I find it difficult to focus on anything other than the pandemic that has gripped the world in the last few weeks. I decided to lean into my tendency to use fictional characters as inspiration to get through tough situations and consider how my friends in the galaxy far, far away would deal with self-distancing.
Good at Sheltering in Place
Idealists
Examples: Padmé Amidala, Kanan Jarrus, Mon Mothma, Mace Windu
Idealists have faith in systems, in rules, and in communities. They choose to shelter in place because it is the right thing to do, and they think everyone should do their part.
Pragmatists
Examples: Cassian Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Leia Organa, Hera Syndulla, Rose Tico
Pragmatists see the world as it is — mostly a mess — and do their best with what they have. They shelter in place because it gives the most people the best odds.
Idealists and pragmatists believe in the principals of sheltering in place, but they will become restless. They are likely to try to use the time as an opportunity to learn a new skill and plot ways to improve the system — in between baking.
Great at Sheltering in Place
Isolationists
Examples: Lando Calrissian, Din Djarin, Finn, Satine Kryze
Isolationists take care of their own. They understand that they can’t save everyone so they focus on the ones they love. Isolationists will consume and avoid the news in cycles and are prone to panic buying.
Survivalists
Examples: Ezra Bridger, Qi’ra, Rey, Shmi Skywalker, Han Solo
Survivalists are used to the rug being pulled out from under them. They are rough around the edges and can be flippant but they are hard workers and can find joy in small moments.
Survivalists and isolationists were emotionally prepared for the apocalypse and divide their time between pillow forts, binge watching zombie flicks, and starting their own podcast.
Best at Sheltering in Place
Hermits
Examples: Galen Erso, Owen Lars, Luke Skywalker, Yoda
Hermits are usually hiding from something, real or imagined, but sometimes simply prefer to be alone much of the time.
Hermits were born for this. They have books and tea and a comfortable routine. It’a bit odd that suddenly everyone is adopting their standard way of life but they are content it will go back to normal eventually.
Terrible at Sheltering in Place
Activists
Examples: Poe Dameron, Jyn Erso, Anakin Skywalker, Ben Solo, Ahsoka Tano
As the name suggests, activists are active. They like to attack problems head on, rush into battle, and make a lot of noise. Hiding inside and doing nothing is extremely hard for them. They are impatient and impulsive and need to be distracted and reminded it’s not forever.
Activists will go stir crazy quickly but if their energy can be directed it will benefit everyone. Activists are on social media 24/7, keep rearranging their furniture, and have no idea what day it is.
Final Scale
Yoda is the best at sheltering in place because he’s able to ignore or engage with the rest of the world as he sees fit and he firmly believes it will all work out in the end. He’s content to cook, read, spend time outdoors and interact with friends now and then. He doesn’t suffer from guilt or fear and sees failure as simply a lesson.
Worst at sheltering in place is a toss up between Anakin and Ben — but I think Ben takes it. If either were sheltered separate from their loved ones they’d break quarantine in a split second. But if Anakin were sheltered with Padmé (and/or Obi-Wan), they’d take him from a 10 to a 5 just by being in the same room. Whereas if Ben were sheltered with Rey (and/or Leia) his anxiety would infect them, too.
Which Star Wars character provides you the best inspiration in this uncertain time?