Grand Moff Tarkin was the mastermind behind the Death Star battle station, one of the most terrifying weapons ever created. With the capability to destroy an entire planet, the man behind this terrifying weapon must have been quite the evil genius, and that he was. He demonstrated the power of the Death Star to Princess Leia in person. To make it all the more effective, he didn't destroy just any planet, but Leia's home planet of Alderaan. Before his service in the Empire, Tarkin was governor of the Outland Regions. Therefore, some believe Tarkin was merely trying to amplify his own reputation, which would be going against the Emperor. Tarkin was so confident of his creation that he believed it was completely indestructible. However, Tarkin underestimated the Rebellion's leaders such as Jan Dodonna, the tactical genius who devised the plan of attack for the Rebels. Dodonna realized a well placed proton torpedo could easily destroy the battle station via chain reaction. Tarkin's nearsightedness cost him his life as he was destroyed with the Death Star.