the Zillo Beast's escape, as he valued its power and wanted to clone the beast. He's interested in doing so to Godzilla, just from a distance. Another being he seeks the power of is the Venom Symbiote. The parasitic Symbiotes turn even a normal person into a OneManArmy at weakest, CivilizationDestroyer at strongest; imagine what Palpatine could do with them. Add in how easy they are to augment, [[ThePowerOfHate that they draw power from hatred]] and being attuned to the Darkness by nature, and you have a near-perfect source of power for Palpatine to draw from. However, Sidious feels he needs to use Sith Alchemy so his Symbiote would be completely compliant and an extension of himself.
* He is one of the most well-known [[GalacticConqueror galactic conquerors]], but not the only one. He boasts at being the best because unlike the other ascended conquerors he did not take over the galaxy through being a PersonOfMassDestruction or some grand military conquest, [[DayOfTheJackboot but by political manipulation of a democracy into a dictatorship]]. While not as politically focused, Thanos has proven as brilliant as he is powerful, which is why Palpatine sees him as a true WorthyOpponent. Also, he wants the Infinity Gauntlet as well: [[AchillesHeel even if it cannot be used in a universe it isn't native to]]; [[RealityWarper he could certainly have fun with one universe]]. Darkseid is a rival, though the Lord of Apokolips sees Palpatine as more a smaller scale version of himself. When the Emperor pointed out he disregarded the Infinity Gauntlet for not only being limited to the Marvel universe, Darkseid merely smirked with "[[BadassBoast why would Darkseid be concerned with]] ''one'' [[MultiversalConqueror universe?]]". [[WorthyOpponent Palpatine just smiled "good"]] at that. At some point he was also tipped off of [[Pantheon/MaximumSecurity about the Throne]]...and his jaw dropped realizing [[GodhoodSeeker he could not only become the defining principle of the Force with it]], [[BeyondTheImpossible but become GREATER than the Force]].
* Lucrezia Mongfish was surprised that someone as cunning as Palpatine "choked at the finish line" when it came to [[BodyBackupDrive cloning vessels]][[note]]one clone became his own person and wanted nothing to do with him, another [[BodyHorror wasn't able to physically withstand his spirit]][[/note]] and his attempt at being a FamilialBodySnatcher were a bigger failure. After all, she had more success with a lot less resources. However, she approves of [[AbusiveParents his parenting methods]] and brilliantly sinister mind. The two made a deal: she'll teach him how to refine the art of [[BodySnatcher body snatching]], and he'll teach her the mysteries of the Force. They're both [[TheSociopath sociopaths]] but [[VillainousFriendship they enjoy scheming together]] for universal conquest. However Palpatine wants to hedge his bets and has been researching more ways to prolong his life, hence the research into the Hall of Pantheon/FormsOfImmortality. Some of these endeavors include:
** Trying to locate the [[Franchise/{{Dragonball}} Dragonballs]] to wish for immortal life. In order to improve their relationship Frieza gave Palpatine some advice: immortality could very well lead to ''[[ImmortalityHurts never-ending misery]]''. As such, Palpatine has chosen his wishes carefully; he first wants to be immune to the decay of the Dark Side, then wish to be forever young. Finally, wish only he can use the Dragonballs and wait until they're usable again for both Instant Transmission, ability to ignore pain and THEN the CompleteImmortality will be his.
** His rivalry with Voldemort has led Palpatine to try and use the Dark Side to learn just ''how'' he can make horcruxes of his own. Unlike Voldemort he's a lot more ascetic and wouldn't make them obvious/meaningful trinkets (well, maybe one of them could be meaningful), and with the use of interstellar travel he would keep them as hidden and far apart as possible...assuming they can still work on interstellar distances, of course.
* There is one trait of Palpatine that's both not evil, and genuine; [[WickedCultured he is a patron of the arts]]; Thanos may be a rival, but he appreciates fine art and along with Frieza the Emperor like to debate the meaning of different works of art. The House of Theater and Spectacle is perhaps the one time [[VillainsOutShopping he acts polite and well-behaved]]. Palpatine on his end isn't fond of Naboo's grandiose art style, preferring more modest styles and minimalist works. He's also at his nicest [[WebAnimation/{{HowItShouldHaveEnded}} as the owner and bartender of]] [[BadGuyBar the Villain Pub]], in which many villains are commonly seen relaxing, complaining about heroes, or discussing various subjects. Again, not enough to be redeeming [[HiddenDepths but it shows]] he can be [[AffablyEvil genuinely affable]] once in a blue moon...or more cynically, it's a case of AdaptationalNiceGuy in effect[[note]]much as how he is ''slightly'' less vile in Canon than Legends[[/note]].
* Despite his hatred of the Prequel Trilogy Mr Plinkett is a big fan of Palpatine since he's one of the few things he liked about it: [[CardCarryingEvil Palpatine takes such delight in being pure evil]] [[LoveToHate he can't help but love that]]. While this is the general reason for Palpatine's fanbase, the fact [[SerialKiller this is Mr Plinkett saying this]] does make the Emperor wonder...One mortal he has taken a liking too is Barney Stinson, due to his RootingForTheEmpire tendencies, and rewarded him with a position as a minister of Imperial propaganda. The Galactic Emperor has also taken some ''WebVideo/GameTheory'' videos out of context for propaganda. However, in spite of this "friendship" [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness any friend or ally he has is considered disposable so long as they are no longer needed]]..[[ShootTheDangerousMinion or become a liability]]. Palpatine himself has an honorary position in the House of Pantheon/BetrayalAndTreachery, [[ArsonMurderAndAdmiration as he finds their activity amusing]]. He has a particular interest for King Arthas as he reminds him of Vader, and he thinks Starscream would be a worthy Sith...just not the apprentice he wants.
