Van Kellen, a Male Human hailing from the planet of Corellia, was a Trade Master of considerable repute. Following the failed attempt by the Trade Federation to invade Naboo in 32 BBY, he journeyed there with his family, seeking to secure a trade agreement with the local government. During their time on Naboo, his daughter, Remi Kellen, fell in love with the son of a competing trade envoy and eloped with him, prompting Kellen to enlist a group of spacers to locate her.
Prior to the events of 32 BBY, Van Kellen resided on Corellia, a planet situated within the Core Worlds. There, he was well-known as a trade master and raised his family, which included his daughter, Remi Kellen. In 32 BBY, the Trade Federation, under the leadership of the Neimoidian Nute Gunray, launched an unsuccessful invasion against Naboo, a Mid Rim planet. Despite its failure, the invasion inflicted significant damage on Naboo's government and its populace. Recognizing a potential business venture, Kellen relocated his entire family to Naboo, intending to establish a permanent residence and pursue a trade agreement with the recovering government.
However, Kellen was not the only trade delegate to recognize this opportunity. He soon found himself in competition with Hella Cordoni, a Human trade delegate from Chandrila, who had also brought her family to Naboo with the aim of securing trade agreements. This rivalry between Kellen and Cordoni did not extend to their children, as Remi and Hella's son, Pellum Cordoni, secretly developed a romantic relationship. Upon discovering this, both Hella and Kellen were incensed and exerted considerable pressure on the couple to end their relationship. Instead, the pair stole a landspeeder and fled from their overbearing parents. Kellen and his rival promptly hired a group of spacers who were visiting Naboo to find their missing children and bring them back.
The spacers discovered that the couple had escaped to Keren, where they had purchased supplies in preparation for venturing into the Gungan swamps. However, the outfitter who sold them the supplies was involved with several criminal organizations, including a slaver ring that captured the lovers shortly after they left the city. The spacers, after being ambushed by the slavers themselves, embarked on a mission to free the pair and fulfill their contract. It remains unknown whether they succeeded in their mission and returned Remi to Kellen.
Kellen possessed a temperament that was both fiery and impetuous, traits typical of a trade master. He clearly placed immense importance on his professional life, demonstrated by his decision to relocate his entire family in pursuit of a business opportunity. His disapproval of his daughter's love for a rival's son further highlights this dedication. Nevertheless, his willingness to pay for Remi's rescue suggests that he did prioritize his family's well-being above his own financial gain.
Van Kellen's character was conceived as part of the adventure idea titled 'young love... what a pain!' This idea was featured in the Star Wars Roleplaying Game supplement book, Secrets of Naboo, which was published by Wizards of the Coast and authored by Steve Miller and J.D. Wiker. The short story was included to provide 'game masters' with inspiration for their own storylines or to be expanded upon and used as the foundation for a short adventure. Kellen served as one of the potential starting points for the adventure, acting as the individual who would assign the players their mission and, presumably, reward them for their success.