Summary
The characters ofFinal Fantasyare not just actors to move the story forward; for many players, they can be complex and relatable reflections, comforting and familiar faces, and even role models. Just as there have been manyiconic female characters fromFinal Fantasy, there have also been great leading men, memorable male mentors, and sly side guys.
There has been almost as wide a variety of male characters across the long-running anthology series as there are valid modes of masculinity. From father figures to fine friends, these gentlemen have been chosen for their strength, wisdom, ability to embrace growth, and many other aspects kindred to positive maleness.
2001’sFinal Fantasy 10saw some of the series' big changes, including true 3D environments, the return of traditional turn-based combat, and voice acting. The setting and story were structured radically differently than before, and a “fish out of water” character was needed. That man was Tidus. Although he stands out as a divisive figure, there’s no denying his boyish, himbo charm.
His outlandish enthusiasm and penchant for bumbling into affairs that are neither his business nor within his understanding provide a stark (and, for those who live there, refreshing) contrast to the depressing world of Spira, which has been caught in a vicious spiral of doom and depression for generations.
When the chips are down and even when surrounded by cynics and lowlives, the leader of the Knights of Pluto conducts himself with the integrity befitting of a knight in shining armor. WhileFinal Fantasy 9plays him off as a comic relief stooge because of his strict adherence to the law, Steinerhas a good heart, despite his orderly intransigence.
He seeks justice and protection for those who cannot protect themselves, a virtue that eventually shines through after his Queen’s evil actions become too much for him to bear. His struggle between duty and virtue is a relatable and honorable one. The fact that both his personality and design manage to ride the line between “doofus knight” and “heroic strongman” made him an iconic and memorable figure.
Where sinister emperors and demi-gods parade themselves in public with their openly evil acts, the world ofFinal Fantasy 7is initially under attack by a far more insidious enemy:corporate monopoly and greed. Although he may seem intense, Barret sees what it will take to save the planet and, ultimately, those he loves and is willing to do whatever it takes.
Despite his hot-headed sensibilities and intimidating gun arm and silhouette, Barret is a dedicated and loving father. Ultimately, his motivations to fight Shinra, Sephiroth, and the shape-shifting Jenova, stem from an unwavering love for the next generation and all the future generations to come.
Dark knight Cecil was one of the first pre-defined characters inFinal Fantasyhistory, and his story and the depth of his personality still stand up today. When players first meet him inFinal Fantasy 4, he is an unquestioning servant to a morally dubious king. After reflecting on his deeds, he embarks on a journey of redemption, ultimately defeating his shadow self and returning as a paladin.
In his heart, Cecil was always a champion for good, but due to his confusion about his identity, he allowed loyalty to blind his judgment. It took time away from his position and the goodness of kind people to show him the way to the light.
6Cloud Strife
The Iconic But Distant Solider
Cloud shares insecurities that will be familiar to many young men, which is unsurprising given the trauma and hero disenchantment he received early in his career. Although he comes across as self-centered, disinterested, and occasionally straight-up rude, Cloud makes the right choice when the moment of truth arrives.
Although his attitude and shattered psyche hardly make him the ideal role model or even companion, Cloud’s determination to overcome his own doubt, shame, and depression is admirable. Inner turmoil aside, Cloud has one of the coolest, most iconic, and recognizable looks in the series, from the impossibly styled spikey hair to his moody purple jumpsuit and ginormous Buster Sword.
While his fashion sense is undeniable, withan intriguing “main character” facial scarto match, Squall’s popularity inFinal Fantasyfandom is polarizing. Unlike other protagonists, every one of Squall’s inner thoughts is on full display to the player inFinal Fantasy 8. While witnessing someone’s every doubt and insecurity can be grating, especially from what is supposed to be the game’s hero, it adds a layer of relatability, depth, and frankness that typically goes unexamined in adventure stories.
Although it is hard to discern for those who have full access to Squall’s dark, moody monologues, keen-eyed players will notice that Squall’s highly critical inward assessments tend to be at odds with the professional and collected persona he presents to the rest of the world, even in dire situations. If players had access to the thoughts of the series' previous protagonist, they might see a similar situation. Despite his hidden vulnerabilities, Squall pushes on, eventually confronting his fears and allowing himself to open up with Rinoa, demonstrating tremendous growth.
Charming, roguish, but ultimately the owner of a good heart, the leader of Figaro does not just leverage cutting-edge technology to help his people thrive but has an intimate knowledge of its workings, being one of the series' first mechanists, and despite his royal heritage, is never afraid to stain his hands on machinery.
Despite his penchant for pursuing a woman’s affection, he is ever cordial and always respects their wishes. From the moment he appears inFinal Fantasy 6, Edgar is shown to despise the oppressive Empire and, from the beginning, under the guise of having an alliance with its emperor, works with the Returners to hinder its army and influence however he can.
3Zidane Tribal
The Bushy-Tailed Thief With A (Mostly) Pure Heart
Playful, loyal, and generally upbeat, Zidane never fails to bring energy to any situation. While he can often come across as immature, Zidane has deeply ingrained nurturing abilities within him, as he demonstrates with the friendship andolder brother-like carehe shows to Vivi seen throughoutFinal Fantasy 9.
Zidane does lose points for his highly questionable behavior while climbing aboard the cargo airship in the Dali escape when he grabs Princess Garnet (and while he offers only a half-hearted apology and insinuates that it was an accident, thankfully, this does not happen again).
2Auron
The Death-Defying Rebel Guardian
Stoic. Mysterious. Cool. Auron began as a straight-man guardian and became a legend but ended up asa renegade defying Yevon’s deceptive, evil doctrines. His ability to cling on beyond death stems from a steely will to mentor his friend’s son and bring justice to a world doomed to endless sorrow. His courage in standing up against his teachings, resolve to bring Jecht’s son, and determination to bring an end to Yevon and Sin’s reign.
Auron hits hard with his enormous sword (he is the hard-hitter of the party), with his words, and his impeccable fashion sense. His samurai chic and dark glasses combo also makes him one of the coolest-looking men in the series.
Balthier is, in his own words, the “leading man,” which is true in a few ways. First, his charisma makes him stand out even among the legendary heroes and sky pirates of Ivalice. Second, Vaan’s status as the main character inFinal Fantasy 12was roundly accepted to have been hijacked by Ashe or Balthier, which is a testament to the strength of their characters.
Mature, unflappable, brilliant, and suave, of all the male characters inFinal Fantasy’s long and illustrious history, Balthier takes the top spot. He takes the high road whenever he can (and not just in hissupremely stylish airship) despite his troubled family history, but despite his roguish nature, he also takes the time (at his pleasure) to cause trouble for self-serving authorities with his partner in crime, Fran.
