Characters of Final Fantasy VI
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{{Final Fantasy characters}}[[Image:FFVI characters on airship.png|250px|thumb|right|Various characters wandering around the [[airship]] [[Final Fantasy airships#Final Fantasy VI|Falcon]] waiting to join the current party.]]
[[Square Co., Ltd.]]'s [[console role-playing game]] ''[[Final Fantasy VI]]'' features fourteen permanent [[player character]]s, the largest number of any game in the main ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series, as well as a number of characters who are only briefly controlled by the player.
== Concept and creation ==
{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}}
''Final Fantasy VI'' was the first game of the series to feature character designers other than [[Yoshitaka Amano]]. While Amano drew most of the character artworks, monster designer and graphic director [[Tetsuya Nomura]] created the original designs of [[#Shadow|Shadow]] and [[#Setzer Gabbiani|Setzer Gabbiani]], and field graphic designer [[Soraya Saga|Kaori Tanaka]] created the original designs of [[#Edgar Roni Figaro|Edgar Roni]] and [[#Sabin Rene Figaro|Sabin Rene Figaro]].
== Main playable characters ==
:''All first names used are the game's default names. The full names of the main playable characters are revealed upon beating the game, while the surnames of the other characters are given in other official sources. The order in which the main characters are described here is not arbitrary; it is reflected in the game's [[read-only memory|ROM]] data.''
=== Terra ===
[[Image:Terra Branford.jpg|right|thumb|Terra Branford artwork by Yoshitaka Amano]]
'''Terra Branford''' is a girl of mysterious origins born with the power of magic. In the Japanese versions of the game, her name is {{nihongo|'''Tina Branford'''|ティナ・ブランフォード|Tina Buranfōdo}}. Terra is the first character to be introduced and her background is pivotal to the events of the first half of the story. In the Japanese versions of the game, her job class is given as "Magic Fighter"; the GBA version gives her class as "[[World of Final Fantasy VI#Magitek|Magitek]] Elite". Although [[Yoshitaka Amano]] designed Terra with blonde hair, the hair color was changed to green in the game itself. Amano has stated in an interview that Terra was his favorite character to design.<ref name="terradesign">{{cite web | author=James Mielke | year=2006 | title=A day in the Life of Final Fantasy's Yoshitaka Amano | url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=4&cId=3152237 | work=[http://1up.com 1UP.com] | accessdaymonth=9 August | accessyear=2006}}</ref> Terra's name in the Japanese version was Tina, an exotic name for the Japanese but not Western people; when completing the North American English localization, [[Ted Woolsey]] changed it to Terra to keep the exotic feeling.<ref>{{cite web | year=1997 | url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/wiki/index.php?title=Bob_Rork_Woolsey_Interview | title=Bob Rork Woolsey Interview | work=[http://www.chronocompendium.com/ Chrono Compendium] | accessmonthday=16 July | accessyear=2006}}</ref> Incidentally, ''terra'' means "earth" in Latin.
Terra is the daughter of the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Esper]] Maduin and a human mother, Madeline (Madonna in the original translation). Her heritage as a magical being is the source of her powers. Terra was raised as a soldier of the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Gestahlian Empire|Empire]] after Gestahl's forces attacked the Espers' home and captured several of the creatures. Her potential was quickly realized, and it's said that she destroyed fifty Magitek soldiers in a single exercise.<ref>'''Banon:''' Carrier pigeons have kept me informed. I also heard that she wiped out fifty Imperial soldiers in mere minutes... '''Terra:''' No, that's not...! '''Locke:''' Terra! '''Edgar:''' For heaven's sake, Banon! This girl doesn't remember anything! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> When the game begins, Terra is wearing a Slave Crown that suppresses her free will and gives the Empire complete control over her. An encounter with the frozen Esper, Valigarmanda (Tritoch in the original US translation), in the mines of Narshe breaks the Crown's control over her, but leaves her as an [[amnesia]]c.