* Interestingly despite everything he still sees Vader as his favorite apprentice, if in a "most valuable object" sort of way. Before Mustafar, [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness Sidious boasted to Yoda that Vader would become more powerful than either of them]], and this has led him to be interested in Vader-esque deities who wholly dedicated themselves to evil instead of having the lingering regrets [[EvilCannotComprehendGood he failed to notice in time]]. He likes Lord Drakkon for playing the long game and wholly dedicating himself to the more metaphorical dark side, though he does criticize him for [[PsychopathicManchild bratty]]. Again, the idea of an irredeemable Vader is another reason why Sauron is a [[FriendlyRivalry friendly rival]]. He also likes The Batman Who Laughs for being a truly self-abased dark knight and FallenHero who wants to subject reality to his deranged desires, though he recognizes him as a bit ''too'' crazy for his current tastes. The Darkest Knight is personally fond of Sidious, but believes Palpatine's more ''[[HorrifyingTheHorror frightened]]'' of him than anything.
* Yes, his first name is Sheev. Jokes were made [[TomTheDarkLord over how "unimpressive" it is]]. Rather than get angry, [[TranquilFury a scowling Palpatine]] reminded people that [[MeaningfulName it is likely based off "Shiva"]] given the general Indian theme-naming found on Naboo. It also sounds like "shiv". He prefers it over his implied ''[[Franchise/StarWarsLegends Legends]]'' name of Cosinga, since it's the name of his father who he hated and [[{{Patricide}} was the very first person he murdered]][[note]]he killed some people with a speeder [[DrivesLikeCrazy but that counted as vehicular manslaughter]][[/note]]. Besides his political and Sith titles Palpatine [[MemeticMutation will sometimes go by]] [[IAmTheNoun The Senate]], [[NeverLiveItDown despite only saying it once]]. [[Memes/ThePhantomMenace He doesn't go by Frank though]], but when people think it's his first name [[ActuallyPrettyFunny he does smirk a little]].
[[/folder]]
'''[[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Sheev Palpatine]], God of TheEmpire And TheDarkSide''' (Darth Sidious, Dark Lord Of The Sith, The Emperor, Senator/Supreme Chancellor/Palpatine, ''possibly'' [[Literature/DarthPlagueis Cosinga Palpatine II]][[note]]only in ''Legends'' canon[[/note]], [[HumanoidAbomination "The Shadow"]][[note]]according to Darth Tenebrous[[/note]], [[Literature/DarthPlagueis King of The Beasts]], [[TheAntiChrist The Sith'ari]] ([[DevilComplex self-proclaimed]][[note]]it's actually Darth Bane[[/note]]), [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire The Dark Side]], The Phantom Menace, [[WebVideo/BackstrokeOfTheWest D the Superior, The D, The Pudding, Dark Improbity, Merke, Map, Jehovah the West Four, Paul, Pa El Pattinson, Mahler T, Parkinase]] [[MemeticMutation Frank, Alright, Evil, Too Weak, The]] [[IAmTheNoun Senate]], [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker "All The Sith"]]...or just Palpatine for short)
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/71aedfda_df4e_42d9_94ae_ce0c727997b3.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:As Supreme Chancellor]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/palpatine_wosw_4.png[[/labelnote]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Click here]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_5993.jpg[[/labelnote]] for Palpatine's clone bodies left to right: [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire Legends]] and [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker Canon (initial and rejuvinated)]] incarnations]]
* Greater God
* Symbol: [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sith_symbol.png The Sith Insignia]] and [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/galactic_empire_flag.png the Imperial Crest]]
* Theme Songs: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7c-n4k3XrU The Emperor]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fol9kwQ6-k The Emperor Arrives]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H26Hdv3i0U Emperor's Throne Room]]
* Alignment: NeutralEvil, bordering [[ChaoticEvil Chaotic]] post-resurrection (masqueraded as LawfulGood during the Republic and LawfulEvil during the Empire)
* Portfolio
** In general: '''[[BigBad The Ultimate Villain Of The Skywalker Saga]]''' ([[GreaterScopeVillain even when off-screen]]), ManipulativeBastard ''par excellence'', TheAce of TheDarkSide, [[SatanicArchetype The Galaxy's Very Own Version Of The Devil]], [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Adolf Hitler]], [[NoHistoricalFiguresWereHarmed And To A Lesser Extent Nixon And Augustus]], ImmortalitySeeker, AmbitionIsEvil, DarkIsEvil, TheCorrupter, [[LoveToHate A Fan Favorite For His Sheer]] [[EvilIsCool Epic]] [[CardCarryingVillain And Unapologetic Villainy]] ([[AboveGoodAndEvil though he claims good is a point of view]]), [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness Disposes Of Anyone He No Longer Needs]], EvilOldFolks, PsychoElectro, FauxAffablyEvil ([[BitchInSheepsClothing mainly to hide]] [[TheSociopath what he really is]]), [[WickedCultured A Fan Of The Opera And Culture]], EvilMakesYouUgly, VillainousLegacy, {{Pride}}, EvilCannotComprehendGood and [[{{Sadist}} Sadism]] [[FatalFlaw As His Critical Weak Points]], ThePowerOfHate, [[EvilCounterpart The Evil Equivalent Of Yoda]] [[VilerNewVillain And Worse Version Of His Apprentice]], MysteriousPast [[DefiedTrope with NO]] FreudianExcuse in sight, SquishyWizard, EvilFeelsGood, [[CompleteMonster Quite Possibly The Most Evil Being In All The Galaxy]] ([[StereotypeFlip ironic, given he's from Naboo]]), '''[[EvilIsHammy UNLIMITED POWER!!]]'''
