Final Fantasy has a long line of memorable protagonists, and some are more revered than others. From the recognizably luscious blond locks of Cloud Strife to the light-hearted nature of Zidane in Final Fantasy 9, each entry in the longstanding franchise has their own character that drives the story forward. There are a handful of similarities that each seems to have like an underdog mentality and an outrageous fashion sense, and the upcoming Final Fantasy 16 seems to be no different. Clive is the character that players will be seeing the story from the perspective of, and he seems to be quite different to the character that came before.
The next entry in the Final Fantasy franchise looks to be a drastically different experience from its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15, with a more linear approach and a return to a traditional medieval setting. Trailers have done well to showcase the tone of the war-torn nation of Valisthea and the people that inhabit it. Joshua is a Dominant of the eikon (known in other games as summons and espers, among others) Phoenix, and his older brother is the character that players will assume the role of. Clive Rosfield is already capturing the hearts of fans, but his personality seems to be remarkably different to Noctis, the protagonist of Final Fantasy 15.
Final Fantasy Protagonists Have a Type
Final Fantasy 16 looks to be continuing a trend that the franchise has upheld for years. Protagonists of the series are typically spiky-haired and plucky by nature, coming from poverty, obscurity, or finding themselves in a spot of bother when the events of the game roll around. They are usually around teenage, and the journey that makes up the game ir ascent to adulthood. Squall Leonhart's journey in Final Fantasy 8 is vital to his character development, as is Tidus' story in Final Fantasy 10.
Noctis is a fine example of this, as his aesthetics and character arc are similar to what came before. His story may begin as a trip to wed his betrothed, Lady Lunafreya, but it becomes a grander quest that takes plenty of twists and turns that ends with him being a far more mature and refined character than he was when the story began. Final Fantasy has a type when it comes to protagonists, and while some are better than others, they all seem to follow a distinctive pattern.
The Complex Character of Noctis
Noctis Lucis Caelum is at the center of Final Fantasy 15, and while the game has faced its fair share of criticisms, Noctis seems to be an inclusion that is almost universally praised. He begins the story as a reluctant and aloof heir to the throne of Lucis, bearing some resemblance to Squall's moody and brooding nature in Final Fantasy 8, but unlike the latter, he grows and develops as the weight of his huge responsibilities loom large.
The journey to Altissia sees a significant bump in the road when it comes to pass that Niflheim has invaded Lucis and killed Noctis' father, King Regis. Noctis has to go through with the marriage to Lunafreya, but also has to learn how to be a suitable and sensible monarch when or if he returns to take his kingdom back. It's an impossible task, and Noctis' character flaws feel like significant story moments, especially when he and Gladiolus nearly come to blows because of the weight of the burden the party bears. Noctis is an underrated Final Fantasy protagonist, and is proof that the reluctant hero stereotype can still be both intriguing and innovative.
How Clive Can Forge His Own Path
By the time the events of Final Fantasy 16 roll around, protagonist Clive Rosfield is 15 years old, and already has some hefty responsibilities. He's the older brother and protector of Joshua Rosfield and the eldest son of the Archduke of Rosaria. In many ways, Joshua is the most important son, and Clive must take a backseat despite being the older sibling. The trailers suggest a significant journey for the character and features a time skip that sees Clive change drastically, but he begins the story in a different place to most other main characters in the franchise.
Like Tidus in Final Fantasy 10, Clive doesn't seem to be the main character in his own game. In Final Fantasy 10, it's Yuna who takes center stage and makes every important decision in the story, and as Clive serves as the First Shield of Rosaria for Joshua, it bears a resemblance. The fine details of the story are unknown to fans, but up to the events of Final Fantasy 16, it seems that Clive isn't the most important or influential character in the family or world.
The Differences Between Noctis and Clive
Noctis was born with the understanding that eventually the Kingdom of Lucis would be his to rule. He's critical to the fabric not just of the game's story, but also the world of Eos in which it takes place. Clive is also the son of an important man, but Joshua's status as a Dominant takes precedence, and Clive seems to be a less important figure as a result. At multiple points during Final Fantasy 15, Noctis is humbled by the people around him, and his character arc is dependent on his status as heir to the throne as he wrestles with the burden and honor. Clive is there to protect someone more important than himself, making his role significantly different to Noctis'.
The visual style and setting of Final Fantasy 16 means they will wear decidedly different clothes, and each have unique features. Noctis' aesthetics are shaped by the world around him, and Clive's presentation seems to be molded by a similar approach. They are both subject to time skips from their teenage years to adulthood, but the way they evolve will hopefully be contrasting. Noctis is a tremendous character and fits the expectations that fans have of any Final Fantasy protagonist, but it seems like Clive takes a different approach while still conforming to the character norms of the franchise.
Final Fantasy 16 launches 2023 for PS5.