<ref>'''Arvis:''' Easy, there! This is a slave crown. The others were using it to control you. It was robbing you of your thoughts -- making it so you'd do whatever they told you. '''Girl:''' I can't remember a thing... '''Arvis''': Don't worry. It'll all come back to you... In time, that is. [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> She is rescued by Arvis, and later, [[#Locke Cole|Locke]], both members of the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Resistance|Returners]], an underground anti-Empire resistance movement, and eventually joins its ranks.<ref>'''Arvis:''' The city guard is pursuing her as we speak. This city has the strength to stand up to the Empire, but it won't use it. The people are just too stubbornly independent to join an underground resistance group like the Returners. I tried to explain that the Empire was controlling the girl, but they wouldn't even listen... [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref>
After the destruction of the Floating Continent, Terra finds her way to Mobliz, and has lost the will to fight.<ref>'''Terra:''' I don't know why these kids need me... And it's not like there's anything forcing me to protect them. It's the strangest feeling... But once that feeling took root inside of me, I lost the strength to keep on fighting. [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> She looks after the orphaned children with the teenaged Duane and Katarin, until one day when Humbaba, a monster that had defeated her before, attacks;<ref>'''Terra:''' Phunbaba...the ancient monster released from the depths of the earth by the cataclysm... I have to protect the village! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> she assists the party in defeating him once and for all, and joins them.<ref>'''Terra:''' Thank you... You all helped me understand what it means...to love. I'll fight! I'll make this world a place where life can flourish, and children can grow up in peace! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> Although she is expected to fade along with the rest of the Espers when magic disappears from the world, she is told by the Magicite remains of her father Maduin that she can choose to leave her Esper side behind, and she does.<ref>'''Terra:''' Father...? '''Maduin:''' Terra...we must part now. We espers will disappear from this world. You may fade away as well... But, perhaps if the human part of you feels something strong enough, then maybe...just maybe you will be able to remain here as a human. [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref>
Terra's special skill, ''Trance'' (''Morph'' in the SNES version), does not appear until later in the game. Contact with Valigarmanda unleashes her unknown Esper form: a naked glowing pink figure with wild hair. In this form, she can fly. Afterwards, she possesses the ability to switch between human and Esper forms. When in Esper form her physical power, magical power and magical defense all double. However, she can only keep the form for a limited period of time. Additionally, when riding Magitek armor, Terra has access to a number of unique techniques, including Bio Blast, Confuser, Magitek Missile and Banisher, since she uses a more advanced form of armor than any other characters, including [[#Biggs and Wedge|Biggs and Wedge]]. She is also one of only two characters with the ability to learn magic without the aid of Espers, but her magic is relatively limited before the party acquires any Magicite. If leveled-up without the aid of Espers, Terra learns fire magic, curative magic, Dispel, Holy, and Meltdown, among other spells, with Ultima being learned at level 99. Terra also possesses a special attack at low health called ''Riot Blade'', in which she throws laser rings at one enemy.
=== Locke ===
{{nihongo|'''Locke Cole'''|ロック・コール|Rokku Kōru}} is a thief, though he personally prefers to identify himself as a "treasure hunter."<ref>'''Arivs:''' Took you long enough! Busy with all that robbing and plundering, I presume? [...] '''Locke:''' I prefer the term "treasure hunting"! '''Arivs''': Ha! Semantic nonsense! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is spelled '''Lock Cole'''.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} In the Japanese and GBA versions, his job class is given as "Adventurer". Locke's special skill, ''Steal'', allows him to steal various items from enemies. After equipping a relic called "Thief Glove," Locke's ''Steal'' ability turns into ''Capture''. The ''Capture'' command steals from an enemy and also inflicts physical damage on its target in the process. The relic was renamed as "Brigand's Glove" and "Capture" became "Mug" in the Advance remake. In addition, Locke's critical skill is called ''Mirage Dive'', where Locke makes a blindingly fast rush attack on one foe, with shadow-images tracing his movement.