** Applicable before the Empire: WoundedGazelleGambit, SelfMadeMan, [[VillainHasAPoint Not Wrong That The Jedi Have A Problem With Pride Or That There's Republic Corruption]], [[PresidentEvil Chancellor Of The Republic]], ParentalSubstitute ('''[[AbusiveParents not a good one]]'''), [[VillainWithGoodPublicity Pretending That]] RedIsHeroic, EvilAllAlong, BastardUnderstudy turned TheStarscream ([[SlainInTheirSleep ask Plagueis]]), [[FountainOfMemes A Dark Lord Of Memes]], [[FalseFriend Acts As The Iago To Anakin]], SecretIdentityIdentity, XanatosSpeedChess, [[TheBadGuyWins Comes Out Of The Prequel Trilogy Victorious]]
** Applicable during and after to Empire: [[ObviouslyEvil Obviously]] EvilOverlord, [[ModestRoyalty Wears A Simple Black Cloak]], [[VillainousFriendship Extremely Toxic "Friendship" With Vader]] ([[AdaptationalNiceGuy A Trait His Legends Counterpart Lacked]], [[PragmaticVillainy Doesn't Want To "Rule A Galaxy Of The Dead"]], KarmicDeath, [[TakingYouWithMe Operation: Cinder]], BackFromTheDead in both continuities [[KilledOffForReal But Not Forever]], [[SanitySlippage Not As Stable Post-Resurrection]] [[TheCaligula And It Shows]], LukeIAmYourFather ([[GruesomeGrandparent more like "Rey, I Am Your Grandfather"]]), attempted FamilialBodySnatcher [[OffingTheOffspring And Definitive Kinslayer]], CameBackWrong, [[CameBackStrong Then Strong]], [[HatedByAll By The End, The Galaxy Despises Him]], KarmaHoudiniWarranty
** Applicable to Franchise/StarWarsLegends only: [[AdaptationalJerkass Is Even More Unpleasant]] [[HateSink To The Point Of Downright Contemptibility]], AdaptationalBadass as well, AbusiveOffspring, MurderInTheFamily, [[TeensAreMonsters Started As An Impulsive Sociopathic Teenager]], possibly TheAntiChrist, [[FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse His Dad Was An Abusive Jackass, But That Doesn't Excuse]] [[EnfantTerrible ANYTHING]], possible StrawMisogynist, [[DoNotCallMePaul Possibly Called Cosinga, But Doesn't Like It]], DraggedOffToHell
* Domains: Ambition, Despotism, Empire, Military, Manipulation, Subversiveness, Deception, Treachery, The Dark Side, Hatred, Power Lust, Corruption, Evil
* Heralds: His Inner Circle, including but not limited to Grand Vizier Mas Amedda, Ars Dangor, Sate Pestage, Sim Aloo, Janus Greejatus, Sly Moore and Kren Blista-Vanee, [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire The Dark Side Adepts]], [[PuppetKing Supreme Leader Snoke]] ([[UnwittingPawn not that he knows]]), [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker Ochi of Bestoon, General Pryde]]
* Author: [[Pantheon/AdaptationalChanges George Lucas]]
* BastardUnderstudy to: '''[[Pantheon/LifeManipulators Darth Plagueis]]''' (formerly, as his Sith apprentice), [[Pantheon/{{Villainy}} Melkor]] (currently)
* Interested in: [[Pantheon/{{Otherness}} Dis, Godzilla]], [[Pantheon/BetrayalAndTreachery Starscream, Arthas Menethil]], [[Pantheon/{{Derivatives}} The Batman That Laughs]], [[Pantheon/BodilyForm The Venom Symbiote]]
* Allies
** Within the galaxy far, far away: [[Pantheon/MilitaryRanks Captain Phasma]] ([[TheManBehindTheMan by proxy of the First Order]]), '''[[Pantheon/OutlooksOnLife Wilhuff Tarkin]]''', [[Pantheon/TacticsAndStrategies Grand Admiral Thrawn]][[note]]for now[[/note]], [[Pantheon/{{Karma}} Director Orson Krennic]]
** Other allies: [[Pantheon/InfluentialFigures King Cold]] [[Pantheon/{{Transformations}} and his]] [[Pantheon/NarrativeActions sons]], [[Pantheon/VillainousAppearances Aku]], [[Pantheon/{{Mentalism}} Tzeentch]], [[Pantheon/MotivationsForEvil Red Skull]], [[Pantheon/FantasticalLeadership Emperor Palamecia]], [[Pantheon/TyrannicalFigures Big Brother]], [[Pantheon/VillainousAttitude M. Bison]], [[Pantheon/ValuesAndEthics Ghetsis Harmonia]], [[Pantheon/ArcsAndEpisodes Barney Stinson]], [[Pantheon/SelfHatred Lord Drakkon]], [[Pantheon/BodilyForm Lucrezia Mongfish]]
** Former allies: Darth Plagueis (his old master), [[Pantheon/WeaponWielding Maul]] (his first apprentice), [[Pantheon/ActsOfWar Count Dooku/Darth Tyrannus]] (his second apprentice/interim until Vader), [[Pantheon/{{Voices}} Asajj Ventress]] (by proxy via Dooku), [[Pantheon/FamilyDynamics Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader]] (his third apprentice and "prize"), [[Pantheon/RoyaltyOther Nute Gunray]], [[Pantheon/CombatClothing Emir Wat Tambor]], [[Pantheon/MilitaryRanks General Grievous]] (Seperatist Leaders)
* On speaking terms with: [[Pantheon/{{Workmanship}} Mr. Plinkett]]
* TeethClenchedTeamwork with: '''General Grievous''', Babidi
* Rivals: [[Pantheon/FormsOfImmortality Tenebrae]], Thanos, Darkseid, [[Pantheon/EvilActions Davros]], [[Pantheon/ExtraterrestrialAbilities The Combine]], [[Pantheon/ValuesAndEthics The Emperor of Mankind]], [[Pantheon/{{Upbringing}} Charles Zi Britannia]], [[Pantheon/{{Armies}} The Ur-Quan Kzer-Za]], [[Pantheon/WeaponizedAppendages Megatron]]
** FriendlyRivalry with: [[Pantheon/FormsOfImmortality Lord]] [[Pantheon/NamingConvention Voldemort]], [[Pantheon/TyrannicalFigures Sauron]], [[Pantheon/LegacyAndInfluence Thaal Sinestro]]
* Enemies
