In the Final Fantasy series, each protagonist is shaped by the relationships around them and the burdens they carry. This rings especially true for Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy 16 and Noctis Lucis Caelum from Final Fantasy 15. Both characters face immense personal tragedies, thrust into roles of responsibility that demand great sacrifice. Their journeys also emphasize their strong bonds with the people they care about, making their fates not just a personal struggle, but a shared one.
As the eldest son of the Archduke of Rosaria, Clive spends his life protecting his younger brother Joshua, only to see his world shattered by the tragic events that unfold. Noctis, the crown prince of Lucis, is similarly burdened with the fate of an entire kingdom, embarking on a perilous journey with his closest friends. While the Final Fantasy worlds they live in differ, the way their personal arcs explore themes of duty, sacrifice, and the importance of relationships make them strikingly similar.
Tragic Fates: Clive's and Noctis' Parallel Paths
Both Clive and Noctis are defined by the heavy responsibilities placed upon them, with their fates intertwined with the fate of their respective worlds. Noctis’ journey sees him grappling with the duty of reclaiming his country’s Crystal from the empire of Niflheim, while Clive is driven by a quest for vengeance after the dark Eikon Ifrit shatters his life. In both cases, their arcs end with an ultimate sacrifice: Noctis lays down his life to save the world from darkness, while Clive, after defeating Ultima, seemingly faces a similar fate as his body turns to stone.
What makes these endings particularly impactful is not just the personal loss each protagonist experiences, but how their relationships shape their choices. Noctis travels with his friends Gladiolus, Prompto, and Ignis, forming deep connections that guide him through hardship. Clive, though often burdened by his desire to carry others' burdens, is supported by allies like Jill and Torgal, who remind him of the importance of fighting not just for revenge, but for the people he loves.
Brotherhood and the Power of Friendship in Final Fantasy 15 and 16
Both Final Fantasy 15 and Final Fantasy 16 showcase the importance of camaraderie. Noctis’ bond with his friends serves as the emotional core of his journey. Clive’s relationships are similarly central to his arc, though he is more reluctant to accept help. His journey is shaped by a profound sense of duty, especially to his younger brother Joshua and his longtime friend Jill. Despite Clive’s tendency to carry burdens alone, it is through these relationships that he finds strength.
While Noctis’ journey focuses more heavily on the friendships that sustain him, Clive’s arc emphasizes how even reluctant heroes need the people who care for them. Both characters evolve through these relationships.
The Legacy of “Edgy” Final Fantasy Heroes
Clive and Noctis are part of a lineage of Final Fantasy protagonists known for their darker, more introspective nature—a tradition that arguably began with Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy 7. Much like Cloud, both Clive and Noctis are initially reluctant heroes, burdened by their pasts and unsure of their future roles. However, where Cloud is distant and emotionally guarded, both Clive and Noctis grow into leaders defined by their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.
This evolution in the character type shows how the series has refined its portrayal of "edgier" protagonists. Noctis may start off as aloof, but his journey with his friends helps him to open up and become the true king his kingdom needs. Clive, too, learns to rely on the people around him, evolving from a man consumed by revenge to one who fights for a future beyond his own grief.
Both characters demonstrate how Final Fantasy has consistently crafted protagonists who must balance personal tragedy with the responsibility of saving the world, all while forging relationships that ultimately define their legacies. This character archetype continues to evolve through each new installment.
Final Fantasy 16
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- June 22, 2023
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
WHERE TO PLAY
An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them.
This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