Locke was in love with a woman from [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Kohlingen]] named Rachel, who would occasionally accompany Locke on his travels.<ref>'''Rachel:''' Locke! What are we off to find today? '''Locke:''' It's almost your... There's supposed to be an amazing treasure hidden somewhere in this mountain. We're gonna find it! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> During one such treasure hunt, Rachel suffers injuries which lead to [[amnesia]]; she later has no idea who Locke is.<ref>'''Father:''' Get out of my house! It's your fault Rachel lost her memory! '''Locke:''' Wait! Just let me talk to her...! '''Rachel:''' Please, just go away! I don't know who you are, but my parents get upset whenever you come here! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> Locke, heartbroken and angry, leaves Kohlingen, and during his absence, the town is attacked by the Empire. Rachel is fatally wounded during the attack, but she regains her memory before she dies. Her last word is Locke's name.<ref>'''Locke:''' A year went by... When I finally returned, I found out that Rachel had been killed in an Imperial attack. Her memory had returned just before she died. The last thing she said was...my name. I never should have left her side. I... I failed her... [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> Blaming himself for Rachel's death, he searches for a way to restore her to life;<ref>'''Locke:''' You're all safe! Behold... The legendary treasure that can undo death itself... [[Player character]]: Is that... magicite? '''Locke:''' It is. Legend has it that the Phoenix turned itself to stone ages ago... It seems the story was true. But now it's filled with cracks. I don't know if it still has the strength to perform miracles... [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> his success is only temporary, but Rachel convinces him to not blame himself, and sacrifices the life that the Phoenix magicite has given her to restore its power.<ref>'''Rachel:''' The Phoenix used the last of its power to give me some time... But I must leave again soon... Before my time is gone... There's something I must tell you... Something I never had a chance to say... [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> His anger towards the Empire also leads him to ally himself with the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Resistance|Returners]], and he performs various missions for them, including smuggling [[#Terra Branford|Terra]] out of Narshe, and serving as [[#Edgar Roni Figaro|Edgar's]] contact with the resistance movement.<ref>'''Locke:''' On the surface, Edgar pretends to support the Empire. Truth is, he's collaborating with an underground resistance group called the Returners. I serve as their go-between. [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref>
In the early story, Locke vows to protect his female companions Terra and Celes, driven in part by his conviction that he failed Rachel.<ref>'''Celes:''' Why are you helping me? '''Locke:''' You remind me a lot of someone... What's it matter, anyway? I'm helping you because I want to! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> In '''''[[Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version]]''''', Locke's theme is called "Lock" -- disc 1, track 4 {{audio|Final Fantasy VI - Locke.ogg|sample}}. His [[leitmotif]] is also found in the tracks:
*Forever Rachel -- 2, 4 {{audio|Final Fantasy VI - Forever Rachel.ogg|sample}}
*Ending Theme [Character Medley]
=== Cyan ===
'''Cyan Garamonde''' hails from [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Doma]], a nation at war with the Empire, where he serves as loyal retainer to Doma's king. In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is {{nihongo|'''Cayenne Garamonde'''|カイエン・ガラモンド|Kaien Garamondo}}.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} In the Japanese and GBA versions, his job class is given as "Samurai." The American names of Cyan's wife and child, Elayne and Owain (Japanese "Mina" and "Shun"), are taken from characters of the tales of Arthurian legend. Elaine was the name of Lancelot's mother, and (perhaps more well-known) the name of a lover of his who bore his son, Galahad. Owain was the nephew of King Arthur. In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Cyan's theme is called "Cayenne" ("Cyan" in the U.S.). It is also the background music of Doma Castle. It is also part of "Ending Theme [Character Medley]."
When Kefka poisons Doma's water supply, Cyan is left as one of the castle's only survivors along with one of the guards. Driven to the brink of madness by the death of his family and his king, Cyan launches a suicidal assault on the Empire's encampment, and is rescued by Sabin.<ref>'''Sabin:''' The Empire killed everyone in Doma, down to the last child...
'''Cyan:''' Kefka...poisoned them... [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref><ref>'''Cyan:''' I am in they debt! '''Sabin:''' No need for thanks! I'm Sabin, from the kingdom of Figaro. We should get out of here! '''Cyan:''' But I must avenge my family and my countrymen...! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> On the Veldt, he later meets Gau, who becomes his best friend in the party. Cyan joins the Returners to bring Kefka and the Empire to justice, but it soon becomes clear that Cyan blames himself for failing to save his family and his homeland. Cyan will rejoin the party in the World of Ruin at the top of [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Mount Zozo]]. He had been writing love letters to a young woman in [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Maranda]] named Lola, posing as her boyfriend, who disappeared one year earlier.<ref>'''Cyan:''' I wondered what had become of that poor girl, always waiting for word of her beloved. I decided to pay a visit to Maranda. I learned that she had long since stopped receiving replies, but still sent a letter each day. I could not bear to stand by and do nothing... [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> Despite all that has happened, Cyan is still haunted by the horrific event at Doma. He can opt to overcome his guilt and sorrow during the World of Ruin by revisiting the Doma ruins, where the party must help him vanquish the difficult memories.
