R-3PO, characterized by his red plating and somewhat pessimistic demeanor, was a 3PO-series protocol droid. He aided the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War in their struggle against the Galactic Empire. When the Alliance set up Echo Base on the planet Hoth, R-3PO's assignment was to watch for potential enemy infiltrators within the base. This droid was on hand during the Battle of Hoth; the Alliance suffered defeat, which led to their need to abandon Echo Base.
R-3PO is a minor character seen in Echo Base just prior to the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. He also makes an appearance in the non-canon video game LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where his programming has been altered and he now serves the First Order. The name R-3PO first appeared in the Star Wars Legends continuity through the Star Wars Customizable Card Game, and was later incorporated into the official canon through Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know. Chris Parsons played R-3PO.