Final Fantasy features several notable Black characters across the franchise, though their representation has evolved significantly over time.
Key Playable Characters
- Barret Wallace (FFVII): The iconic, gruff leader of AVALANCHE. An eco-terrorist driven by his daughter Marlene's future, wielding a gun-arm. His initial FFVII model lacked distinct Black features, remedied in remakes.
- Sazh Katzroy (FFXIII): A charming father figure providing comic relief balanced by his deep, relatable concern for his son. His Chocobo chick companion highlighted a positive departure from aggressive stereotypes.
- Jack Garland (Stranger of Paradise: FFO): The brutal, singularly focused protagonist. A distinct character separate from FFI's Garland.
Significant Supporting & NPC Characters
- Thunder God Cid (FFT): Cidolfus Orlandeau is presented with distinctively dark skin. As a revered, incredibly powerful knight, he avoids common narrative tropes.
- Basch fon Ronsenburg (FFXII): While features vary in art, key Square Enix materials explicitly identify him as a dark-skinned character. A disgraced knight regaining his honor.
- Emet-Selch (FFXIV): One of the primary antagonists in the critically acclaimed Shadowbringers expansion. Features dark skin and is a complex, sympathetic villain.
- Multiple Scions (FFXIV): Characters like M'naago, Lyse (after removing her mask), Gaia (in Eden storyline), and Fordola possess features explicitly indicating characters designed as Black.
- Cid nan Garlond (FFXVI): One variant of the recurring "Cid" character specifically designed as Black.
Evolution of Representation
Early attempts, particularly Barret's original portrayal, were sometimes criticized for leaning on stereotypes (e.g., angry demeanor, slang). Modern games showcase significant improvement: characters like Sazh and Emet-Selch possess nuanced motivations driving their narratives. FFXIV stands out for featuring multiple prominent, varied Black characters integrated naturally into its vast world. The franchise continues to move towards more consistent, grounded, and multi-dimensional representation.
