Each of the numbered Final Fantasy titles is its own standalone story, with its own world and cast of characters. The series has evolved to include influences from other genres and story archetypes, and Final Fantasy has become a gaming archetype in its own right. Characters like Cloud and Sephiroth are iconic and recognizable to nearly all gamers, and each title has its own dedicated fans. Due to the vast differences between entries, and nuances of the game's stories, it's difficult to categorize the series' characters into worst vs. best. However, some protagonists stand out in how their stories resonate with fans or stick into their memories.
Only the main numbered titles will be explored, so side content and spin-offs will be excluded. Since Final Fantasy 16 has yet to be released, Clive won't be featured. There's speculation on the type of protagonist he will be, but nothing is for certain yet.
RELATED: Final Fantasy 16 Tops Famitsu's Most Anticipated Games List
- Lightning: Lightning is one of the only female protagonists in the Final Fantasy series, and a standout among female characters in general in the series. She doesn't have an inherent compassion or nurturing instinct in her character; she's very cold and independent in the beginning of Final Fantasy 13. She grows that caring side over time. Her distant nature doesn't come from malice, either. She's simply determined in her mission and refuses to be held back by anyone. She's a formidable fighter and complex character who has earned her place among iconic Final Fantasy characters.
- Tidus: Tidus is a very grounded and relatable character among Final Fantasy protagonists. He's cheerful and sensitive, and holds a lot of resentment and insecurities inside himself due to his father's abuse. Tidus and Yuna's relationship in Final Fantasy 10 is one of the most heartfelt bonds in the series, and their romance is well-earned. The game's ending is heart-rending, separating Tidus from the world of Spira, but the fact that it evokes such emotion speaks to the strength of the game and its protagonist.
- Cloud: When people think of Final Fantasy characters, Cloud is often one of the first to come to mind, if not the very first. He's an icon of gaming, and he deserves the spotlight. His design is memorable and unique, and his personality hiding the depths of trauma would serve as an influence for many future protagonists. Cloud has many layers, and has had many forms throughout the years, but he remains recognizable. Due to his legacy, it would be hard to imagine a conversation about protagonists that doesn't include him at the forefront.
- Noctis: Final Fantasy 15 garnered mixed reactions from longtime fans of the series. The very modern setting and main party seemed out of place in the fantastical series, and Noctis is a hero who seems to resist being a hero. Truly, Noctis isn't lazy or bratty just for the sake of it; he's eternally exhausted, and within the first act of the game has suffered the loss of his home and the only family he has. His friends are all he has, and even with the constant antagonistic banter between them, it's clear that they care about each other. Noctis is a tragic hero, doomed to be a sacrifice to the gods in order to save Eos. He has no choice in the matter, and that alone is reason to give him a break.
- Zidane: Zidane starts Final Fantasy 9 as a wayward rogue, raised by a theatre troupe of thieves. He's a skirt-chaser and often tactless, which is admittedly a grating part of his character. However, he does mature throughout the game and come to form a genuine bond with Dagger and the other party members. His playful and flippant exterior belies existential turmoil; he has no idea where he comes from or who he really is. His only father figure is abusive, and his technical "real" father created him as a weapon in an army of clones. He's a flawed protagonist for sure, but he has a compassionate center worthy of recognition.
- Terra: Terra is accepted as the series' first female protagonist, even though multiple characters are at the forefront of Final Fantasy 6's story. Terra is typically the main representative for the title in games like Dissidia, and she's one of the most remembered characters from the game along with Kefka. She is an important part of the series' history, and she's a compelling character in her own right. Her backstory and complicated emotions towards her esper powers are interesting, although unfortunately she's often made vulnerable throughout the game's story and pushed into tired roles for female characters.
- Cecil: Cecil carries themes of duality in his character arc. He permanently changes his class from Dark Knight to Paladin, symbolizing his path to redemption and self-realization. He has conflicted feelings towards his home kingdom of Baron and his best friend Kain, once he realizes the gravity of their actions. Even though Final Fantasy 4 as a whole has lots of flaws, Cecil is still a resonant character with an interesting narrative.
- Squall: Final Fantasy 8 had the bad luck of being the follow-up to Final Fantasy 7, so Squall is often compared to Cloud. Whereas Cloud covers his insecurities and trauma with a headstrong and careless attitude, Squall is more aloof and withdrawn. Squall is also traumatized and insecure, and he is afraid of getting close to people as they'll inevitably be lost one way or another. Final Fantasy 8 is a controversial title, and its protagonist is one of the reasons why. He's not a bad character, but his potential wasn't fully realized in-game.
- Bartz: Even as Bartz goes through the events of Final Fantasy 5, he keeps his easy-going personality. He's a likeable, grounded protagonist who does mature and gain a sense of responsibility without completely changing his character. Even if he isn't one of the most recognizable protagonists of the series, he is still an enjoyable character.
RELATED: Final Fantasy 7 Remake is Officially One Year Old And Has Built a Strong Foundation
- Vaan: Vaan shares a lot of similarities with Zidane: they're both rogue-type characters with a lost family; well-meaning but tactless, with a center of deep caring for their friends. Where Vaan differs is that he does not actually have as much of a hand in the plot events of Final Fantasy 12 — he's more of a viewpoint character. For that reason, he falls farther behind. However, his plotline as a character is still worthy of recognition.
- Firion: As the main character of Final Fantasy 2, Firion was the first named protagonist of the series with his own storyline. He deserves some credit for that alone, and his bonds with his party members are enjoyable. However, Firion lacks the strong memorable personality found in subsequent games' protagonists.
- Luneth: Luneth stars in the 3D remake of Final Fantasy 3, and he's unfortunately often forgotten among other protagonists. He's the leader of the in-game party, and has a predictably protagonist-like personality. Luneth is confident and just a bit reckless, and he likes helping other people. He's a good kid, but he is ultimately a pretty generic figure with a simple storyline in comparison to other games' protagonists.
- Warrior of Light: While the Warrior of Light as he appears in Dissidia isn't a bad character necessarily, he is a bit generic. He is meant to represent a possible protagonist of the first Final Fantasy, as it has no set main character. He's a typical sword-focused warrior, with some Holy elements to his skillset. His personality is very stoic and serious, so he's less fun to watch than some other characters.
- Onion Knight: Even though the remake of Final Fantasy 3 had its own set of original characters, the Onion Knight has remained the representative for FF3 in games like Dissidia and Theatrhythm. Unfortunately, he's not a great representative. He's got a bit of a cowardly streak, and talks about protecting Terra when she's actually the older and more experienced fighter. He is a child, so he gets some slack, but his personality in Dissidia can be especially grating.