Unique among the game's characters, Cyan speaks in a style resembling [[Early Modern English|Shakespearean English]], often using words and phrases such as "thou art" and "shalt not" and so on. In the original Japanese version, Cyan makes frequent use of the archaic copula verb "gozaru." This is a common feature of the faux-historic dialect used by samurai and ninja in [[jidaigeki]] and [[anime]].
Cyan's special skill, ''Bushido'' (''SwdTech'' in the original US translation, short for ''Sword Technique''), consists of a set of powerful skills accessed via a time gauge that charges through eight levels. Successive technique levels can be learned as Cyan increases in experience level, and all eight levels are learned by completing a [[Quest (gaming)#Side-quest|side-quest]] in the World of Ruin. Players have the chance to return to Doma Castle and complete a side-quest to clear his conscience. The term ''Swdtech'' has been retconned with the release of ''Final Fantasy VI Advance''.<ref>Cyan's character page at launch site http://ffvi.nintendo.com/launch/</ref> Cyan's critical skill is called ''Back Blade'' (Renamed Tsubame geashi in the GBA remake.), where he rushes forward with a large crescent shaped slash, with the screen becoming black for the moment of impact.
=== Shadow ===
{{nihongo|'''Shadow'''|シャドウ|Shadō}} is a paid [[assassin]] and mercenary. Although drawn by [[Yoshitaka Amano]], this character's concept was designed by [[Tetsuya Nomura]].<ref>{{cite web | title=元Road of SQUARE データベース | author=Inoue, Akito | publisher=Critique Of Games | url=http://critiqueofgames.net/data/ros/kai-ff6.htm | language=Japanese | accessdate=2007-02-08}}</ref>
He is accompanied by his faithful [[dog]], Interceptor. In the Japanese and GBA versions of the game, his job class is given as "Assassin." In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Shadow's theme is called "Shadow", and it consists of an [[acoustic guitar]], [[jew's harp]] and a [[whistle]] in a [[spaghetti western]]-influenced melody. It also appears in "Ending Theme [Character Medley]."
Shadow appears several times throughout the first half of the game, occasionally offering his services to the Returners, and occasionally to the Empire (but always for a price). While there are points at which he will briefly join the party, he comes and goes as he pleases. On the Floating Continent, after the Empire tries to get rid of him after he outlives his usefulness to them, he stays behind to buy time for the party's escape, and if the player chooses to wait for him before fleeing the crashing continent, Shadow will eventually rendezvous with the party and flee with them. In the World of Ruin, Shadow can permanently join the party.
By sleeping at inns with him in the party, the player can learn more about Shadow's past through his dreams. Shadow was a thief named Clyde, who had a loyal friend named Baram, and they committed grand larcenies together. After they had heisted a million gil from a Doma train, they escaped down Barren Falls, where Baram was badly injured. Believing that he would never survive if Doma authorities found him, Baram asked Clyde to [[Euthanasia|help him kill himself]], but Clyde refused and abandoned Baram to an uncertain fate. Clyde crossed the Veldt and found himself in Thamasa, where a woman invited him to stay. Clyde settled down and begot his daughter [[#Relm Arrowny|Relm]]. But at an uncertain time later (later enough for Relm to be old enough to speak), Clyde abandoned Thamasa, and their dog followed him. Clyde started wearing a mask and became the Shadow known in the game. As these dreams are at times very abstract and English translations of the game differed more significantly in the past, fans have traditionally been divided in the interpretation of Shadow's dreams, including whether Baram may be alive, or died of his wounds or died at the hands of Doma, and whether the woman was Clyde's wife and Relm's mother, and whether the dog that chased after Clyde was Interceptor. No longer a question is Clyde's association to Relm, which was settled unambiguously in the GBA translation. Shadow has four possible dreams in the World of Balance, and one possible dream in the World of Ruin. In combination with Relm's possible dream in the World of Ruin (if Shadow was not saved from the Floating Continent), much of Shadow's past becomes clear.
