Stormtroopers were the shock troops of the Galactic Empire, loyal and answerable directly to Emperor Palpatine. Like Imperial-class Star Destroyers, stormtroopers served as reminders of the Emperor's power, extensions of his will, and a method of keeping the Empire's thousands of star systems in line through fear.

Formed into the Stormtrooper Corps, stormtroopers operated alongside Army and Navy units, as well as independently, although their common placement on Naval ships gave them the name "marines."

"The Empire can always use more mindless automatons."
―Darth Vader

"The clone troopers, now proudly wearing the name of Imperial stormtroopers, have tackled the dangerous work of fighting our enemies on the front lines. Many have died in their devotion to the Empire. Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example."
―Emperor Palpatine during the Declaration of a New Order

"Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"
―Princess Leia Organa to a disguised Luke Skywalker during her escape from the first Death Star

"Now, that's a picture, isn't it? The Emperor's stormtroopers setting the example for good manners. Like arming protocol droids with blasters."
―Han Solo

"Only Imperial stormtroopers are so precise."
―Obi-Wan Kenobi

"You really think that armor's gonna help?"
―Anonymous Rebel trooper

"I'm takin' you down, plastic boy!"
―Anonymous Rebel trooper