The Final Fantasy series is known for its rich, diverse world-building and memorable characters. While the franchise has made strides in recent years to introduce more inclusive representation, some of its most beloved characters have long been icons for Black representation.
From the strong-willed Barret Wallace to the heartwarming Sazh Katzroy, these characters not only shaped the narrative of their respective games but also provided fans with relatable, multi-dimensional figures.
This list highlights the top 10 Black characters in the Final Fantasy universe, each one contributing in unique ways, whether through their roles in battle, their personal stories, or their cultural impact.
1. Barret Wallace (Final Fantasy VII)
Barret Wallace is the fiercely protective leader of AVALANCHE, a group fighting against the megacorporation Shinra. Once a miner from Corel, Barret's life was forever changed when his hometown was destroyed by Shinra, and he lost his wife in the process.
Now, he fights with a prosthetic gun-arm, driven by a deep sense of justice and an unwavering determination to make the world better for his daughter, Marlene. Barret's character embodies the struggles of a broken man fighting against a corrupt system while caring deeply for his loved ones.
2. Sazh Katzroy (Final Fantasy XIII)
Sazh is a middle-aged, afro-wearing pilot who plays a major role in FFXIII’s storyline. After his wife tragically passed away, he’s left to care for their son, Dajh. This father-son relationship is at the heart of his motivations throughout the game.
Sazh is known for his humorous, easygoing nature, though beneath his carefree exterior lies a man of great depth, determined to protect his son no matter the cost. As the story progresses, Sazh becomes an emotional anchor for the group, his bond with Dajh being one of the driving forces behind his actions.
3. Kiros Seagil (Final Fantasy VIII)
Kiros Seagil is a key ally in FFVIII, often seen by Laguna’s side as one of his most loyal companions. Kiros is an accomplished fighter who eventually leaves the army with Laguna and their friend, Ward.
His smooth, charismatic personality and strong sense of justice make him a memorable character, as he often acts as an advisor to Laguna, helping him make decisions throughout the game.
Despite being a minor character, Kiros’ strong bond with Laguna is a core part of their backstory. His stylish, slick appearance, with his resemblance to "Black Michael Jackson," adds to his cool factor, making him a standout figure in FFVIII.
4. Weskham Armaugh (Final Fantasy XV)
Weskham Armaugh serves as the proprietor of the floating restaurant Maagho, situated in the waters of Altissia. He plays a minor role in FFXV when Noctis and his crew visit Altissia.
Formerly a steward to King Regis, Weskham is a knowledgeable, experienced man who has seen much of the world. Though his role in the narrative is relatively small, Weskham offers Noctis crucial information and perspective, especially about the world they find themselves navigating.
His calm demeanor and insightful nature make him an interesting character in the game's larger political landscape.
Notably, Weskham Armaugh, who appears in Final Fantasy XV, also became a playable character in Final Fantasy XV: King's Tale, further cementing his importance in the series.
5. Ash (Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin)
Ash is a key member of Jack Garland's party in Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. As the rock of the team, Ash is a calm and collected fighter who provides support to the others, especially Jack, whom he recognizes as a strong, if unpredictable, warrior.
He trusts Jack’s combat abilities and understands the gravity of their mission: to defeat Chaos. Despite being a secondary character, Ash's loyalty and level-headed nature stand out, making him a solid part of the team dynamic.His leadership qualities and cool demeanor bring a sense of stability to the often chaotic group.
6. Dajh Katzroy (Final Fantasy XIII)
Dajh Katzroy, the son of Sazh, is one of the most tragic and emotionally poignant characters in FFXIII. A bright, innocent child, Dajh’s fate is central to his father’s motivations throughout the game.
Dajh’s unexpected and heartbreaking fate at the hands of the Sanctum forces his father, Sazh, to take extreme measures to protect him.
His disappearance and the eventual revelation of his involvement with the Pulse l'Cie mark a turning point in the story. Dajh’s journey represents both a loss of innocence and a driving force for Sazh’s emotional growth, as the love between father and son becomes the catalyst for much of Sazh's character development.
7. Dona (Final Fantasy X)
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Dona is a summoner from Kilika, known for her rivalry with Yuna. Initially, she sees Yuna as a competitor, both as a summoner and as a potential threat to her own quest for fame. However, Dona’s arc reveals her personal struggles and insecurities.
Her interactions with Yuna, especially in the early part of FFX, show her at her most stubborn and defensive, but over time, she matures and eventually becomes an ally. Dona’s character growth and eventual support of Yuna underscore the themes of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth in FFX.
8. Sania Yeagre (Final Fantasy XV)
Sania Yeagre is a biologist who resides in Lucis and is known for her research on the Starscourge, a plague-like force affecting the wildlife of Eos.
Throughout FFXV, she sends the party on various quests to gather rare animal parts and study the effects of the disease. While she is not a major character in the main narrative, her role as a quest-giver provides insight into the world of FFXV and the impact of the Starscourge on the planet.
Sania is dedicated to her work, often seen with a scientific curiosity that highlights the breadth of research and knowledge within the FFXV universe.
9. Myrna (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)
Myrna is Barret’s wife in FFVII, appearing in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in a flashback. She and Barret shared a simple, happy life in Corel before the tragedy that would alter Barret’s path.
Myrna was fiercely protective of their town and resisted outside companies that wanted to exploit it. Her death played a pivotal role in shaping Barret’s motivations, pushing him to take on a leadership role in AVALANCHE.
Though her screen time is limited, Myrna’s legacy lives on through Barret’s character and his determination to protect the planet and its people.
10. Kotch (Final Fantasy VII)
Kotch is a minor antagonist in FFVII and its remake. He is one of Don Corneo’s henchmen, holding a high rank in the Wall Market district. Kotch is known for his sleazy, untrustworthy nature, adding an element of corruption to the seedy underworld of Midgar.
While he does not play a major role in the overall plot, his presence in the game adds to the darker, morally ambiguous world the protagonists navigate.