Mara Jade is a fictional character from the Star Wars universe, originally introduced in the Timothy Zahn novels. She is known as the Emperor's Hand, a skilled assassin and Force-sensitive individual who initially served Emperor Palpatine. Over time, her character evolves, and she becomes a key figure in the Rebel Alliance and later marries Luke Skywalker. Mara's journey from a loyal servant of the Empire to a hero of the New Republic showcases her complex personality and growth. Her story is a significant part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, which explores the lives of characters beyond the films.