The Hardest Decisions Made By Final Fantasy Protagonists

Key Takeaways

• Cloud Strife accepts a harsh truth about his past, leading to character growth in
  Final Fantasy 7.
• Cecil Harvey confronts his adopted father, revealing a dark secret in
  Final Fantasy 4.
• Noctis sacrifices himself to save the world, facing his final battle alone in
  Final Fantasy 15.

Final Fantasy games are known for their epic narratives that whisk players away on an adventure for the ages. Most of these stories are propelled by a whole host of memorable characters who experience moments of joy and sadness during their journey.

Sometimes, characters are forced to make tough decisions that can either make or break them, especially when it comes to the protagonist of a tale. These situations can be tough to handle, but moving past these hurdles makes for excellent character growth that fleshes out these heroes in the eyes of many fans.

Spoilers Ahead for every Final Fantasy game listed

7 Accepting The Truth Of His Past

Protagonist: Cloud Strife

Throughout Final Fantasy 7‘s campaign Tifa begins to realize that something is wrong with Cloud’s memories. These issues aren’t addressed until Sephiroth is manipulated by Cloud, forcing a truth onto him that shatters his mind. After Tifa and a broken Cloud fall into the Lifestream, the player finally understands what Cloud is going through.

It turns out that Cloud was never a member of SOLDIER at all. He took on Zack’s persona following their escape when he was suffering from mako poisoning. It’s no easy feat to accept a truth that can change a person’s life, but Cloud manages to power through and chooses to accept these memories instead of receding further into his mind, placing him on the road to recovery.

6 Standing Up To His Adoptive Father

Protagonist: Cecil Harvey

Cecil exhibited doubts about the King of Baron’s aggression but didn’t voice these concerns out of respect for the man who adopted and raised him. However, after returning to Baron Castle in Final Fantasy 4, he decides to confront a man in the King’s stead who was not the same person Cecil had grown up with.

This moment finally uncovers Cagnazzo as the impersonator who had killed the original king and taken over his spot. It’s a harrowing discovery for Cecil, but it is clear that confronting his father figure was the right decision. After a grueling battle, this heinous monster is done away with for good.

5 Sacrificing His Life To Save The World

Protagonist: Noctis Lucis Caelum

Noctis may seem like he’s acting out at times in Final Fantasy 15, but this is to be expected of a prince with the weight of the world on his shoulders who lost his empire to an invading force. His friends help him out whenever they can, but it’s clear at the end of the day that the fight against Ardyn is something that only Noctis can finish on his own.

After a heartfelt farewell, Noctis makes the bold choice to face off against Ardyn. However, killing his ancestor isn’t enough — Noctis must also sacrifice himself and send his soul into the Ring of the Lucii, giving him the power he needs to purge the Starscourge from Eos for good.

4 Overcoming His Personal Demons To Serve As A Trustworthy Leader

Protagonist: Squall Leonhart

Squall’s aloof nature can be irritating at times, but Final Fantasy 8 takes its time before showing a sensitive side to this hero. He is someone who constantly doubts himself and doesn’t want others to look up to him as a leader. It’s a surprisingly human problem in this fantasy world that many fans relate to.

It may not seem like a hard decision, but people who resonate with Squall’s struggle know how big a step it is for him to finally acknowledge his friends and take on the burden of saving the world. It’s a bold choice that helps strengthen Squall’s character and brings him one step closer to admitting his love for Rinoa.

3 Eradicating Magic From The World, Regardless Of The Consequences

Protagonist: Clive Rosfield

Final Fantasy 16‘s story has its fair share of ups and downs, but the ending is executed beautifully and gives fans precisely the information they need to fill in the gaps. After his friends die to save him, Clive takes on Ultima and wins in a climactic battle. However, there’s still one last decision to make.

After acquiring Ultima’s power, Clive decides to destroy Origin and breathe new life into his brother Joshua. He willingly sacrifices himself to remove magic from the world and ensure that everyone is treated equally, with the ambiguous nature of his fate making one thing clear — when push came to shove, Clive chose to sacrifice his own life for the betterment of the world, which isn’t an easy decision to make.

2 Deciding To Survive And Save The World After Seeing Locke’s Headband

Protagonist: Celes Chere

The World of Ruin is a hopeless place when Celes awakens, with Cid being the only person in her life who cares for her. He’s the father she never had, but he falls ill, prompting Celes to find fish for him. At this point, it’s easy to feed Cid bad fish to the point where he loses his life.

It’s an emotional moment that causes Celes to take a drastic step and jump off a cliff. Thankfully, she survives and notices Locke’s headband near her as she wakes up. This sight renews her determination, and Celes decides to rekindle the hope in her and bring the heroes back together for one final stand against Kefka.

1 Choosing To Save Yuna Even If He Was A Dream Of The Fayth

Protagonist: Tidus

Tidus’ indomitable will is a huge reason why the Fayth decided to dream him back into existence and change Spira’s fate. The knowledge that he was dead all along and would have to join the Farplane after Sin’s demise is a revelation that weighs heavily on him.

However, Tidus remains optimistic in the face of this adversity and chooses to free Spira from its cycle of destruction, even if he will not be there to witness its second coming. After the final battle in Final Fantasy 10, the protagonist tearfully bids Yuna farewell before going back to where he belonged along with Auron.