At the age of thirteen, Cloud left his hometown of Nivelheim to join the Shinra forces. Circumstances forced him from the army, and the ex-Soldier now wanders the world, a brooding mercenary who will accept any job - if the price is right.
Reluctantly allied with the rebel force Avalanche, the fiercely independent Cloud joins their fight to preserve his planet's makou energy. Cloud cleaves enemies in twain with gigantic double-handed swords.

Barret Wallace is the focused and determined leader of Avalanche, the rebels fighting the destructive policies of the Shinra Corporation. His right hand has been replaced by a prosthetic gun grafted directly onto his arm.

Barret lost his wife Mina when his hometown Corel was destroyed; now, he is left only with his beloved daughter Marin. Despite this great tragedy, his outlook is generally positive. Barret prefers brute strength to agile and swift attacks.

An old man who lives in Cosmo Canyon, specialises in observing the activity of the Planet

Aeris is a beautiful and demure young woman. When she was young, her real mother died, and Aeris' relationship with her adoptive mother is often strained.

Vincent is shrouded in mystery: cool, calculating, and stoic, his black robe hides all emotion - save his eyes, with their icy, piercing, continual gaze.
With a quick wit and a deadly aim, Vincent is one to be feared. His metallic claw and strange powers were forced upon him when the Shinra Corporation performed hideous experiments on his body. A single bullet is all he needs to kill.

Tifa is an upbeat young woman who always has a cheerful word for her comrades. While stunningly gorgeous, she can duke it out with the best of 'em! When not aiding Avalanche, Tifa tends a bar in the slums.
She still harbors a childhood crush on Cloud - but is too shy to reveal her feelings. She an expert with kicks, and her left shoe has a metal-plated sole - for extra damage.