Hello everyone, my name is Qui-Gon Jinn, but you may refer to me as Jedi Master Qui-Gon. I have lived a long life, and I have seen many things, but never before have I seen such termoil in the Galaxy. When I was but a mere padawan learner under the guidance of Count Dooku, I enthrusted myself in my studies of the Jedi arts and their teachings, and I soon became one with the force itself. Although I have had many padawans in my time, by far my best student was Obi-Wan Kenobi. He has used his wisdom and knowledge of the force until the very end, even after the fall of Anakin Skywalker. Though most believe me to be dead, I assure you, I am very much alive. Throughout my life I have discovered the secret to Immortality, one that can only be achieved through extreme compassion, a rejection of selfishness, and personal attachment to the point that the physical self fades away, but the consciousness remains as one with the Force. Now I have returned to do my part in saving the Galaxy from the grip of evil, and restore order and balance to the force.
Qui-Gon Jinn was long hesitant to take on a Padawan learner, given his failure with his second student. Xanatos was the son of Crion, the wealthiest man on the planet Telos. He had a very high midi-chlorian count in his bloodstream, prompting Jinn to take him as an apprentice. Crion reluctantly agreed to let his son leave for Jedi training.
Although Xanatos' talents were undeniable, his high birth and attitude often led to clashes with his fellow students. For Xanatos' final test, Jedi Master Yoda sent him and Qui-Gon back to Telos, where a civil war was brewing. Xanatos' father implored his son to join his forces in a bid to control the planet. Xanatos agreed and Qui-Gon found himself at war with his own student. Jinn was forced to kill Crion in battle, and an enraged Xanatos battled his mentor. Though Qui-Gon defeated Xanatos, he could not bear to kill his own Padawan. The defeated student fled and Qui-Gon obsessed over his failure for years, dismissing his earlier successes as a teacher and often referring to Xanatos as his "first" apprentice.
Although he vowed to never again train a Padawan, Qui-Gon eventually formed a connection with an adolescent Obi-Wan Kenobi on a mission to Bandomeer. Yoda wished for Obi-Wan to become Qui-Gon's third apprentice. Eventually, Qui-Gon was able to overcome his grief, and took Kenobi as his Padawan. The path was by no means smooth, as their relationship suffered when Obi-Wan briefly abandoned the Jedi Order to help end a civil war on Melida/Daan. Eventually, and uneasily, the two reunited. They would grow to become a formidable team.
The headstrong sixty-year-old Qui-Gon has a penetrating gaze and craggy features. A noble Jedi Master, he also has a great understanding and a compassionate nature. That commiseration for all life forms leads to his saving Jar Jar Binks from his punishment at the hands of his fellow Gungans and contributes greatly to his freeing of Anakin (to which Obi-Wan would exasperatedly comment, "Why do I get the feeling that we've picked up yet another pathetic life form?").
He is considered to have liberal views about the Jedi Order, something his more-reserved pupil, Obi-Wan, would not be very keen upon in the sequels. In response to Obi-Wan chastising him, Qui-Gon would say "I will do as I must." Despite his unruly views, Qui-Gon is a faithful Jedi, guided purely by the will of the Force.
Qui-Gon is lifelong friends with Plo Koon. He is also close to Yoda, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Adi Gallia. He has great respect for Mace Windu, although they do not see eye-to-eye on many issues. Qui-Gon often spars with Masters Windu and Bondara. Qui-Gon's closest friend (next to Obi-Wan Kenobi) is Tahl; they fall in love and he is so heartbroken when she is killed that he nearly turns to the dark side.
For his wisdom and his unique understanding and mastery of the Force, Qui-Gon was held in great esteem by most of his peers. His views on the politics and policies of the Republic in general, and the Jedi Order in particular, often put him at odds with the Jedi Council. He was passed over at least twice for an invitation to join the Jedi Council: first, after the death of Master Tyvokka (who himself had doubts on inviting Qui-Gon on the Council), his seat went to Qui-Gon's close friend Master Plo Koon; and second, with Master Giett's death, Ki-Adi-Mundi was chosen over him at the insistence of Master Windu despite the support of the other Council members.
