Final Fantasy XIV has birthed many incredible characters, and while they all experience some level of development over the course of the story, some character arcs stand out above the rest. FFXIV’s frequently surprising MSQ introduces players to unique characters from various continents across their own star, other dimensions, and even ancient history. The game’s developers took some risks with the evolution of many of these NPCs, and most of them hit the mark.
Not all of FFXIV’s major characters undergo drastic changes during their journeys. In fact, some of the best characters remain pretty consistent over the course of the story. Other characters change quite a bit, yet not in ways that endear them to the audience.
The best character arcs in FFXIV include characters from each expansion. The time frame in which the game takes place is intentionally vague, which means it’s hard to say how long FFXIV‘s story timeline is through Endwalker. However, the character development has occurred gradually over about a decade in the real world, so longtime fans have been watching these characters grow for quite a while. These are the best character arcs that have come about throughout FFXIV‘s story so far.
Alphinaud’s Character Arc In FFXIV Shows Real Growth
Alphinaud is easily one of the least likable characters in A Realm Reborn. From the start, he is pretentious and acts like he knows everything. He learns the hard way that this isn’t true when his naivety and arrogance get people killed during the Crystal Braves fiasco. For a while, Alphinaud struggles with intense guilt and self-pity. With some encouragement from his companions, he snaps out of it and begins to change for the better. Most fans are quite fond of him by the end of Endwalker, which many consider the best expansion yet.
He never gives up on his idealistic vision of a better future; instead, Alphinaud learns how to pursue his goals by working with others instead of simply trying to impose his will. He learns from his past mistakes and takes extensive measures to avoid repeating them. After Estinien comments on the young Leveilleur’s growth, Alphinaud remarks, “One can’t remain a spoiled little lordling forever, you know.”
Thancred’s Character Arc In FFXIV: ARR & Shadowbringers
When players first meet Thancred in A Realm Reborn, he comes across as carefree and tries to flirt with practically every woman he sees. After losing Minfilia (whom he views as a younger sister) at the end of A Realm Reborn, however, he becomes far more introverted and moody. His flirtatiousness and sense of humor essentially disappear due to the loss.
Then, Thancred learns how to be a gunbreaker in Shadowbringers, rescues Ryne, and becomes a father figure to her. He struggles to express his feelings for her, but his communication skills eventually improve and he’s able to reassure Ryne that he’s proud of and cares about her. By the end of his development, he’s still more serious than he was in A Realm Reborn, but he’s much more sociable and willing to crack jokes. Many fans were impressed by his transition from womanizer to father figure, and this personal growth makes his character arc one of the best in FFXIV.
Ardbert’s Character Arc In FFXIV: Shadowbringers
Ardbert first appears in FFXIV as a “Warrior of Darkness” along with his closest comrades. Having been tricked by the Ascians, he’s set on destroying the Warrior of Light in order to save his own world, the First. This doesn’t work out, of course, and he instead ends up returning to his world with Minfilia in the hopes that she can stop the Flood of Light – a problem he and his comrades unintentionally created – that threatens to consume his home.
When he reappears as a shade in Shadowbringers, the highest ranked FFXIV expansion before Endwalker was released, Ardbert discovers that the Warrior of Light is the first person in 100 years who is able to see and hear him. He’s initially very pessimistic about the Warrior of Light’s quest to save the First, insisting that the world is beyond saving. Of course, as the player proceeds to defeat Lightwardens and restore the night to various parts of Norvrandt, Ardbert bonds with them and becomes increasingly optimistic. Eventually, it’s revealed that his and the Warrior of Light’s souls are sundered pieces of the same ancient being, and he ultimately decides to join his soul with the Warrior of Light in order to help them defeat Emet-Selch and save the First. Ardbert’s journey from enemy to a literal part of the Warrior of Light’s soul is an interesting and engaging one.
G’raha Has One Of The Most Interesting Arcs In FFXIV
Unlike other major characters in FFXIV’s MSQ, G’raha Tia is first introduced in a raid series, the Crystal Tower, a common destination in FFXIV‘s Duty Roulettes. He leaves a poor first impression, annoying players by adding extra steps to an already tedious line of fetch quests. Even so, he proves himself to be more likable than expected, and the moment when he seals himself inside the Crystal Tower is quite sad.
By the end of Shadowbringers, when the duty-driven Crystal Exarch’s true identity is revealed to be G’raha, a lot of players are excited to see him and feel an emotional bond with his character. After living in the Crystal Tower on the First for about 100 years and leading the people of the Crystarium city in FFXIV, G’raha has grown much wiser and more knowledgeable. Yet, the G’raha of the Source, infused with the Crystal Exarch’s memories, is full of as much youthful energy as wisdom and knowledge. He expresses much admiration for the Warrior of Light and confesses that his greatest desire is to go on an adventure with them. Most players find his personality endearing and are happy to see the results of his development.
