Admiral Motti was the senior Imperial commander in charge of operations on the first Death Star. However, he nearly met his demise not in the demolition of the battle station, but at the hands of one of his own allies.
A sceptic and a non-believer, his opinion of the force was much like Han's: that it is 'a hokey old religion' (Han Solo, A New Hope). He declares to Darth Vader's face 'your sorceror's ways do not scare us, Lord Vader'. Although these are brave words, they nearly prove to be his last, as Vader crushes his windpipe with the words 'I find your lack of faith disturbing'. Only at the bidding of Grand Moff Tarkin was the hapless Admiral released.
I met Richard LeParmentier at GenCon UK and got an autograph from him. He is not only one of the nicest celebrities I have ever met, but is also very funny. It is a great shame he didn't have a larger role.
Editor's note: Richard LeParmentier, whose character's lack of faith Vader found so disturbing, died April 15, 2013, at the age of 66.