1. Zidane-He's probably only my third of fourth favorite character in this game, but Zidane is probably the greatest Final Fantasy protagonist after Cecil and Terra (I actually think Lightning is fourth. Shoot me.). He has a legitimate desire to do the right thing and is truly heroic in that he is brave, empathetic, and generally wanting to do the right thing. His development is also essential to the plot, but unlike other RPG protoganist, he doesn't change his personality, he just learns more about himself, allowing him to keep his charm.

2. Vivi-It's a close one between Vivi and Garnet as I like both, but Vivi edges out. His role in the story is significant as his personal struggle is much like Zidane and Garnet's: a struggle of identity. He tries to recognize his own humanity yet knowing that he is merely a product. That struggle always amazed me and his revelations and inisghts about not only his, but everyone's, existence was one of the best messages in a game.

3. Garnet-Garnet is both a passive personality but different than many other RPG female leads in that she has an independent personality. She does not like relying on others yet never comes off as proud. She struggles with identity as well and tries to do what knows to be right in a see of wrong. She's diplomatic before confrontational, and above most other characters she is willing to sacrifice a lot more to do what she knows to be moral.

4. Steiner- Steiner's character is one of identity as well. Those who play a Lawful Good alignment in D&D knows what struggle it entails. When you are honorable and loyal, to what extent does it hold up? When does law cease to be justice? When does independence start and fealty end? Steiner's struggle is very relevant in a modern world and his development, while much more understated, is truly one of the better ones in an FF title.

5. Freya-Poor Freya, such a cool character underused. Pseudo-Celtic Proud Female Dragoon Furries are a niche character archetype, but I found her to be original and enjoyable. She's a 'badass,' but she has a sense of honor and humility in her pride. Her development is tragic, almost Shakesperean, and yet she continues on with the journey after she loses everything, partly for vengeance, partly for virtue.

6. Quina-Quina is a pointles waste of time but I love her. (I always though Quina was a woman I use 'her' as a habit.) But even Quina has an arc. It's not so much Quina, but those around her. In a sense, ignorance truly is bliss sometimes. And there's not alwys something wrong with it.

7.Eiko-Eiko falls into a certain RPG archetype that I tend to have a polarizing feeling to. I like Eiko and often found her charming and enjoyable, but sometimes her personality was a tad too over-the-top. Still a fun character, though.

8. Amarant-Amarant is not a bad character. In any other FF game, he'd be a fairly well-developed character, but his role in the story is relatively minor and poitnless. Also, his personality isn't very likable, either.