The gentle giant Chewbacca, aka Chewie, is an awesome character, even though he doesn't speak English. He lets the audience see that Han has a softer side from the very beginning. The smuggler's ironic last name "Solo" is automatically realized to be only a name, because no matter how much Han wants to be a loner, he isn't one - he already knows friendship.
Chewie and Han make the ultimate "dynamic duo." Although Han may seem to be the leader of the two, Chewie, being older (and arguably wiser) than Han, keeps him in check. He's got a subtle wisdom that shows he understands what's going on better than Han does (the way he laughs at him and Leia - priceless).
Chewie also has a personality seperate from Han, as is most obviously evidenced in Revenge of the Sith (though I will forever remain convinced that little Han's on Kashyyyk somewhere, just not caught by the camera...). Chewie is shown as a commander of the Wookiee army, demonstrating his experience with fighting (which comes in very handy later on).
TOP TEN CHEWIE MOMENTS
10. His smug gesture during the holochess game.
9. His disapproving reaction when Leia kisses Luke.
8. When he roars in agony after the shield doors are closed.
7. When he gives his final roar at the end of ANH.
6. When he highjacks the AT-ST Walker with the Ewoks.
5. When he attacks the stormtroopers to protect Han from being frozen.
4. When he sticks his head out of the smuggling compartment and Han strokes him.
3. When he carries Yoda on his back.
2. When he laughs and Leia and Han on Hoth.
1. When he cradles Han in Jabba's dungeon - AWWWW!
TOP TEN REASONS TO LOVE CHEWBACCA
10. He's got a complete vocabulary in those noises.
9. He's like a gigantic puppy dog.
8. Even though he resembles a giant puppy dog, he's a great fighter.
7. He's a Wookiee, and everyone loves Wookiees.
6. He's eternally loyal to his friends.
5. He can save Han's butt when Han gets in over his head (which happens often).
4. He's the first alien character to play a major role in the story.
3. He displays a wide range of emotion.
2. His roars, growls, howls, etc. Too charming for words.
1. He hangs out with Han Solo. Need I say more?
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