Initially, I didn’t mind silent protagonists in video games.
Since I had never experienced the opposite, this was acceptable.
Years went by, and silent protagonists became rarer.
They were an archetype facing extinction.
I love Cloud and Zidane as much as the next guy.
Who wouldn’t want to be like them?
We claim that they feel more real and tangible than do-good, flat characters.
But does that mean the opposite is bad, that silent characters have now had their moment?
I don’t think so.
One thing in common with these protagonists is that the game has defined their personality for you.
Sometimes they shape themselves and grow, but we just follow along.
This can break or make a game if you don’t have chemistry or relate to the character.
Vaan, from Final Fantasy 12, heres looking at you.
But what about the character that has no predefined personality?
They are so much of a blank slate that the game doesn’t even give them a voice-over.
It sounds boring, and most of the time - for me, at least - it is.
I never felt me while creating a character in Skyrim or Baldur’s Gate.
Hell, even The Sims.
Final Fantasy 14 has changed this dynamic.
But how can I be so emotionally attached to such a zestless character?
Final Fantasy 14 has benefited from expanding its world-building and narrative for years.
This allowed us to grow along with the plot and the supporting characters.
I never thought that Alphinaud would become my best friend.
Our relationship evolved through time.
The Warrior of Light borders on perfection.
I long for usefulness.
Narratively, not so influential.
But it was me investing my time, trying, failing, and finally, triumphing.
They know that come Hell or high water, I will be there to handle the situation.
Because I am the Warrior of Light.
The entire world relied on the hands of a young Dragoon, and I didn’t fall short.
I know that many silent protagonists are bland and many voiced Final Fantasy protagonists are charismatic and magnetic.
This makes them more endearing to me than any other leading character.
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