Cal Kestis is the protagonist of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. A former Jedi Padawan who survived the Great Jedi Purge (Order 66), Cal spends years in hiding before embarking on a journey of self-discovery and resistance against the Galactic Empire. His story is one of survival, resilience, and the struggle to restore the Jedi Order in an era where Force-sensitive individuals are hunted down by the Empire.
As a Padawan, Cal trained under Jedi Master Jaro Tapal during the final years of the Republic. When Order 66 was issued, the clone troopers aboard their ship turned on them, forcing Jaro to fight to protect his apprentice. Jaro was mortally wounded, but not before ensuring that Cal escaped. Traumatized and alone, Cal repressed his Force abilities and went into hiding on the scrapyard world of Bracca, where he worked as a scrapper under an assumed identity.
For years, Cal lived in obscurity, suppressing his past until an accident forced him to use the Force to save a friend. This act exposed his identity, drawing the attention of the Empire’s Inquisitors, particularly the Second Sister and the Ninth Sister. Just as the Inquisitors closed in, Cal was rescued by former Jedi Knight Cere Junda and her companion, Greez Dritus. Together, they embarked on a quest to locate a hidden Holocron containing the identities of Force-sensitive children, with the hope of rebuilding the Jedi Order.
Throughout his journey in Fallen Order, Cal confronts numerous challenges that test his strength and resolve. He visits ancient Jedi temples, faces dangerous creatures, and battles both Imperial forces and remnants of the Clone Wars era. He also gradually reconnects with the Force, regaining his lost abilities and forging new ones. His bond with BD-1, a small yet invaluable droid, becomes a crucial part of his survival and mission.
One of Cal’s most significant character arcs is his struggle with fear, trauma, and self-doubt. Having lost his master at a young age and lived in hiding for years, he is hesitant about embracing his role as a Jedi. However, as he trains and grows stronger, he learns to trust himself and the Force once more. His confrontation with the Second Sister, formerly known as Trilla Suduri, serves as a mirror to his own journey, showing how fear and pain can lead a Jedi to darkness.
Cal’s mission eventually brings him face to face with Darth Vader himself. Realizing the overwhelming power of the Sith Lord, Cal barely escapes with his life. Rather than risk the Holocron falling into the wrong hands, he makes a crucial decision—to destroy it, preventing the Empire from hunting down potential Jedi recruits. This marks a significant moment in his character development, as he chooses to leave the future of the Jedi to the will of the Force rather than try to control it.
By the time of Jedi: Survivor, Cal has become a more seasoned warrior, continuing to fight against the Empire while grappling with the cost of his resistance. Five years after the events of Fallen Order, he operates with a new crew, taking on high-risk missions against the Empire. Despite his efforts, he begins to question whether his struggle is truly making a difference in the grand scheme of the war.
Cal’s journey in Survivor takes him deeper into the galaxy’s secrets, including an ancient conflict involving the High Republic era. He uncovers a hidden world, Tanalorr, which holds the potential to be a sanctuary for those fleeing Imperial oppression. However, he also faces new enemies, including the fallen Jedi Dagan Gera, who represents a different path a Jedi could take in times of despair.
One of the most compelling aspects of Cal’s character in Survivor is his growing connection to the dark side. Throughout his struggles, he occasionally taps into his rage and anger, using these emotions to defeat powerful enemies. This struggle adds complexity to his journey, showing that even the most noble Jedi can be tempted by darkness when pushed to their limits.
His relationships also evolve, particularly with Merrin, a Nightsister of Dathomir. Their bond deepens as they fight side by side, with Merrin helping Cal understand that survival isn’t just about fighting—it’s about living. His dynamic with BD-1 remains a core part of his journey, as the little droid continues to provide emotional support and technical assistance in their adventures.
By the end of Jedi: Survivor, considered to be one of the best Star Wars video games of all-time, Cal finds himself at a crossroads. He has endured great loss, faced overwhelming odds, and even touched the dark side, yet he continues to fight for those who cannot protect themselves. With Tanalorr as a potential refuge, he must decide what kind of future he wants to build in a galaxy still dominated by the Empire. His path remains uncertain, making him one of the most intriguing Jedi protagonists in the Star Wars universe.
Cal Kestis’ journey embodies the core themes of Star Wars: hope, perseverance, and the balance between light and dark. His story is a testament to the resilience of the Jedi, even in the darkest times. While his fate beyond Jedi: Survivor is unknown, his impact on the franchise is undeniable, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in his saga.