Although the player may choose to wait for Shadow at the Floating Continent, he chooses to split off from the rest of the party in the game's ending, speaking of deciding to "stop running", and wishes for Baram to come search for him. What this means is left uncertain—whether Shadow ended his own life to reunite with a deceased Baram, or whether Shadow wishes to settle down and wait to reunite with a living Baram, or whether Shadow left the party and Interceptor behind to start tying up the loose ends of his life (including Baram) on his own. (In the Japanese text, Clyde says what translates into English as, "Billy [Baram]! I don't need to flee anymore. Embrace me warmly."<ref>Japanese script excerpt: {{Unicode|シャドウ「ビリーよ。もう逃げずにすみそうだあたたかくむかえてよ。}}</ref>)
There used to be a small controversy as to the gender of Shadow due to a misplaced pronoun and his use of the Memento Ring. The Memento Ring's protective nature, however, comes from "the memory of a ''departed'' mother's love", and Shadow is still alive. (In addition, he and Relm are the two able to equip this ring, which is further evidence that he may be Relm's father, and that the "departed mother" the ring's description refers to is Shadow's deceased significant other). In the Cave on the Veldt, the party refers to Shadow as a 'her'. This is a small oversight in programming, as Relm will be in the cave if the player did not wait for Shadow on the Floating Continent. Shadow is referred to as a "He" several other times in the game, and is a "he" in his dreams about his past, where he is known by his real name, {{nihongo|'''Clyde'''|クライド|Kuraido}}. This confusion was avoided in the GBA version of the game by deliberately leaving ambiguous the gender of the character being saved in the party's dialogue so that it could apply equally to Shadow and Relm.
Shadow's special skill, ''Throw'', allows him to throw any weapon in the inventory, such as [[sword]]s, [[spear]]s, [[shuriken]], and skeans/edges/scrolls (which affect multiple foes). This attack ignores physical defense and often hits for high damage. In addition, Shadow possesses a secret status effect that causes his dog, Interceptor, to randomly negate damage from a physical attack aimed at Shadow. Occasionally, Interceptor will [[counterattack]] the enemy using techniques, ''Takedown'' or ''Wild Fang'', the latter inflicting about twice more damage. The Interceptor effect is limited only in that it cannot hit flying enemies. Shadow possesses the critical skill called ''Shadow Fang'', where he will dash past an enemy, slicing them for massive damage. Unlike other critical moves, Shadow will actually use his move once during a story segment: when saving [[Relm]] and the others from the evil flames in Thamasa.
=== Edgar ===
{{nihongo|'''Edgar Roni Figaro'''|エドガー・ロニ・フィガロ|Edogā Roni Figaro}} is king of [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Figaro]], a huge flirt, and secret ally of the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Resistance|Returners]]. He is also the older brother of [[#Sabin Rene Figaro|Sabin]]. In the Japanese versions of the game, his job class is given as literally "Machinery," but is more fitting as "Machinist", which the GBA version uses. Edgar's special skill, ''Tools'', allows him to use tools found throughout the game to achieve various effects, most frequently inflicting damage on enemies. Examples of Edgar's tools include "Auto Crossbow," which inflicts physical damage on enemies present on the battle screen, and "Drill," which inflicts physical damage on one enemy without regard to its defense statistic. Edgar's critical attack is the aptly named ''Royal Shock'', using blasts one foe with a heavenly light, looking vaguely like a scaled-down version of [[General Leo]]'s own ''Shock'' skill.
When Edgar and Sabin's father died, neither child wished to inherit the crown.<ref>'''Sabin:''' Let's leave this place! Let's forget this crazy kingdom, and live our lives how we want to! You said you didn't want to be a king, right? '''Edgar:''' A life of freedom, huh...? [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref><ref>'''Edgar:''' Sabin... Let's settle this with the toss of a coin. Dad gave me this one. If it's heads, you win. Tails, I win. The winner chooses whichever path he wants...no regrets, not hard feelings. Okay? [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> They decided to [[coin flip|toss a coin]], the winner chooses the future he likes. Edgar, however, used a double-sided coin to ensure that Sabin would win the toss. As Figaro's king, Edgar is publicly allied with the Empire, but secretly provides support and aid to the Returners. He fancies himself a ladies' man and flirts with every woman he meets, but seldom gets anywhere with any of them.<ref>'''Locke:''' Terra... Wait for me... I won't be gone long. ...And watch out for a certain lecherous young king who shall remain nameless. The guy moves in like a hawk! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> In the World of Ruin, he is the second mandatory party member, after Celes and before Setzer. He appears in the World of Ruin disguised as a thief named Gerad, an [[anagram]] of Edgar;<ref>'''Gerad:''' Look, I'm kind of busy here. I have to get ready. We're leaving for Figaro on the ferry soon. '''Celes:''' Don't play dumb with me! Edgar? ...You didn't lose your memory, did you? '''Gerad:''' Listen... It grieves me to have to disappoint such a beautiful lady, but I've been Gerad since the day I was born! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> in the Japanese versions, Edgar uses the alias of Geoff. The blue on his outfit has been switched to a brown color. He disowns the player's party upon their first encounter in this world and maintains the disguise until he is attacked while breaking into Figaro Castle with his band of thieves.
