Attributes are used to represent the overall mental and physical prowess of your character. Attributes either directly or indirectly affect almost everything your character does, from trying to convince someone you're on their side, to skulking around in enemy territory, to flashy lightsaber duels, and everything in between. There are six attributes: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Charisma.
Strength
Strength (Str) represents the character's physical power. It is primarily used to add modifiers to "to hit" rolls and close-combat strikes (attacks with swords, quarterstaffs, lightsabers, etc.). Characters using lightsabers can add either their Dexterity or Strength modifier to their attack roll; however, only the Strength modifier affects the attack's damage.
Dexterity
Dexterity (Dex) is used to represent a character's agility and reflexes. It's used to add modifiers to ranged attack rolls and the character's own defense (simulating their evasiveness).
Constitution
Constitution (Con) is for health and resiliency. It mainly adds modifiers to the number of vitality points earned each level.
Wisdom
Wisdom (Wis) is used to represent willpower and perception. It's used both with determining the number of Force points earned each level and with making the character's Force powers more difficult to resist.
Intelligence
Intelligence (Int) is for factual knowledge and reasoning. Intelligence primarily provides modifiers for determining the number of skill points earned every level.
Charisma
Charisma (Cha) represents your character's personality and leadership ability. It adds modifiers to both Force-based feats and Force powers.