Fans know Final Fantasy for its energetic heroes. They exude the spirit of adventure and love a dash of broad humor. Above all, they make lifelong friends along the way. Not all characters are like that, though.
Many Final Fantasy figures are more introverted. They shut themselves off from the world and are reluctant to engage in the same wholesome fun as others. Their downbeat attitude often stems from a crippling secret or a tragic past. As a result, the quieter characters are usually the most compelling.
6 Cloud Strife – Final Fantasy 7
The most recognizable character in the franchise, Cloud is the protagonist of Final Fantasy 7. However, he quickly distinguishes himself from the wholesome heroes of old, emerging as a strong, silent mercenary. He takes pride in his abilities with the odd boast, but he's loath to let any admirers get too close.
That's partly due to his own clouded (sorry) past, which informs his fear of not being able to protect those he loves. That emotional insecurity makes him all the more intriguing. On one hand, he's got the tough guy persona that everyone loves. On the other, he's got enough pathos to keep fans hooked beyond the initial coolness factor.
5 Squall Leonhart – Final Fantasy 8
The next entry--Final Fantasy 8--seeks to emulate numerous aspects of its predecessor, so Squall mirrors Cloud's downbeat attitude. The difference is that he's a school student instead of a mercenary. Raised as an orphan, the boy lost everyone he loved through death or abandonment. This closes him off emotionally, meaning he's not much for conversation at the SEED academy.
In this way, he resembles many teenagers in real life. Due to various circumstances, some kids are uncomfortable in social situations and would rather be by themselves. Come to think of it, the same goes for many adults. Because of that, Squall's awkward interactions with his fellow students are eerily familiar. Anyone who's felt like a social outcast, especially a self-imposed outcast, can likely relate to his monosyllabic behavior. For that timeless reason, he continues to resonate with fans.
4 Auron – Final Fantasy 10
Talk about a contrast. Most characters in Final Fantasy 10 are annoying and over the top. The exception is Auron: a wayward spirit with unfinished business. He rarely speaks, but the few lines he has ring with such chilling wisdom that it's impossible not to listen. As such, he gives the silliest scenes a surprising gravitas.
That heaviness comes from a rich backstory. Auron previously embarked on an ill-fated crusade with friends, and he now seeks to atone for past mistakes. This makes him ideal as a mentor figure. Of course, like most mentors, he has far more charisma and resonance than his student.
3 Lightning – Final Fantasy 13
In another attempt to recapture Final Fantasy 7's magic, Lightning establishes herself as a hardened fighter in a high-octane train brawl. She's constantly angry at the world, and she prefers if no one is around to share that anger. She even resorts to violence if her peers can't take a hint. Sadly, Lightning has little beneath her rage except for more rage. Similar to Auron, though, she seems better by comparison. Final Fantasy 13's other party members are so obnoxious that Lightning's subdued demeanor is refreshing. Not to mention, she's more memorable in the long run.
The reluctant heroine has since shown up in other games. In fact, she headlines a whole FF13 trilogy, so she's ingrained in fans' memories regardless. On top of that, Lightning's appearances in crossover titles further help her case. Here, she interacts with better characters and, thus, brings out more compelling qualities in herself. She has friendly competitions with fellow fighters, even developing a grudging protective instinct during their foolhardy actions. These moments do more for her character than her games ever achieve.
2 Vivi – Final Fantasy 9
This little guy isn't the usual Final Fantasy introvert in that he's not a tough warrior. Rather, he's a shy kid with an endearing naïveté. His friends try to bring him out of that shell, but he becomes more fearful upon learning of his black mage heritage and powers.
Helping Vivi find the confidence to use those powers makes for some of the most rewarding character growth in Final Fantasy 9. As he gains perspective on the world, he also develops more agency in wanting to fix it. In the process, he goes from passive observer to active hero. It's a journey to maturity, and fans are rooting for him at every step.
1 Terra – Final Fantasy 6
Like Vivi, Terra is afraid of her own abilities. She's one of the mythical Espers, meaning her latent magical powers make her capable of godlike feats. Because of that, she's restrained in both combat and personality, which works against her. Final Fantasy 6 has a colossal collection of characters with no "main" protagonist, so the soft-spoken Terra gets lost in the shuffle as a passive plot device. Ultimately, though, she's the key to saving the day, serving as the link between the human world and the legendary Esper realm. This led to her becoming emblematic of the game.
In crossover titles, Terra acts as the representative protagonist of FF6. These alternate adventures give her personal journey more focus. As a result, she has a more organic arc from timidity to bravery.