** [[ArchEnemy Arch-Enemies]]: '''Anakin Skywalker''' (who's life he ruined and who killed him eventually), [[Pantheon/EnergyWeaponry Luke Skywalker]] (for redeeming his father), [[Pantheon/{{Successors}} Rey]] (his granddaughter, who killed him for good), Darth Maul (another life he personally ruined), [[Pantheon/{{Monarchs}} Padme Amidala]] (his main political obstacle and wife of Anakin), [[Pantheon/SpeechNToZ Grandmaster Yoda]] (also TheRival in terms of the Force), Mace Windu (who he killed personally)
** Within the galaxy far, far away: ''Every single one of his former allies'' EXCEPT Grievous, '''[[Pantheon/StarWars EVERY OTHER JEDI]]''', [[Pantheon/StarWars The Rebel Alliance and Resistance]] (most of all [[Pantheon/{{Siblings}} Leia Organa]]), [[Pantheon/{{Successors}} Darths Bane, Zannah]] and [[Pantheon/{{Language}} Nihilus]], [[Pantheon/IntrovertFlaws Kreia]], [[Pantheon/CharacterRoles Jar Jar Binks]], [[Pantheon/PowerMentalities Galen Marek]], [[Pantheon/TraitorArchetypes Nom Anor]], [[Pantheon/{{Destinies}} Ben Solo/Kylo Ren]], [[Pantheon/{{Ambiguity}} The Ones]]
** Politically motivated enemies and "rebels": [[Pantheon/MotivationsForWar Lelouch vi Britannia]], [[Pantheon/SuicideAndSacrifice Suzaku Kururugi]], [[Pantheon/OutlooksOnJob Havelock Vetinari]], [[Pantheon/{{Heroism}} Captain America]], [[Pantheon/MachineryAndTechnology Optimus Prime]], [[Pantheon/ReligiousPractice Josiah Bartlet]], [[Pantheon/{{Colours}} Char Aznable]], [[Pantheon/MilitaryTechnology Ryouma Nagare]], [[Pantheon/WeaponizedTools Team Dai-Gurren]], [[Pantheon/{{Disabilities}} Nunnally Lamperouge]], [[Pantheon/FantasticalLeadership The New Alliance of Free Stars]], [[Pantheon/FantasticalLeadership The Interstellar Alliance Advisory Board]], [[Pantheon/StarTrek the Federation Starfleet]]
** Other enemies: [[Pantheon/HeroicArchetypes Batman]], [[Pantheon/CourageAndVirtue Guy Shishioh]], [[Pantheon/HeroicActions Gandalf]], [[Pantheon/ExtraterrestrialBehaviour the Dalek Empire]], [[Pantheon/UltraSeries the Ultras]], [[Pantheon/FacialAttributes Zordon]], the Pantheon/PowerRangers
* Opposed by: The House of Pantheon/{{Extraterrestrials}}
* Respects: [[Pantheon/MannersOfAuthority Emperor Augustus]] (in a VillainRespect way)
* Dreads: [[Pantheon/AlignmentChanges Iroque]], [[Pantheon/{{Thieves}} The Phantom Thieves of Heart]]
* The RuleOfTwo was meant to ensure each new Sith Lord would be stronger than the last, which ultimately culminated in the Naboo senator Sheev Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious. [[TheAce Though the strongest Sith in Force powers]], his true strength was political intelligence. [[Film/ThePhantomMenace He set up a crisis on Naboo]] to ride the sympathy vote to [[PresidentEvil Supreme Chancellor]], and a decade later [[Film/AttackOfTheClones started a proxy war to gain power]]: the Clone Wars. The Jedi's reputation was stained by the conflict, but the coup de grace was Order 66: [[Film/RevengeOfTheSith after their attempt on his life]], he'd order the clones to kill the Jedi and label the remaining Jedi as traitors...except [[FallenHero for the newly minted Vader]], who'd tie up loose ends [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness like the Separatists]]. Through all this he completed transitioning the Galactic Republic into the military dictatorship known as [[TheEmpire the Galactic Empire]]. [[DespotismJustifiesTheMeans All he wanted was power absolute]], [[TheBadGuyWins and it seemed he had it]]. But Yoda and Kenobi survived to play the LongGame with children of Skywalker he thought had perished, and his new apprentice [[ManOnFire was severely]] [[WeCanRebuildHim wounded]]. And [[KarmaHoudiniWarranty karma would eventually have its due]].
** The start of Palpatine's downfall was the Rebel Alliance, which only grew when [[Film/ANewHope the Death Star's usage on Alderaan]] showed how the Empire is rotten to the core. However it would not be his despotism that would kill Palpatine, but what was meant to be his greatest prize: Darth Vader. As Anakin, Palpatine [[ParentalSubstitute had acted like a father]] to groom him for apprentice-ship, and clinched it by playing on his fear of losing his beloved Padme and his resentment for the Jedi Council. But as Vader learned Luke was his son, [[WeCanRuleTogether he saw an opportunity]]. The Emperor saw Luke as Vader's replacement, goaded him into committing {{Patricide}}...but Luke refused to give in. [[VillainousBreakdown Having gone off-script broke Palpatine's cool]] and he just decided to kill him for insubordination. [[EvilCannotComprehendGood But as he had underestimated Luke's morality, he forgot about the spark of light in Vader]]. This spark reignited Anakin Skywalker, who threw the Emperor to his death to save his son. [[MutualKill Though Palpatine's last resistance had killed Anakin's body]], [[RedemptionEqualsDeath his soul was saved]].
