Who Is Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII?
Cloud reflects on his role, distancing himself from the idea of being a hero.
“I’m not a hero. Never was. I’m just an ex-SOLDIER who’s trying to save the planet.”
Cloud Strife is one of the most iconic characters in video game history, and his legacy has endured for decades since Final Fantasy VII was first released in 1997 by Square Enix (then known as SquareSoft). As the protagonist of the game, Cloud's story is deeply woven into the fabric of the Final Fantasy franchise and is beloved by fans worldwide. But who exactly is Cloud Strife, and what makes him such an enduring character? Let’s take a closer look.
Cloud Strife: The Mercenary with a Mysterious Past
Cloud Strife is introduced to players as a former member of SOLDIER, an elite military unit controlled by the Shinra Electric Power Company, a powerful corporation that dominates the world of Final Fantasy VII. He begins the game as a mercenary for hire, helping the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE in their fight against Shinra. With his iconic spiky blond hair and Buster Sword, Cloud cuts an imposing figure. But beneath this exterior lies a complex and troubled character.
Cloud’s initial demeanor is cold and indifferent, exuding confidence and skill. He claims to be a former SOLDIER First Class, an elite rank in Shinra's military, and believes he is simply doing mercenary work for money. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Cloud's past is not as straightforward as it seems. His memories are fragmented, and much of what he believes about himself turns out to be false.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Throughout the events of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud embarks on a journey of self-discovery. His past, especially his connection to the villain Sephiroth, and the trauma of his experiences in SOLDIER, gradually come to light. It’s revealed that Cloud never truly reached the rank of SOLDIER First Class, and much of his memory is influenced by the memories of his childhood friend, Zack Fair, a true SOLDIER First Class. Cloud had suffered severe trauma and mental instability, which led to him adopting aspects of Zack's personality and memories as his own.
This journey of uncovering the truth about his identity is a central theme in Final Fantasy VII. Cloud must confront his false memories, accept his real past, and find strength in who he truly is, rather than the persona he once believed himself to be. It’s this internal struggle and eventual growth that make Cloud a deeply relatable and compelling character.
Cloud’s Iconic Role in the Final Fantasy Franchise
Cloud Strife quickly became a symbol of the Final Fantasy series, largely due to his distinct look and complex story. His weapon, the Buster Sword—a massive, oversized blade—became instantly recognizable in the gaming world, and his image has become synonymous with Final Fantasy as a whole.
Cloud’s role extends beyond just Final Fantasy VII. He has appeared in numerous spin-offs, including the Kingdom Hearts series, Final Fantasy Tactics, and even Super Smash Bros.. His story was also expanded in the Final Fantasy VII spin-off film, Advent Children, which explores the events after the game’s conclusion, further delving into his personal struggles and his path toward redemption.
Why Is Cloud So Beloved?
One of the reasons Cloud Strife remains such a beloved character is his complexity. He is not the stereotypical fearless hero; instead, he is a flawed, vulnerable individual who grows through his journey. His internal conflicts resonate with players on a deeper emotional level, as he battles with self-doubt, guilt, and the weight of responsibility.
Moreover, Cloud's story is emblematic of larger themes, such as identity, loss, and redemption. He represents the idea that even when our memories and sense of self are fractured, we can find the strength to forge our own path. His development from a seemingly detached mercenary to a hero who finds his place in the world is one of the most compelling character arcs in gaming.
Cloud in the Final Fantasy VII Remake
With the release of the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cloud Strife returned to the spotlight. The remake not only reintroduced Cloud to a new generation of gamers but also expanded on his character with updated graphics, voice acting, and new story elements. The remake portrays Cloud in stunning detail, showing his emotional depth and the nuances of his relationships with other characters, such as Tifa, Aerith, and Barret. It also teases new mysteries and expands on the original game's lore, making Cloud's journey as engaging as ever.
Conclusion
Cloud Strife is much more than a cool character with a big sword—he is a symbol of resilience and growth in the face of uncertainty and trauma. His journey from a man struggling with false memories to a true hero is a central part of Final Fantasy VII's emotional core, and his story continues to resonate with fans decades after the game's original release. As new chapters of his tale are told in the ongoing Final Fantasy VII Remake series, Cloud's legacy as one of gaming’s most beloved characters will only continue to grow.
Cloud Strife is truly a character for the ages, embodying the heart of what makes video games such a powerful medium for storytelling.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the original game or someone experiencing Cloud's journey for the first time, his story remains one of the most iconic in gaming history.
