While some minor review bombing shows that not everyone is happy with the direction theFinal Fantasyfranchise is taking, most players seem to adoreFinal Fantasy 16. Its Eikon boss battles have been praised for their unparalleled spectacle, the dark narrative has been celebrated for its many impactful moments, and many have grown attached to the game’s cast of characters. While that cast is elevated by the charismatic Cid andthe well-written Dion, it is protagonist Clive Rosfield that deserves the most praise, and there is one thing in particular that makes him special.
On paper, Clive has many similarities toFinal Fantasy 16protagonists, with his age being the thing that sets him apart a bit on first glance. However, while players may be expecting a brooding character likeFinal Fantasy 7’s Cloud orFinal Fantasy 15’s Noctis, Clive manages to suvert expectations. Sure, he has his moments of anger, and struggles with plenty of self-hatred throughout the story, but Clive almost never lashes out at those around him. Instead, he treats everyone with kindness, with that chivalry going a long way to making Clive a likable character.
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Clive’s Kindhearted Attitude in Final Fantasy 16 is Refreshing
To be clear, plenty of video games feature kindhearted protagonists, though they usually follow the model of a once-flawed person becoming better.Arthur Morgan, Kratos, Joel Miller - these are examples of this format, and it is one that has worked so well because it provides visible character development. However, it is not the only way to deliver an impactful protagonist, somethingFinal Fantasy 16proves with its main character.
Like other characters with trauma, Clive has every reason to be miserable and cold toward those around him, but Square Enix does not go that route. While this is risky, as it can result in overly positive characters that feel unrealistic, Clive succeeds because he is balanced out by his own regrets and shame. The events of Phoenix Gate, which many experienced inFinal Fantasy 16’s demo, weigh heavily on Clive, and that weight only gets heavier when he learns more about what truly happened on that night. This leads to moments where he lashes out at himself and even considers suicide, but he does not let this inner turmoil harm his bonds with other people.
Examples of Clive’s kindness are shown whenever someone does a good deed for him. Even when Clive is at his lowest point early in the game and is on the hunt for his brother’s killer, he grabs Gav by his shoulders and thanks him for his scouting. This is just one of many moments like this, as Clive constantly shows his appreciation for everyone who has chipped in to help saveValisthea. Very rarely does a protagonist spend so much time showing appreciation for those around them, and it is a great reflection of Clive’s character that he notices all that his allies do.
UnlikeCloud Strifewho crosses his arms miserably and grunts his way through many interactions, or Geralt of Rivia who often demands money for his good deeds, Clive just seems happy to help whoever he can. He genuinely cares about everyone in Valisthea, especially the constantly abused bearers, and every piece of content in the game reflects that. While Clive strives to create a new world where everyone is treated equally in the main story, in optional quests, he simply does good deeds because people asked. He helps provide better food for the hideaway, collects missing letters for a courier, and makes gifts for the people who he lives with. He does all of this with a smile on his face, with the rare bouts of moodiness he has directed at himself instead of others. Additionally, he avoids violence when possible, trying to talk sense into cruel people first.
Lastly, Clive respects the opinions of his closest advisors, listening whenever someone like Jill tries to talk him down from acting rashly. At multiple points in the story, Clive accepts help even when he wants to turn it away, showing that he trusts and values the presence of his comrades. His motivation of a better world is truly selfless, but so too is Clive himself. At every single turn, whether players are running through optional content or progressing the main story, Clive proves that he is a truly kind person. While complex characters are welcome, they are more common than ever, so it is a nice change of pace to have a character who is purely good likeClive Rosfield.
Final Fantasy 16is available now on PS5.
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