** Not even death was the end for Palpatine however, though the circumstances depend on the continuity. An ImmortalitySeeker in either timeline, though not one concerned with his empire knowing; either leaving it to fall into civil war [[TakingYouWithMe or using a Contingency to break it apart for letting him die]]. Through cloning, he would lie in wait [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire In one timeline]], he emerged under a new, dark side magocracy and still hoped to twist Luke to his cause. [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker In another]], he would serve as the secret de-facto leader of [[TheRemnant the First Order]] through [[PuppetKing Snoke]]. The galaxy would surrender or burn by his superlaser-powered Star Destroyers, and he intended to salvage his crippled body by taking Rey's body for herself...she was his grandchild[[note]]well, daughter of a ModifiedClone[[/note]] after all. However his second conquest would not be nearly as successful, he would left without viable clone bodies, and either a survivor of Order 66 would drag his soul into Chaos or Rey with the guidance of the spirits of Jedi would destroy Palpatine with his own Force Lightning. Either way, after almost/more than a century Palpatine ''finally'' was snuffed out once and for all.
* The Emperor joyously shouted "[[EvilIsHammy UNLIMITED POWER!]]" upon his ascension. His cunning, resources and strength in the Dark Side quickly made him a valued member of the Pantheon/GrandUnitedAllianceOfEvil, and following Sauron's defection to Darkseid a potential replacement for the fallen Maiar. The Emperor commands the Pantheon/GUAEConquestForce and has a supporting role in the Pantheon/GUAEMalumMagia, much to Voldemort's chagrin; Sheev is quick to roast Voldemort by saying "I subverted democracy and ruled the galaxy for decades, you couldn't even take over a high school!" That being said, their rivalry isn't one of outright hatred as the two are pretty similar in power and aesthetics.
* Despite supplanting him in Melkor's eyes Sauron actually likes Sidious as a WorthyOpponent. It helps that Palpatine has [[GalacticConqueror a more sensible endgame]] than [[OmnicidalManiac Melkor]]. To stop him talking about Sauron Melkor boasted he created the Dark Side, but Palpatine rebutted "[[EvilTaintedThePlace only in YOUR galaxy]], [[Literature/StarWarsTheAftermathTrilogy and I sense it may be somewhere in or beyond the Unknown Regions]]. Melkor did lead to Palpatine considering the importance of [[GodOfEvil gods of evil]], having first looked for the Emperor of the Kingdom Dolorous only to be dissapointed [[TheDevilIsALoser Dis embodies "the trap of the Dark Side"]]. Further search and study of the concept of [[MadeOfEvil physical evil]] led Palpatine to find Aku. Though they argue whether regular tyranny or AnarchoTyranny is better, the two enjoyed each other's company. For now, an armistace of convenience has been formed between their empires.
* His plans span decades and he has a galaxy full of enemies, but perhaps none of his opponents has a more personal grudge than the Skywalker lineage. Though Anakin accepts he's at fault for what he did as Vader[[note]]to the point [[IAmAMonster he felt he was irredeemable]] [[LoveRedeems before Luke]][[/note]] [[TheCorrupter Palpatine was still the devil on his shoulder]] and the most negative influence in his life. As he founded and embodies the tyranny of the Empire, Leia is second on the list of "those in the Skywalker family who hate Palpatine", what with being a key figure in the Rebel Alliance and his more indirect role in Ben's turn to the dark side. And they're just some of the more obvious examples. On a more general level he is the ArchEnemy to the Rebel Alliance and by extension the Resistance, who stand for the democractic principles he destroyed. This opposition led to the New Alliance of Free Stars joining the Rebels as the Galactic Empire is almost ''everything'' their [[TheAlliance alliance]] stands opposed to as well. Other interstellar [[SpacePolice law enforcement]], [[SpaceMarines marines]] and [[SuperheroesInSpace superheroes]] that advocate for freedom and oppose tyranny are considered enemies of the Empire by their very nature. On Palpatine's hit list are the Interstellar Alliance Advisory Board, The Federation of Starfleet, the Ultras, Zordon and the Power Rangers.
** Vader once stated "the Emperor is not as forgiving as I am", [[EvenEvilHasStandards which says a lot]]. In ''Legends'' his response to the Death Star designer letting a critical flaw lead to its destruction was to torture them to death, revive them and repeat five more times so he gets the message. But none of his ex-subordinates are more angry at Sidious than Maul and Dooku/Tyrannus. The latter was always meant to be a tool to replace Anakin with one day, and the former was abandoned and had his brother killed by Sidious personally. Indeed, Maul may hate his master more than he hates ''Kenobi'', [[BigBadWannabe which makes Palpatine laugh]]. After being betrayed and killed by Anakin on Palpatine's orders, Dooku has formed an EnemyMine with the Jedi...and the ascended Separatists have severed ties from Sidious [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness due to how Vader "took care of them"]].
** While [[VillainWithGoodPublicity he still played the beloved Chancellor role]] he manipulated Jar Jar Binks into granting him additional powers. While some [[MemeticPsychopath like to joke Jar Jar was a secret dark side ally]] (and some even speculate [[WhatCouldHaveBeen that was in the original script]]), the truth is Binks is angry at himself for letting Palpatine play him for a fool and Palpatine for betraying everyone's trust. At this point it says something that one of Palpatine's only remaining in-universe allies is Tarkin, who's passion and brutality [[KnightTemplar in the name of serving the Empire]] [[CompleteMonster is near to Palpatine himself in its evil]]. That said, with the reveal of [[TakingYouWithMe Operation Cinder]] even once loyal Imperials walk on eggshells working with Palpatine.
** Even Palpatine didn't come from nowhere, as he was trained as a Sith under Darth Plagueis. [[SchrodingersCanon The details are ambiguous in canon]], but [[Literature/DarthPlagueis in Legends]] Plagueis [[WeCanRuleTogether actually wanted them to stay a team]]. Of course Palpatine doesn't play second fiddle to anyone so he killed him in his sleep[[note]]"whip out the lightning while he's shit-faced" was less poetic[[/note]]. Palpatine [[MemeticMutation is fond of sitting down and asking if people have heard of the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis]]. Plagueis [[EvilHasABadSenseOfHumor called this "a bad joke"]] [[EvenEvilHasStandards like other things he's done]], only for Sidious to chuckle "[[DeadpanSnarker no, calling you The Wise was a bad joke]]".
