Sheev Palpatine is a fictional character and is the primary antagonist of Episodes I-VI in the Star Wars franchise, mainly portrayed by Ian McDiarmid. In the original trilogy, he is depicted as the extremely aged, pale-faced and cloaked Emperor of the Galactic Empire and the Sith master of Darth Vader. In the prequel trilogy, he is portrayed as a charismatic Senator in early old age from Naboo who uses deception and political manipulation to rise to the position of Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic before transforming the Republic into the Empire.