Which DQ character has the most similarities to Aeris Gainsborough?
I'd say that Nera Briscoletti from Dragon Quest V, has the most similarities because she was an orphan like Aeris and like Ms. Gainsborough, Ms. Briscoletti was adopted into a loving family who raised her like she was their own. Nera also has the reputation of being sweet and sheltered but at the same time she has a flirtatious side. ("It looks like I'm not the only one who finds you attractive." - Nera's reaction to hearing a female bartender flirt with her husband.)
Similar to Aeris and Zack, Nera was close to her childhood friend Crispin, but as soon as Ms. Briscoletti caught sight of the Hero she was instantly drawn to him...Oh and like Aeris, tragic events seperated Nera from her hubby but unlike Ms. Gainsborough these tragic events can be undone.