** Palpatine's second and hopefully final death was delivered by his own granddaughter, and for good reason; among his many crimes [[OffingTheOffspring he had her parents killed]] for trying to hide her from him [[FamilialBodySnatcher trying to steal her body]]. The fact she chose being a Skywalker annoys him to no end. Given that Rey's father was only meant to be a clone body for him to jump into but gained a will of his own, absolutely no-one blames her. Having been raised by Sidious, [[AbusiveParents Maul wonders if Dathan was lucky]].
** On Palpatine's end, he considers his greatest enemy to be the oldest enemy of the Sith: the Jedi. Having almost destroyed their order, that feeling is mutual. Having come close to besting him in battle ([[AmbiguousSituation though how close is a matter of debate]]), Mace is rearing to finish the job. Yoda is another of Palpatine's arch-enemies, being his Light Side equal. However even many Sith before him disavow Palpatine. Though Zannah is amused by Palpatine's sadism and Bane has to admit he achieved the Sith's main goals, Bane is opposed to Palpatine's senseless, [[StupidEvil often self-defeating cruelty]] as his strongest virtue [[PragmaticVillainy is being pragmatic]]. On his end Palpatine regards Nihilus as a disgrace to the Sith because his only real goal is feeding his HorrorHunger, [[OmnicidalManiac even if that would kill everything]].
*** There's one old Sith that does like Palpatine, though: Tenebrae, also known as Vitiate, the Sith Emperor or Emperor Valkorion. This is mainly because they're the closest in personality to one another; both are [[CompleteMonster evil even by Sith standards]], seek absolute power and are pretty skilled at doing so. It's often debated which of the two is the ''true'' strongest Sith Lord, and as both want supreme power over everything they consider each other major rivals.
* As the archetype military dictator [[JustForFun/RecycledInSpace IN SPACE!]]. As such, he allies with proponents of authoritarianism like Emperor Mateus and M.Bison...[[ItsAllAboutMe though they're all equally self-absorbed]] so any friendship they have can be tossed aside. Personally Palpatine is more impressed by Big Brother (or more like rather the collective of INGSOC) for ensuring [[DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans a human boot will step on the face of their subjects forever]]...and without any superhuman abilities or advanced tech at that! An actual person/fascist he respects is Deathshed, who [[DayOfTheJackboot won his war of oppression]] and like the Sith Lord mainly operates from the shadows, using state of the art weapons and tech designs. The Red Skull sees Palpatine as a worthy Nazi, [[ANaziByAnyOtherName which the Emperor isn't surprised by]] and in turn finds the Skull a skilled operator that the Empire has. By contrast, he regards the Aryan Brotherhood's Nazi flavor as only useful [[PsychoForHire as disposable shock troopers]].
* As an iconic tyrant Palpatine also has many enemies who oppose him in a political level, such as Captain America who [[ThoseWackyNazis has seen fascism at his worst]], or Josiah Bartlet who stands for and represents democracy as Padme did. Others like Lelouch and Kamina have the same kind of spirit and drive that "[[YouRebelScum rebel scum]]". Outside of politics Gandalf regards him as a force of evil akin to "Sauron in human form". In Palpatine's defense he merely ''exploits'' the humanocentrism of the Empire, and he isn't just inspired by Adolf Hitler; he also takes influence from Napoleon and Augustus as "charismatic conquerors who subvert democracy". Augustus [[EveryoneHasStandards finds Palpatine cold-blooded]] but won't deny that he's absolutely cunning and politically intelligent...[[VillainRespect and Palpatine shares that sentiment]]. Napoleon is disturbed by Palpatine since he sees in him himself [[ShadowArchetype minus his ethics and integrity]], though won't deny [[SelfMadeMan he accomplished much through merit]].
* Biologically he's only a father in the sense of "one of his clones had a mind of their own and fled", though he was also a ParentalSubstitute of Maul and Anakin. [[AbusiveParents It's just that he was an awful father figure]]. Tellingly Ghetsis applauds his grooming and manipulation skills...admittedly because he wants in on the Imperial Court. The Emperor of Britannia and Emperor of Mankind [[EveryoneHasStandards deem him a worse parent and person than they could ever be]], though they're more rivals to the Sith Lord; For Charles, he wishes to master the Force instead to truly create "a world without lies", while Big E regards the Galactic Empire as an opponent to the Imperium of Man. Palpatine responded by saying [[NotSoDifferentRemark the Imperium of Mankind is just a theocratic version of his Empire]]...[[VillainHasAPoint which might be something the Jedi agree on for once]].
* The Emperor is unpopular with the House of Pantheon/{{Extraterrestrials}} due to [[FantasticRacism the Empire's humanocentrist views]], but Palpatine will ignore that if it benefits him-hence he chose to ally with King Cold and family. While he's a bit jealous they can [[EarthShatteringKaboom pull a Death Star]] [[PersonOfMassDestruction with their finger]], they've still come to respect the Emperor's efforts in military strategy and sheer intellect. They're also powerful aliens he can ''reason'' with. This is why he's privately afraid of the Daleks proving ''far'' persistent than he hoped, [[EvilVersusOblivion and they'd only leave a galaxy of the dead]]. The Combine are also problematic. Interestingly, Palpatine is a lot more confident dealing with the Daleks' ''creator'', Davros, mainly because [[EvilCripple of his physical situation]] and seeing in the Kaled a MadScientist version of himself. Davros himself would rather subvert the Galactic Empire for his own end[[note]]and ''maybe'' the Daleks when they're on the "friendly" side of their FriendlyEnemy dynamic[[/note]], but he does respect Palpatine as an opponent and as an EvilGenius.
