R2-D2 or Artoo-Detoo is one of the main, and most loved, characters of the Star Wars franchise.  The feisty little droid was introduced in the first scene of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.  He was given a message to carry by Princess Leia that puts the events of the entire original trilogy in motion.  Her message bound for Obi Wan Kenobi is delivered by R2-D2 which sets Obi Wan and Luke Skywalker off on their initial adventure.

 

R2-D2’s companion and counterpart is C-3PO, a pedantic protocol droid who’s constant bickering with R2-D2 lends some lighter comedic elements to the films. 

R2-D2 plays pivotal roles in the Battle of Yavin, the escape from the original Death Star and the rescue of the rebels in Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi.