Darth Vader is a person in a fictional work.
Darth Vader , also known by his birth name Anakin Skywalker , is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise . Vader appears in the original film trilogy as a pivotal antagonist whose actions drive the plot , while his past as Anakin Skywalker and the story of his corruption are central to the narrative of the prequel trilogy . His appearances span the first six Star Wars films , as well as Rogue One , and his character is heavily referenced in Star Wars : The Force Awakens . He is also an important character in the Star Wars expanded universe of television series , video games , novels , literature and comic books .