Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Barret Wallace’s Wife Myrna—A Tragic Legacy Revealed
SPOLIERS AHEAD
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has given fans a long-awaited, powerful glimpse into the life of Barret Wallace, the passionate and fiercely protective leader of AVALANCHE. While Barret’s backstory was touched on in the original Final Fantasy VII, one critical aspect of his past was left largely unexplored—his wife, Myrna.
Rebirth finally reveals her story, shedding light on her tragic death and the lasting impact it has had on Barret, offering a fresh perspective on his character growth and motivations.
The Hidden Story of Myrna
In Final Fantasy VII, Myrna was mentioned briefly as Barret’s wife, who tragically died during the destruction of Corel. However, her character was never shown in the original game, leaving fans to imagine what she was like and how her presence might have influenced Barret. With Rebirth, the veil is lifted, and Myrna is brought to life with an accuracy and beauty that resonates with players on a deeper level.
Myrna Wallace is portrayed as a striking Black woman with beautiful brown skin and braided hair, an elegant representation that adds depth to her character and ensures her identity is acknowledged with the care and respect it deserves.
Her physical appearance in Rebirth is not just visually captivating but also serves as a powerful, accurate representation, showcasing her beauty and strength. This marks a significant moment in the game’s commitment to diverse, authentic character representation, adding a new layer of emotional depth to the story.
Myrna and Barret’s Relationship: Love and Loss
Myrna and Barret’s relationship was one of deep affection, trust, and partnership. Barret’s fiery and determined nature was tempered by Myrna’s calm and nurturing presence, giving him a sense of balance and love that he would carry with him for the rest of his life. While the original game painted Barret as a man driven by vengeance for his fallen hometown, Rebirth shows that his motivation was not only rooted in anger but also in a promise to protect those he loves—Myrna and his adopted daughter, Marlene.
Her tragic death during the destruction of Corel is a pivotal moment in Barret’s arc. This loss is the source of much of his pain, and Rebirth allows players to see how it fundamentally shaped his worldview. The weight of that tragedy drives Barret’s obsession with bringing down Shinra, but it also drives his need for redemption and reconciliation with his past mistakes.
Barret’s Growth: From Grief to Fatherhood
One of the most poignant aspects of Barret’s character in Rebirth is his growth. The Barret players meet in Final Fantasy VII was hardened by the pain of loss, angry at the world, and often volatile in his actions. However, in Rebirth, we see a Barret who is slowly evolving, learning to cope with his grief and balance his responsibilities as a father.
Myrna’s death left him with Marlene, and he has been her guardian and protector ever since. This new dynamic of fatherhood, along with the newly revealed depths of his relationship with Myrna, adds a layer of complexity to Barret’s character.
His journey in Rebirth is not just one of fighting against external enemies but also one of internal growth. The grief he harbors, alongside the love he has for his step daughter, is a major force behind his growth, and Rebirth gives him the chance to confront that emotional baggage in a meaningful way.
A Deeper Connection to the Planet and His Family
Myrna’s role in Barret’s development is not merely one of tragic loss but one of love and purpose. In Rebirth, Barret’s journey to protect the planet becomes intertwined with his need to protect the memory of his wife and ensure a better world for Marlene. Barret’s strength as a father, as well as a fighter, is crucial to his evolution in this chapter of his story. Myrna’s death left a lasting scar, but it also set him on a path to heal, both for himself and his step daughter.
By expanding on Myrna’s backstory and revealing her true significance in Barret’s life, Rebirth enriches the emotional landscape of the game. Barret’s strength as a father and protector is now more relatable and rooted in his love for his family, making him an even more compelling character.
Myrna’s Representation: A Step Forward for Diversity
Myrna’s inclusion in Rebirth is a significant step forward in terms of representation. As a Black woman, her character brings much-needed diversity to the Final Fantasy VII universe. This is not only a welcome change but an important one, as it reflects the game’s commitment to showcasing diverse characters and stories. Her accurate representation is a step toward better inclusivity in gaming, ensuring that players from all walks of life can see themselves reflected in these iconic characters.
Myrna’s portrayal in Rebirth also serves as a reminder that representation matters. Her character is not a side note or a token; she is integral to Barret’s arc, and her presence helps to deepen his emotional and narrative development. For many fans, seeing a strong Black woman in such an important role within the Final Fantasy franchise is both empowering and refreshing.
The Enduring Legacy of Myrna
Ultimately, Myrna’s legacy in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that love, loss, and memory can have on a character’s development. Her presence in Barret’s life may have been brief, but her influence is lasting. Rebirth gives us the opportunity to witness Barret’s growth in a more profound way, as he learns to honor her memory, raise his abdopted daughter, and continue the fight against Shinra.
The revelation of Myrna Wallace in Rebirth not only enriches Barret’s character but also adds an emotional depth to the game’s overarching narrative. As the story unfolds, players will undoubtedly see how Barret’s grief and love for Myrna shape his actions and relationships, making his journey even more meaningful. Through the lens of Barret’s relationship with Myrna, Rebirth offers a richer, more nuanced story—one that continues to explore themes of love, loss, and redemption, resonating deeply with fans old and new.
Myrna’s appearance in Rebirth is a change that fans have long awaited, and while her time in the story is tragically brief, her role remains pivotal to Barret’s character development and emotional journey. She may not have stuck around longer, but her legacy is a driving force that shapes the man Barret has become.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth releases on PC on January 23, 2025.