Of Swords and Parasols

i'm not as in love with Leia as others, but when you look at when she was created (at a time when you almost never got to have heroines without the "a strong woman has to be raped" trope and if you did, they were probably men with breasts) and when Padme was created (when sff heroines are relatively common, though admittedly less so in movies, but also more likely to be allowed to have power and influence) it really stands out. Especially since Anakin killing her-then, at least-is a retcon.