The coin previously mentioned plays a slightly humorous part, specifically when Celes is attempting to convince Setzer to allow them to commandeer the "Blackjack". The coin was no ordinary coin, as it was given to Edgar by their father, specially made, and had two heads, one of Edgar, and the other of his brother, Sabin. Celes borrowed the coin and made Setzer a gamble that she would flip it. If tails, she would marry him. If it came up heads, he would allow them the use of his vessel.<ref>'''Celes:''' But I have some conditions... We flip this coin. If it's heads, you help us. If it's tails, I'm yours. Well, Mr. Gambler? '''Setzer:''' Ha! I like it! I accept. '''Locke:''' Celes... Are you serious...? If you marry that guy... [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> Obviously swindled, Setzer laughs at himself when he discovers the ruse, and, being the good sport gambler that he is, allows them the use of the airship.<ref>'''Setzer:''' ...A valuable trinket indeed. I've never seen a double-headed coin before. '''Celes:''' I'm afraid you've been hustled, Mr. Gambler. But that's part of the game, now, isn't it? '''Setzer:''' Ha! How low can you stoop? ...I love it! All right, I'll help you.[[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref>
In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Edgar shares a theme with Sabin, his twin brother; their theme is called "'''Edgar And Mash'''" ("Edgar And Sabin" in the U.S.) -- disc 1, track 7 {{audio|Final Fantasy VI - Edgar And Mash.ogg|sample}}. (It is also the background music in Figaro Castle.) Their [[leitmotif]] is also found in the tracks "Coin Song -- 2, 2" and "Ending Theme [Character Medley]."
When Edgar is first encountered in the World of Ruin, he is acting as the leader of a gang of thieves, in order to break into Figaro Castle. His assumed name, "Gerad", is an [[anagram]] of "Edgar", and he appears in a blue suited/grey-haired [[palette swap]] of his original green suited/blonde-haired form. When he rejoins, during the break-in, he reverts to his original coloration with no real effort on his part at all, despite having to logically change his clothing.
{{-}}
=== Sabin ===
'''Sabin Rene Figaro''' leaves his royal heritage behind in order to train himself in [[martial arts]]. He is the younger twin brother of [[#Edgar Roni Figaro|Edgar]]. In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is {{nihongo|'''Mash Rene Figaro'''|マッシュ・レネ・フィガロ|Masshu Rene Figaro}}.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} In the Japanese and GBA versions, his job class is given as "Monk." Sabin's special skill, ''Blitz'', can be used in battles to perform various martial arts techniques. They are executed by selecting the ''Blitz'' option and pressing a certain sequence of buttons, much like a special move in a [[fighting game]]. Eight blitzes can be learned throughout the course of the game, including Raging Fist, Aura Cannon and Meteor Strike. Sabin's hidden critical attack is called ''Tiger Break'', where he charges one enemy with a flying knee kick, with a spirit image of a tiger's head surrounding him.
Sabin wins a coin toss, rigged by Edgar, to decide who would not inherit their father's throne. Leaving Figaro Castle, Sabin begins his martial arts training at the school of the world-famous Duncan Harcourt. Vargas, Duncan's son and student, becomes jealous of Sabin, believing Duncan would leave the school in Sabin's hands. Vargas attempts to kill Duncan and flees to [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Mt. Koltz]], only to be defeated by Sabin.<ref>'''Sabin:''' Why, Vargas? Why did you kill Master Duncan? How could you kill your own father!? '''Vargas:''' The fool snubbed me, his only son! He chose you as his successor! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> In the World of Ruin, Sabin is found in [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Tzen]], using all of his strength to hold up a collapsing house, until the party rescues a child trapped inside.<ref>'''Sabin:''' If I move, the whole house'll collapse. First...save the kid who's inside. I don't think I can hold this up much longer... You've gotta hurry! ...Urgh! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> Having been given hope from finding one of the others, Sabin joins the party to search for their remaining friends.<ref>'''Celes:''' Sabin! You're alive! '''Sabin:''' Of course I am! Did you think a little thing like the end of the world was gonna do me in? '''Celes:''' I'd given up hope... I thought everyone else had died... But...I was wrong! I'm sure we're not the only ones! We need to find everyone! And then... '''Sabin:''' ...smash Kefka, and deliver peace unto the world! All right, count me in! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref>
In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Sabin shares a theme with Edgar, his twin brother; their theme is called "Edgar And Mash" -- disc 1, track 7 {{audio|Final Fantasy VI - Edgar And Mash.ogg|sample}}. (It is also the background music in [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Figaro Castle]].) Their [[leitmotif]] is also found in the tracks: "Coin Song -- 2, 2" and "Ending Theme [Character Medley]."
