Final Fantasy is well known for its amazing characters, depth, and character growth. Today, I will list a few of the best final fantasy protagonists.
Tidus
I know people hate Tidus for being annoying, loud, selfish, etc. They hate that he’s outgoing. He is only 17 and was sent to a COMPLETELY foreign land years into the future. I don’t get why so many dislike this guy but I REALLY enjoyed his character. People have to give him some slack. Anyway, I like his carefree attitude to many things but when things are important to him he will speak up on what is right. For instance, when he learns about Yuna’s fate of being a summoner, he immediately rejects the idea whereas most people of Spira sit and accept that Sin will come back over and over.
Zidane Tribal
Zidane is probably my favorite protagonist in all of Final Fantasy. There’s honestly nothing to dislike about the character unless he’s the type you can’t be friends with. Also, his one-on-one with every party member is very memorable, specifically with Vivi. To Vivi, it felt like Zidane was a bigger brother helping his little brother with tons of questions about life. It felt like he was a shoulder for every character, not just Vivi. That’s what makes Zidane amazing. He also has a bunch of other traits like being outgoing and charming, but the real Zidane is the guy that just wants to help others. The one act that really sets him above the rest for me is, without spoiling the entire scene, You’re Not Alone.
Clive Rosfield
Say what you will about the gameplay of Final Fantasy 16, but when it comes to character writing, you can’t beat it. Clive CARRIED the entire game (and Cidolfus). He had such a tragic past but he did not allow that to affect his beliefs. Clive at his core is many things. He can be dangerous but only to those that try to harm his friends. He is always kind to those around him. But most importantly, he shows his emotions in a way that men don’t generally get to see often. He might be the best protagonist of Final Fantasy. When you feel that there are aspects of a character that resonate with you so strongly or when you can learn something so profound from a character, THATS when you know a character is beautifully written.
Cloud Strife
The typical JRPG broody teenager with a lot of angst, Cloud Strife. If you’ve ever dealt with any internalized emotions, which fits most people, then you’ll find yourself within Cloud. He battles his own thoughts throughout the story of Final Fantasy 7 trying to understand who he really is. Of course, he was experimented on which inflicted SEVERE trauma to the man. As he grows, he slowly opens up to others and allows himself to care and become close to others. On top of that, he’s also on a journey to accept himself as well which is something every fan can appreciate. I think he’s an exemplary standard for what a stoic is.
Lightning Farron
Lightning is pretty much the girl version of Cloud. At least that’s what everyone likes to say. While they seem very similar at first glance, I feel like Lightning is a bit more mature, given the fact she is 21 years old. Age isn’t the only reason, she’s had her fair share of experience in battle and puts duty above most things. The one thing that is not below duty is her sense of protection. She will put those close to her, like her sister, above herself to make sure they live. I appreciated her and Hope’s journey to Palumpolum. You can see her becoming more and more of an older sister to Hope which is one of my favorite parts of Lightning in Final Fantasy 13. She is definitely one of the best Final Fantasy protagonists.
Until Next Time
Thanks for staying til the end. Please let me know what your best Final Fantasy protagonists are. Also, check out other JRPG content like my stuff on Kingdom Hearts. Thanks!