Ah, our Han Solo! *sigh*

We all know what a rakish rogue he was; a scoundrel, a nerf-herder, and, of course, scruffy-looking. In addition, though, it seems that he was also a "white knight" of sorts. Now, bear with me here.

Men with a "white knight" complex generally have the drive to always do the right thing in the end, to be selfless and to save people. They just can't help themselves! Now, part of the traditional "white knight" is that of courteous behavior toward ladies, which we know Han did not always display toward Leia *ahem*, however, I shall overlook that minor flaw for now, given that their particular dynamic was rather humorous. What I am going to focus on are the other general characteristics which include courage (check), honor (check), justice (check), and readiness to help the weak (check).

Han, at the beginning of A New Hope, didn't give the appearance of being a "white knight" in any way, but I think it was in him deep down. Most men don't just become "white knights" later on. It's in there the whole time; maybe it's latent, but the potential is there, nonetheless.

One of the first examples of courage comes (and Leia even admits it) when Han chases after the stormtroopers on the Death Star, giving Luke and Leia time to get to the Falcon. A classic scare tactic, by the way! He's so cute when he does that, too!!

His first real example of honor, justice, and readiness to help the weak appears when, at the end of ANH, Han returns after seemingly leaving with his "loot" to fire the timely blast toward the Empire's trio of sinister ships tailing Luke, allowing him to deliver the deadly blow to the Death Star.

As Han's character grows and develops throughout the OT, we see more of the "white knight" shine through. He begins to think less and less of himself and more of others.

In TESB, when Luke doesn't check in, Han risks his own life to ride out in the freezing weather to find him, knowing not whether he would actually locate him. This is true "white knighthood" at its finest! *heart flutters*

Shortly after that, once again he risks himself for Leia by ensuring that she was able to get off of Hoth. He attempts to get her to her transport before taking off himself. Only when that fails does he fly her off of the planet in the Millennium Falcon (thank goodness for us! *tee hee*). We know that some of these actions were partially driven by the strong feelings that he was developing for her. However, since he was attempting to get her off planet in her own transport prior to taking her off in the Falcon, the "white knight" was clearly showing through.

As TESB progresses, we also see Han develop the courteousness inherent in a "white knight" toward ladies, especially a lady with whom he is in love. He begins to treat Leia with kindness and respect; actions we hadn't seen before, but were appropriate now that their relationship was progressing.

There are countless other examples of Han's continued "white knight" complex throughout the rest of the OT, including his taking on the Endor strike team mission in ROTJ. He knew that mission was risky, but needed to be done to help others and to help the Rebellion succeed! Selflessness!

Han was actually a very complex character. His was one of great depth, charisma, charm, cunning, tenacity and loyalty! He allowed his "white knight" to develop and shine through and it made him an amazing character for our galaxy far, far away! Wouldn't you agree?