The only son of Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker is the Jedi Order's last remaining hope in restoring balance to the galaxy. Unaware of his own true potential or parentage, Luke has sworn himself to the rebel cause and fights valiantly alongside his compatriots in the Battle of Hoth. It is there that Luke has a vision of his fallen friend and mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, who instructs Luke to travel to the Dagobah system and seek the great and powerful Jedi Master Yoda.

On Dagobah, Luke learns much about the Force under Yoda's tutelage. Although intent on completing his training and becoming a Jedi Knight, Luke is plagued by visions of his friends in desperate danger. Luke is right; his friends have fallen into the trap set for them by Darth Vader. Fleeing from the Empire after the destruction of the rebel base on Hoth, Leia and Han find seeming refuge at Cloud City on Bespin. Darth Vader awaits the heroes on Bespin, and has set a trap, planning to freeze Luke in carbonite for safe transport to his lord and master, the Emperor. Although Yoda urges Luke to remain on Dagobah, he is compelled to rescue his friends. Luke journeys to Bespin, determined to save Han and Leia, and falls into Vader's hands.

Finding Han Solo frozen in carbonite and Leia in the hands of Imperial Forces, Luke stands alone against Darth Vader. The Sith Lord's assault is fast and furious, and Luke is forced into the inner structure of Cloud City. Vader corners Luke on a slender platform above a great abyss, allowing the young rebel little hope of escape. After taking Luke's right hand, Darth Vader reveals himself to be Luke's father, and tempts Luke to join him, to surrender himself to the Dark Side. Horrified, Luke refuses Darth Vader and free-falls into the bowels of Cloud City. Although narrowly escaping with his life, Luke's commitment to the Jedi ideals and the rebel cause are greatly strengthened by the encounter.