Madel Wharen was a Human male researcher and developer for the Drever Corporation, a minor weapons manufacturing company located in the Parmel sector. Wharen had many talents, and his technical skills played a significant role in the Drever Corporation's reputation for reliability. Wharen had a tumultuous relationship with the corporation's board and managing director, however, which was largely a result of his Rebel sympathies. The combination of his technical skills and his political views made him a person of interest for both the Rebellion and the Empire, such that Rebel agents made plans to recruit him, while Imperial agents made plans to prevent him from being recruited.