7. Zidane (Final Fantasy IX)
Final Fantasy IX’s Zidane is a bit of a palate cleanser for the series after Terra, Cloud, and Squall gave us three gloomy protagonists, and harkens back to characters like Bartz who are more carefree in the midst of a lot of strife.
Initially, he starts as a happy-go-lucky kid who is largely characterized by his charming and playful nature. He’s a bit of a trickster and a thief and doesn’t really take anything seriously. However, as the truth of his nature as an Angel of Death comes to light, Zidane is forced to confront some harrowing, world-shattering stakes and grow up real quick. Zidane is good in the same way Final Fantasy IX is: His emotional range has a wide spectrum, and it makes him both likable and deeply sympathetic.