* The Ur-Quan Kzer-Za are somewhat of a middle ground between "aliens reasonable enough to [[VillainTeamUp side with the Galactic Empire]]" and "aliens [[AbsoluteXenophobe who see no difference between the Empire and everything else]]". They believe other life forms should submit and actually see slavery as a good thing, believing that Palpatine has done some good steps for "readying" the galaxy...for them. Or as Palpatine has said, "they want all my stuff". Despite his similarities to Palpatine Megatron would rather compete with him for galactic dominance because [[FantasticRacism of a dim view on organics]] and [[DependingOnTheWriter sometimes]] [[EvenEvilHasStandards considering him TOO evil]]. The Emperor only laughs at his view on organics: he's a MasterOfAll in both Dark Side powers [[MasterSwordsman and lightsaber combat]] ''in base'', [[ComicBook/DarkEmpire and come]] [[Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker his resurrection]] [[HumanoidAbomination he's practically a nexus and manifestation of]] TheDarkSide. [[BadassBoast He isn't bluffing when he says he's all the Sith]]. Still, he wants even more power with is why he's been consorting with Tzeentch [[BastardUnderstudy and hopes to eventually replace him]]. Tzeentch knows this, [[VillainousFriendship but they enjoy each other's byzantine chessmaster skills]]. On the forces of Chaos as a whole, Palpatine sees it as "[[CrapsackWorld what if the Dark Side had no light side to oppose it?]]", [[PassionIsEvil which given the nature of Chaos is an accurate assessment]].
* While they haven't succeeded in the galactic ''empire'' business, Babidi and Thaal Sinestro have a plan to. Babidi's desire for power is simpler than [[ItsAllAboutMe even Palpatine's]], however Darth Sidious isn't dismissive of another evil and power-lusting mage, especially since he has the power to mind control people based off the darkness in their hearts. As such, he has convinced the alien to serve as a Dark Side adept...mainly to keep him on a tight leash. Sinestro is more concise in his goal: [[WellIntentionedExtremist he wants to ensure an ordered cosmos]] through the power of fear. Palpatine reached out a hand, commending him as having the better halves of Tarkin and Thrawn...only for Sinestro to respectfully decline as neither's ego can abide being subservient to each other. [[WorthyOpponent However they do respect each other's capabilities]], and its that pride alone that stops Palpatine from getting his hands on a Sinestro Corps Ring...[[TheDreaded for good reason]].
* Palpatine says [[AboveGoodAndEvil good is a point of view]], though that might be an excuse to act as evil as he likes [[CardCarryingVillain since he doesn't mind being called evil]]; he was ''always'' evil and [[SchrodingersCanon may]] [[Literature/DarthPlagueis have even]] killed his own family. Damien Thorn mused that this proves Palpatine [[TheAntiChrist is his equivalent in the Force]]. In turn Palpatine has taken quite the liking to the kid and would rather they be allies than rivals...[[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder for the time being]]. Even Lucas himself has described him as [[SatanicArchetype the Devil of Star Wars]]. He [[EvilFeelsGood enjoys the Dark Side so much]] that Iroque and the Phantom Thieves are one of only gods who he's unnerved by. He's the absolute tyrant that both the Indigo Tribe and the Phantom Thieves believe needs a severe HeelFaceBrainwashing, and Sheev considers what they would try to do to him[[note]]reduce him to an EmptyShell version of his Chancellor persona[[/note]] a FateWorseThanDeath.
* One of the other few beings that makes the Emperor nervous is Godzilla, due to his experience with [[NotZilla the Zillo Beast]]: the creature's rampage and inability to manipulate put him in a rare moment of vulnerability, and he regrets the mistake he made in bringing it to Coruscant. [[AdmiringTheAbomination At the same time he admires Godzilla]] because of its frightening power. He only regretted the Zillo Beast's escape, as he valued its power and wanted to clone the beast. He's interested in doing so to Godzilla, just from a distance. Another being he seeks the power of is the Venom Symbiote. The parasitic Symbiotes turn even a normal person into a OneManArmy at weakest, CivilizationDestroyer at strongest; imagine what Palpatine could do with them. Add in how easy they are to augment, [[ThePowerOfHate that they draw power from hatred]] and being attuned to the Darkness by nature, and you have a near-perfect source of power for Palpatine to draw from. However, Sidious feels he needs to use Sith Alchemy so his Symbiote would be completely compliant and an extension of himself.
* He is one of the most well-known [[GalacticConqueror galactic conquerors]], but not the only one. He boasts at being the best because unlike the other ascended conquerors he did not take over the galaxy through being a PersonOfMassDestruction or some grand military conquest, [[DayOfTheJackboot but by political manipulation of a democracy into a dictatorship]]. While not as politically focused, Thanos has proven as brilliant as he is powerful, which is why Palpatine sees him as a true WorthyOpponent. Also, he wants the Infinity Gauntlet as well: [[AchillesHeel even if it cannot be used in a universe it isn't native to]]; [[RealityWarper he could certainly have fun with one universe]]. Darkseid is a rival, though the Lord of Apokolips sees Palpatine as more a smaller scale version of himself. When the Emperor pointed out he disregarded the Infinity Gauntlet for not only being limited to the Marvel universe, Darkseid merely smirked with "[[BadassBoast why would Darkseid be concerned with]] ''one'' [[MultiversalConqueror universe?]]". [[WorthyOpponent Palpatine just smiled "good"]] at that. At some point he was also tipped off of [[Pantheon/MaximumSecurity about the Throne]]...and his jaw dropped realizing [[GodhoodSeeker he could not only become the defining principle of the Force with it]], [[BeyondTheImpossible but become GREATER than the Force]].
