A major shift in Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s dynamic between Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith makes their story all the more tragic. Anakin Skywalker was an easy target for Darth Sidious to manipulate. Having grown up as a slave on Tatooine, Anakin wore his heart on his sleeve, loving people fiercely. Though the Jedi Council initially recognized that this attribute might cause issues as he entered the relatively unemotional environment of the Jedi Order, they also saw his potential.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace sets Qui-Gon Jinn up as an obvious father figure for Anakin. Having only known his mother, Anakin desperately needed a male role model, so he clung to Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi after Qui-Gon’s death on Naboo. At first, Anakin and Obi-Wan’s relationship was similar to Anakin’s relationship with Qui-Gon. At the time, Anakin was still overwhelmed by the prospect of being a Jedi and the responsibility that comes with it, and Obi-Wan was a guiding light. That soon changed, though – and not for the better.

Anakin & Obi-Wan Went From A Parental Relationship To A Sibling Relationship

In one scene in Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan playfully tells Anakin, “Why do I get the feeling that you’re going to be the death of me?” and Anakin replies, solemnly, “Don’t say that, Master. You’re the closest thing I have to a father.” Interestingly, given the Jedi’s thoughts on attachments, Obi-Wan reacts rather cavalierly to Anakin’s admission, responding “Then why don’t you listen to me?” proving his exasperation with his apprentice.

It’s not strange, of course, that Anakin viewed Obi-Wan as a father figure once upon a time. The younger you are, the more an age gap can affect your relationships. While Anakin was still just a boy, Obi-Wan was the responsible adult in his eyes; he was the one who took Anakin under his wing and taught him how to be a Jedi and a man.

Later, however, as Anakin grew and matured and left his Padawan status behind, the age difference between the two Jedi began to matter less. Anakin and Obi-Wan’s relationship shifted from a father-son dynamic (a hugely important theme in Star Wars storytelling) into more of a sibling dynamic, as the two began bickering like brothers. In Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan and Anakin’s dynamic is playful and deeper. Famously, Obi-Wan refers to Anakin as his brother following their climactic battle on Mustafar.

Anakin & Obi-Wan Grew Closer (And That Hurt Them Both)

As the Clone Wars raged on, Anakin and Obi-Wan grew closer. On some level, Obi-Wan knew about Anakin’s relationship with Senator Padmé Amidala, but let him have that sliver of happiness because he never got that chance. In The Clone Wars, Obi-Wan even confesses to Anakin that he’d had a chance at love once, too. Sharing that experience was mᴀssive for both of them, and Obi-Wan understood better than anyone how deeply Anakin felt for his loved ones.

When Revenge of the Sith begins, they’re on a level playing field. Obi-Wan’s experience and Anakin’s raw power made them equals, to an extent, but it also allowed jealousy and distrust to hinder and change their relationship. They were closer, and both deserved that kind of friendship, but in the end, Obi-Wan’s changed role in Anakin’s life hurt them deeply.

It’s Easier To Live In A Father’s Shadow Than A Brother’s

Anakin Skywalker is, above all, a sensitive soul. He takes everything to heart – love, friendship, and trust, but also criticism, jealousy, and hurt. When he saw Obi-Wan as his father, there was never any reason to be jealous. Why would he need to be envious of the person set to teach him everything he needed to succeed? A father figure protects you, guides you, and helps you make good choices.

On the other hand, a brother may make decisions that could undermine your progress, even if they mean well. Anakin saw Obi-Wan as his equal, eventually even as his inferior, and he couldn’t handle the fact that Obi-Wan was still making decisions on his behalf. Anakin wanted a seat on the Council, but Obi-Wan said it was a bad idea. Anakin trusted Chancellor Palpatine and Obi-Wan warned him to be careful. A brother doesn’t need to listen to his brother, and so Anakin rebelled.

This issue wouldn’t have happened with Qui-Gon, because Qui-Gon truly was old enough to be Anakin’s father. Once Anakin grew up, Obi-Wan became too close to him, both in trust and age, and the change in their dynamic became inevitable. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t any less tragic, however. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi were brothers and best friends, and even that wasn’t enough to keep Anakin from falling to the dark side.