Unique Jones

Professor Havey

ENGL 115

6 March 2017

Cloud Strife

Origin of the character

The creators of Cloud Strife were Yoshinori Kitase, Kazushige Nojima, Tetsuya Nomura,

and Hironobu Sakaguchi.

Cloud was born in the small mountainside town of Nibelheim, and was treated as an

outcast by the other children in the village, making him become a loner.

The inspiration behind the character was that the creators wanted to create a mysterious

character who acted atypically for a hero.

Character development

Cloud Strife has changed dramatically throughout the "Final Fantasy" series. In Final

Fantasy VII, due to the combined effects of Mako poisoning and the influence of Jenova's cells

in his body, Cloud unknowingly holds a fake persona created by the Jenova cells mixing his

memories of Zack's personality with the cocky and selfish attitude he believes a solider first class

would have. Cloud simultaneously denies his true self, yet longs for an identity. When his reality

shatters due to Sephiroth's revelations, he even goes so far as to accept the identity of a Sephiroth

Clone and begs for Professor Hojo to number him. In Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and

many related appearances, Cloud is a somber character, tormented by guilt over what he
perceives as his past failings to save those he cares about. In Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-,

Cloud is a shy, but more upbeat person who idolizes Zack and Sephiroth, but after being betrayed

by his idol he does not hesitate to avenge. In Cloud's Advent Children render, Cloud remains

steadfastly loyal and true to those he cares about and is driven to protect them, going as far as to

hide his pain and emotions so he would not worry them. His selfless and kind nature lets him

overcome Sephiroth time and again. Cloud has a lighter side, crossdressing as a woman to save

Tifa from Don Corneo's mansion.

Iconic Symbol

Cloud Strife is an iconic character because he is relatable and he has built his identity

around false memories and childhood dreams that never came true. Also, Cloud Strife has also

had pain experiences. For instance, the death of Aerith and Zack and his battle with insecurity,

self-doubt, anxiety, and depression.

Cloud has appeared in both Kingdom Hearts games. In the first game he was hired by

Hades to kill Sora and Hercules, but was nearly slain by Cerberus when Cloud refused to kill

them. In Kingdom Hearts II, Cloud returned along with Tifa making her first appearance in the

series and could be seen fighting Sephiroth.

Cloud has been merchandised in jewelry and figurines. Also, has released two

promotional books primarily focusing on Cloud's character: Cloud vol.1 and Clouds message.

Cloud message sends to society is a strong character who has downfalls and is always able to

overcome any battles. He is real emotions and thats what makes the character unique.
 Work Cited Page

1. "Cloud Strife". Final Fantasy Wiki. N. p., 2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.

2. "Cloud Strife (Character) - Giant Bomb ". Giant Bomb. N. p., 2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.

3. "Cloud Strife". En.wikipedia.org. N. p., 2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.

4. "WhatS So Freaking Great About Cloud Strife? Animechicago". AnimeChicago. N. p.,

2016. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.