* Lucrezia Mongfish was surprised that someone as cunning as Palpatine "choked at the finish line" when it came to [[BodyBackupDrive cloning vessels]][[note]]one clone became his own person and wanted nothing to do with him, another [[BodyHorror wasn't able to physically withstand his spirit]][[/note]] and his attempt at being a FamilialBodySnatcher were a bigger failure. After all, she had more success with a lot less resources. However, she approves of [[AbusiveParents his parenting methods]] and brilliantly sinister mind. The two made a deal: she'll teach him how to refine the art of [[BodySnatcher body snatching]], and he'll teach her the mysteries of the Force. They're both [[TheSociopath sociopaths]] but [[VillainousFriendship they enjoy scheming together]] for universal conquest. However Palpatine wants to hedge his bets and has been researching more ways to prolong his life, hence the research into the Hall of Pantheon/FormsOfImmortality. Some of these endeavors include:
** Trying to locate the [[Franchise/{{Dragonball}} Dragonballs]] to wish for immortal life. In order to improve their relationship Frieza gave Palpatine some advice: immortality could very well lead to ''[[ImmortalityHurts never-ending misery]]''. As such, Palpatine has chosen his wishes carefully; he first wants to be immune to the decay of the Dark Side, then wish to be forever young. Finally, wish only he can use the Dragonballs and wait until they're usable again for both Instant Transmission, ability to ignore pain and THEN the CompleteImmortality will be his.
** His rivalry with Voldemort has led Palpatine to try and use the Dark Side to learn just ''how'' he can make horcruxes of his own. Unlike Voldemort he's a lot more ascetic and wouldn't make them obvious/meaningful trinkets (well, maybe one of them could be meaningful), and with the use of interstellar travel he would keep them as hidden and far apart as possible...assuming they can still work on interstellar distances, of course.
* There is one trait of Palpatine that's both not evil, and genuine; [[WickedCultured he is a patron of the arts]]; Thanos may be a rival, but he appreciates fine art and along with Frieza the Emperor like to debate the meaning of different works of art. The House of Theater and Spectacle is perhaps the one time [[VillainsOutShopping he acts polite and well-behaved]]. Palpatine on his end isn't fond of Naboo's grandiose art style, preferring more modest styles and minimalist works. He's also at his nicest [[WebAnimation/{{HowItShouldHaveEnded}} as the owner and bartender of]] [[BadGuyBar the Villain Pub]], in which many villains are commonly seen relaxing, complaining about heroes, or discussing various subjects. Again, not enough to be redeeming [[HiddenDepths but it shows]] he can be [[AffablyEvil genuinely affable]] once in a blue moon...or more cynically, it's a case of AdaptationalNiceGuy in effect[[note]]much as how he is ''slightly'' less vile in Canon than Legends[[/note]].
* Despite his hatred of the Prequel Trilogy Mr Plinkett is a big fan of Palpatine since he's one of the few things he liked about it: [[CardCarryingEvil Palpatine takes such delight in being pure evil]] [[LoveToHate he can't help but love that]]. While this is the general reason for Palpatine's fanbase, the fact [[SerialKiller this is Mr Plinkett saying this]] does make the Emperor wonder...One mortal he has taken a liking too is Barney Stinson, due to his RootingForTheEmpire tendencies, and rewarded him with a position as a minister of Imperial propaganda. The Galactic Emperor has also taken some ''WebVideo/GameTheory'' videos out of context for propaganda. However, in spite of this "friendship" [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness any friend or ally he has is considered disposable so long as they are no longer needed]]..[[ShootTheDangerousMinion or become a liability]]. Palpatine himself has an honorary position in the House of Pantheon/BetrayalAndTreachery, [[ArsonMurderAndAdmiration as he finds their activity amusing]]. He has a particular interest for King Arthas as he reminds him of Vader, and he thinks Starscream would be a worthy Sith...just not the apprentice he wants.
* Interestingly despite everything he still sees Vader as his favorite apprentice, if in a "most valuable object" sort of way. Before Mustafar, [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness Sidious boasted to Yoda that Vader would become more powerful than either of them]], and this has led him to be interested in Vader-esque deities who wholly dedicated themselves to evil instead of having the lingering regrets [[EvilCannotComprehendGood he failed to notice in time]]. He likes Lord Drakkon for playing the long game and wholly dedicating himself to the more metaphorical dark side, though he does criticize him for [[PsychopathicManchild bratty]]. Again, the idea of an irredeemable Vader is another reason why Sauron is a [[FriendlyRivalry friendly rival]]. He also likes The Batman Who Laughs for being a truly self-abased dark knight and FallenHero who wants to subject reality to his deranged desires, though he recognizes him as a bit ''too'' crazy for his current tastes. The Darkest Knight is personally fond of Sidious, but believes Palpatine's more ''[[HorrifyingTheHorror frightened]]'' of him than anything.
* Yes, his first name is Sheev. Jokes were made [[TomTheDarkLord over how "unimpressive" it is]]. Rather than get angry, [[TranquilFury a scowling Palpatine]] reminded people that [[MeaningfulName it is likely based off "Shiva"]] given the general Indian theme-naming found on Naboo. It also sounds like "shiv". He prefers it over his implied ''[[Franchise/StarWarsLegends Legends]]'' name of Cosinga, since it's the name of his father who he hated and [[{{Patricide}} was the very first person he murdered]][[note]]he killed some people with a speeder [[DrivesLikeCrazy but that counted as vehicular manslaughter]][[/note]]. Besides his political and Sith titles Palpatine [[MemeticMutation will sometimes go by]] [[IAmTheNoun The Senate]], [[NeverLiveItDown despite only saying it once]]. [[Memes/ThePhantomMenace He doesn't go by Frank though]], but when people think it's his first name [[ActuallyPrettyFunny he does smirk a little]].
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** [=DiMaria=] Yesta: '''''[[Pantheon/MachineryAndTechnology Chronos]]''''' (source of her power), [[Pantheon/HobbiesAndLifestyles The Farmer]], [[Pantheon/SpiritualAndMentalPowers Jotaro Kujo]], [[Pantheon/PrideAndEgotism Vegeta]]
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** [=DiMaria=] Yesta: '''''[[Pantheon/MachineryAndTechnology '''''[[Pantheon/TimeManipulation Chronos]]''''' (source of her power), [[Pantheon/HobbiesAndLifestyles The Farmer]], [[Pantheon/SpiritualAndMentalPowers Jotaro Kujo]], [[Pantheon/PrideAndEgotism Vegeta]]
