Final Fantasy VII as an All-Encompassing Story

by Michael D. Craig 

In having read numerous Square Net editorials recently, I have become more than a bit disillusioned by an apparent common thread between many of those that concern Final Fantasy VII. That common thread is the belief that Cloud is by far the main focus of the game, perpetuated to its utmost in Jason Golec’s defense of the game’s ending (which is a topic editorial contributors are forbidden to discuss in earnest, so I won’t enter into it.) Now, I do not endeavor to deny that Cloud is the main character of the game, and thus receives the primary focus thereof. Rather, what I fail to understand is the “by far” aspect of that belief. Perhaps those who endorse that belief have an understanding of the game that I lack, but it is oblivious to me how so many people can believe that a story as universally encompassing as that of Final Fantasy VII is by far a story about only one person.

Statements such as Jason Golec’s, which dictate that “everything that was important happened to [Cloud] or because of him” and all the other characters “are minor characters only there to support Cloud” are, in my opinion, fallacies. These statements perpetuate the belief that all other characters in the game were primarily orchestrated as catalysts for Cloud’s personal development. That belief, to me, makes absolutely no sense. Yes, Cloud’s personal development is made more relevant to the story because he is the main character, and the final battle is his battle, but the other characters (excepting Yuffie, whose time of personal development was yet to come) each have their moments as well. Barret comes to accept that he was in error for supporting the Corel Reactor, and strives to make amends with Dyne (who wants no part of such things.) Cid finally achieves his dream of flying into space, which triggers both personal growth and revelations ad infinitum. Tifa realizes that she is not alone in life simply because she has no home to return to. Red XIII develops esteem for his father, and realizes that his mission in the world is far greater than simply guarding Cosmo Canyon. Cait Sith realizes that he is an individual even if his body is a prototype, and discovers his courage in releasing the Black Materia. Even Reno and Rude discover that there is more to being one of their group of “Turks” than mere business, and rescue Elena from the perverted Don Corneo not because they have to, but because they care about her. And Aeris... well, we all know what happens to Aeris.

Cloud is not always the most integral component of the story (whether on the superficial level or the interpretive.) There are themes in the game that have nothing to do with him. Case and point, the theme of parenthood. Throughout the entirety of the game, parenthood plays a prevalent role. Barret struggles with the conflict between his need to be a good father to Marlene and his ever-present desire to protect the planet. Elmyra tries to serve as a mother to Aeris, but knows she needs something more -- something she is helpless to provide. Sephiroth is frequently heard speaking to Jenova, affectionately referring to her as “mother”, and deeming her the only being to whom he can relate. Red XIII develops respect for his biological father through the help of his adoptive grandfather. And even Hojo commandeers the Sister Ray in an effort to provide his son (Sephiroth) with what he needs.

Where does Cloud fit into that theme? Aside from the brief flashback in which his mother suggests he needs a girlfriend, and his parametric, non-essential encounter with her in the Kalm Town flashback, he does not. Cloud serves as a parent to nobody, and his own parent’s role in the story is peripheral and irrelevant. The theme of parenthood applies greatly to many characters in the game, but Cloud is not one of them.

To say that Cloud is the only character around whom Final Fantasy VII is based completely devalues the existence of every other character in the game except Sephiroth. If Cloud were the only relevant character in the game, Shinra Tower would never have been infiltrated, the deaths of Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie would not have been a sad occasion in the least, Cosmo Canyon would have been just another stop, the theft of the Highwind would not have mattered, Aeris’ death would have been a sad occasion only because Cloud was in love with her, and we would have spent the entire time during which Cloud was incapacitated by his Mako poisoning watching him convulse in his wheelchair and waiting for the earthquake rather than following the other characters on their quest for the Huge Materia. Essentially, if Cloud were the only relevant character in the game, more than half of the story’s events would not have taken place, and Cid, Red XIII, Yuffie, Cait Sith, Vincent, and most all of Shinra’s hierarchy would not have existed. But they did exist, and they existed for a reason. They existed because a story about one brooding man would have been very dull (not to mention very short.) They existed because they added an interesting element to the game -- to their own lives, to Cloud’s, and to the life of every other character in the game.

Cloud’s personal conflict with Sephiroth is the final (and probably the most important) conflict in the game, but that does not mean that the entire story is about him. Final Fantasy VII IS NOT only a story about Cloud Strife and his mission. It is a story about an ancient civilization that amassed its strength to rid the world of “the terror from the skies.” It is a story about a pilot whose brilliance begins to peek through his expletive-ridden visage. It is a story about a little girl at a polluted beach who befriends a dolphin. It is a story about a mad scientist who finally tries to be a good father through one final act of madness. It is a story about an executive officer who lives vicariously through a stuffed cat. It is a story about three technicians whose deaths did not go unnoticed and ungrieved for. It is a story about a small group of corporate enforcers who have nobility, even if their orders do not. It is a story about an old man in a place of great erudition and spiritual strength who willingly guides those who ask to their destinies. It is a story about the dangers of insanity and incredible power in combination. It is a story about an inspired group of environmentalists who try to protect a frightened bird. It is a story about a young boy who injured himself snowboarding. It is a story about a derelict who calls a train his home. It is a story about deception. It is a story about truth. It is a story about fear. It is a story about courage. It is a story about death. It is a story about life. It is, undoubtedly, a story about everything.