A Perfect Sith by  Darth Nemesis Q: Would the good that Luke felt in Vader had found a way to manifest itself over the years behind the mask? If so, how do you think it may have shown itself?  If not, what was Luke picking up on? I do not believe any good in Vader would have manifested from him over any period of time without the knowledge of having a son. He had nothing else left in his life to hold on to. All those he had loved were taken from him, he obviously had a bad falling out with the Jedi Order, and was injured to the extent that he was one step away from being a complete invalid even with the mechanical suit. I do believe that when he discovered Luke it was the first thing that he was able to indentify as something he could enjoy and in his heart it moved him.  He was alone, as alone as anyone could possibly be, having spread fear into every living creature throughout the Galaxy, a perfect Sith as it were.  I believe he sought to destroy the Emperor for although he had a good relationship with his Master I think he also knew of the actions that the Emperor (Darth Sidious) committed that manipulated Vader into joining his cause, something that may or may not have happened without his influence. Aside from the reality of Luke being his son, Luke was also his ticket to sticking it to Palpatine and ruling the Galaxy himself with his son at his side, bringing his life around in full circle and view.  After his injuries, I don't think Vader believed he had the power to destroy the Emperor, as a Sith, he knew it would have to be done by complete and total surprise which is the only way a Sith could possibly be killed. In the end, having to choose his son over his Master made him reflect on his life and his choices but, also proved that he indeed was the chosen one.  Had he lived on afterward he would have helped Luke and Leia rebuild their lives among the New Republic, but would always have had to face much scrutiny and mistrust from many. In essence, Luke was picking up on a definite conflict within, it was the conflict of love for his son and his ambitions in the Dark Side and he couldn't have both although he wanted to, but was influenced to turn back to the good side by Luke's example. Had he not discovered Luke I think he would have stayed on his path of total domination of the galaxy with no hope of ever finding peace with his life at all and the galaxy would have been forever doomed for as long as he lived.