Yotsuyu’s Arc In FFXIV: Stormblood Is Heartbreaking
Yotsuyu’s character arc is compelling, not because of who she is, but because of who she could have been if her circumstances had been different. At first, she’s easy to hate. Her beauty is almost immediately overshadowed by her excessive cruelty. Though she later reveals the abuse she suffered in her past is her motivation, most players don’t see this as an acceptable justification for her actions, and few are sad when she seemingly dies during Stormblood (before she becomes Tsukuyomi, who players must defeat to get one of FFXIV‘s extreme trial mounts).
However, when Yotsuyu returns without her memories and begins going by the name Tsuyu, fans can see a stark contrast between Yotsuyu’s twisted ruthlessness and Tsuyu’s sweet, innocent, and child-like behavior. It’s heartbreaking when Tsuyu ventures into Namai in pursuit of a persimmon for Gosetsu and is confronted by angry villagers, at which point she drops to her knees and apologizes profusely. Sadly, Asahi’s plans bring Yotsuyu’s memories back and result in her death in Stormblood. Right before she dies, if the player chooses the dialogue option “Tsuyu deserved a kinder fate,” Yotsuyu responds, “Her happiness was never to be… Not in this world.” With that, her tragic tale reaches a conclusion.
Ryne’s Connection To Minfilia In FFXIV: Shadowbringers
Essentially a reincarnation of the Source’s Minfilia, Ryne initially inherits the name “Minfilia”’ and is called that for much of the MSQ before she is renamed. Though she is a great asset in FFXIV: Shadowbringers’ newly introduced Trust System, she struggles greatly with self-confidence, constantly second-guessing herself. She fears that Thancred, her father figure, sees her as a burden and wishes she were the original Minfilia he knew from the Source.
Meanwhile, many players are dismayed by her internal struggle, especially those who feel like she contributes far more to the party than A Realm Reborn’s Minfilia ever did. Naturally, they’re excited when Ryne decides to take her life into her own hands rather than sacrifice herself to enable Minfilia’s return. Her strength and confidence only grow from here, and most fans can’t help but feel proud of her.
Estinien’s Character Arc From Heavensward To Endwalker
Players meet Estinien for the first time in the MSQ during the Dragonsong War. He’s introduced as the Azure Dragoon, and fans learn that he’s driven by a thirst for revenge against the dragons for killing his family. Over time, he forms a bond with Alphinaud and comes to realize vengeance isn’t a worthwhile goal.
After being mostly absent for two expansions, Estinien is featured in many of FFXIV: Endwalker‘s Main Scenario quests. In stark contrast to where he started, Estinien’s character is a friend to dragonkind by the time Endwalker rolls around, having helped facilitate peace between the dragons and Ishgardians as well as helping Tiamat escape Azys Lla. Estinien shows concern when Varshahn brings dragon scales to the Thavnairian alchemists until he is assured that they were given willingly. Then, he joins forces with Vrtra, riding on his back into battle. He also gives up some of his lone-wolf tendencies, agreeing to join the Scions, wear a linkpearl, and even have a chat with Alphinaud’s mother over tea.
Urianger’s Story Comes Full Circle In FFXIV: Endwalker
Fans initially get to know Urianger as the Scion with the strange outfit who speaks in riddles and reads a lot of books. Fittingly, in the FFXIV-themed Eorzea Private Academy manga, he is depicted as a science teacher. On multiple occasions in FFXIV, he works behind his fellow Scions’ backs for duty’s sake, doing what he believes is for the greater good. He recognizes that sometimes sacrifice is necessary for a better overall result, and he acts accordingly.
Later, in Endwalker, Urianger reveals the emotional turmoil his actions have caused him, confiding in the Warrior of Light that he blames himself for the deaths of Moenbryda, Minfilia, and the near-death of G’raha. He questions whether he made the right decision and resolves to stop using duplicity as a means to fulfill his duty. Arguably the most impactful moment of Urianger’s story happens in a tear-jerking scene when he meets with Moenbryda’s parents and gets some closure.
Emet-Selch’s Character Arc Proves He’s More Than An FFXIV Villain
Many fans consider Emet-Selch the best villain in the entire Final Fantasy franchise, and his character development is a significant aspect of this. His sarcastic personality gives him a strange sort of charisma while his sardonic comments toward the Scions reflect his disdain for them. These traits combine to make him the kind of villain players can’t help but love, and his suggestion of a potential compromise in Shadowbringers adds an extra layer to his overall intrigue. When players learn of the tragedy that befell the ancients and the burden Emet-Selch carries, it’s hard not to feel sorry for him. Then, players witness his world first-hand in Elpis, where Emet-Selch returns in FFXIV’s MSQ after dying, and the knowledge of his fate hits even harder.
Yet, during the Ascian’s final appearance in Endwalker, he acknowledges he could not have brought his people this far and entrusts the future of Etheirys to the Warrior of Light. This final moment brings a satisfying end to an incredible character’s story. These are only some of Final Fantasy XIV’s best character arcs, but there are plenty more great ones throughout the game’s expansions.
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