Brooding or stoic protagonists has become a specialty of the Final Fantasy series at this point, and most of that started with Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy 7. Of course, since then the series has evolved and iterated on that character design with protagonists like Squall Leonhart, Lightning, and most recently, Noctis Lucis Caelum from Final Fantasy 15.
Now with Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Cloud has returned to the spotlight as the series' protagonist. Following up from Final Fantasy 15's Noctis, Cloud represents an evolution of the sulking or stoic protagonist that strays away from the depressive and rebellious stereotype represented in characters like Noctis. The Final Fantasy series has depicted several stereotypical brooding protagonists, to which Noctis' character design adheres to the archetype almost to a tee.
Cloud's Character Design
What's most interesting about Cloud's character design is that he's one of the few characters in the Final Fantasy franchise to have his personality evolve several times. Final Fantasy 7 is one of only a few games in the entire series to have its original games expanded by prequels, sequels, and other side stories. His personality in the original Final Fantasy 7, and similarly in Remake, is one of arrogance and conceit that's later transformed into the hero he's known as today. Later on, in Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, his demeanor is one of isolation and depression, traumatized by many of the events from the original game.
Cloud's seen evolution in a variety of capacities throughout his character's existence, some more controversial than others. Many criticized his depiction in Advent Children as antithetical to his established character in the original game. His depiction in the original Final Fantasy 7 was his transformation from selfish mercenary to charismatic leader. His struggle with an identity crisis and trauma after Zack's death, even before Aerith's murder, and shows he's capable to overcome even the greatest tragedies. Perhaps he was driven by grief to defeat Sephiroth at the end of Final Fantasy 7, and that's why he's so stricken with sorrow in Advent Children because he didn't have time to grieve initially. Overall, Cloud's multi-faceted development show he's a complicated hero with a unique, complex backstory.
Noctis' Character Design
Noctis' personality is built on a similar foundation, but derived from a completely different character evolution than Cloud. Noctis Lucis Caelum is the heir to an annexed throne, destined to become the next king of a soon-to-be oppressed kingdom. All his life, Noctis has been fully aware of predestined role in life as prince of Lucis. He grew up knowing he would be taking his place among a lineage of kings, instilling the burden of the world on his shoulders from birth. In many ways he grows up and matures in a spoiled adolescence, which contributed to Noctis developing his own brand of self-importance.
Similarly, Noctis faces plenty of tragedy throughout his story in Final Fantasy 15. The game begins with a heartfelt journey that very quickly spirals into one of great despair and personal growth for Noctis. His road-trip on the way to marrying his wife Lunafreya has now turned into one of sudden growth and unforeseen consequences. Noctis finds out later on that his father, King Regis, had indeed sent him out to obtain the weapons of his ancestors on purpose, fully knowing an invasion would occur and he would be killed. Noctis is forced to live with this burden of becoming king so suddenly, with his grief mounting as he's constantly beaten down by the evil Niflheim empire. In the end, it's what leads to his consistent hubris throughout the game, which takes until the end of the game for Noctis to come to terms with.
Which Hero Grew the Most
Both protagonists, at face value, experience similar emotions and moments of growth throughout their respective stories. The defining differences between Cloud and Noctis are the sources of their grief and how they are able to cope with and mature from their experiences.
Cloud's trauma stems from a dissociative identity crisis instigated by great trauma and personal loss. In response, Cloud assumes this SOLDIER-like persona that physically represents Zack Fair but emits a personality that combines Zack's arrogance with a muted subsconscious sorrow of his own. In turn, with Aerith's death and recovering from his Mako poisoning fugue state, Cloud's selfish arrogance transforms through great despair as he discovers his true self. Cloud becomes the charismatic leader prepared to take on Sephiroth and save the planet from devastation thanks to his allies supporting him. Cloud's complicated character traits are what make his backstory so interesting, and as his many realities collide, he's able to come out the other side stronger as his genuine self.
Noctis, on the other hand, takes many years to curb his arrogance and become the true leader he needs to be. Part of the reason why Noctis' character design receives a lot of criticism was that, throughout his journey, he never seems to curb his arrogance until the very end of the game. Throughout his story, there are several profound moments where Noctis seems to exhibit maturity, but he very quickly devolves into his arrogant self in subsequent scenes. It's not until he sleeps in the Lucian crystal and is gifted knowledge by his ancestors that he suddenly understands his purpose and kills the usurper Ardyn at the end of the game. Until this happens, at every turn Noctis seems to reject any attempt to humble him. A divine crystal literally needed to put him away for 10 years in order for him to grow and understand his role.
Characters in Final Fantasy can oftentimes be hit or miss throughout the series, and these two are no exception. Overall, the two have similar arcs, but Cloud's growth as a character comes through his many trials and tribulations. Cloud becomes the hero after many instances of trauma show him what he must do. Noctis' character growth is delayed and prolonged, likely on purpose. Noctis' character development in comparison feels blatantly selfish and the opposite of endearing, though as to which is better, to each their own.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is out now for PS4.