=== Celes ===
{{nihongo|'''Celes Chere'''|セリス・シェール|Serisu Shēru}} is a former general of the Empire, genetically enhanced and artificially infused with magic, making her the second [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Magitek|Magitek]] Knight.<ref>'''Celes:''' I was raised to be an Imperial Magitek knight. When I was still very young, I was artificially infused with magic. [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> In the Japanese and GBA versions of the game, her job class is given as "Rune Knight." Celes's special skill, ''Runic'', allows her to absorb the next magic spell cast, converting it into magic points which she then absorbs. Celes is the only character besides [[#Terra Branford|Terra]] who can learn traditional magic without the aid of Espers. Celes learns ice spells, and status spells, both positive and negative, she will also learn strong spells like Holy, Flare and Meteor as well. Her critical attack, ''Spinning Edge'', features her lunging forward, spinning violently with her sword pointed outward.
Celes was one of the two leading generals of the Empire, along with [[#Leo Cristophe|Leo]]. Accused of treason against the Empire,<ref>'''Celes:''' You're a Returner!? I'm...or at least I was...General Celes. Now I'm nothing but a traitor. '''Locke:''' Well, let's get going! [[Square Enix]] ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[2007]]-[[February 5|2-5]]</ref> she is imprisoned and tortured in the town of [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|South Figaro]], where she is rescued by [[#Locke Cole|Locke]], and allies herself with the Returners. She proves her loyalty on the Floating Continent when Kefka gives her a sword with which to attack the player characters and she instead attacks Kefka. She flees with the others when Kefka moves the Statues, bringing destruction to the world. In the World of Ruin, Celes is the first character reintroduced, awakening from a year-long coma on an unnamed island, and vowing to find her friends and defeat Kefka once and for all. If the player finds Locke, he and Celes share an ending in the credits, during which Locke saves her from falling off a ledge. Otherwise, [[#Setzer Gabbiani|Setzer]] takes Locke's place.
Celes' theme music is not played on her introduction; instead, the song "Under Martial Law" {{audio|Final Fantasy VI - Under Martial Law.ogg|sample}} is playing. It's not until after her performance in the Opera that Celes's theme makes an appearance. In '''''[[Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version]]''''', Celes' theme is called "'''Celes'''" -- disc 1, track 22 {{audio|Final Fantasy VI - Celes.ogg|sample}}. It is a [[leitmotif]] of the track:
*[[Aria di Mezzo Carattere]] -- 2, 8 {{audio|Final Fantasy VI - Aria di Mezzo Carattere.ogg|sample}}
Celes's theme is also quoted in: "Ending Theme [Character Medley]" -- 3, 15.
=== Strago ===
'''Strago Magus''' is an elderly mage living in the village of [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Thamasa]]. He is a descendant of the ancient Mage Warriors who fought the War of the Magi. Despite Strago being shown riding a machine of some sort in the artwork, no such machine makes an appearance in the game. In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is {{nihongo|'''Stragus Magus'''|ストラゴス・マゴス|Sutoragosu Magosu}}.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} In the Japanese and GBA versions, his job class is given as "[[Blue Mage]]". In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Strago's theme is called "Stragus". It is also the background music in Thamasa. His [[leitmotif]] is also found in the track "Ending Theme [Character Medley]".
Strago is the only person in [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Thamasa]] who professes any knowledge of the existence of [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Espers]] or [[Final Fantasy magic|magic]]. After talking to him, everyone else becomes more friendly, and the innkeeper lowers his outrageous rate to a single gil. During the night, Strago asks [[#Terra Branford|Terra]] and [[#Locke Cole|Locke]] to help him rescue his granddaughter [[#Relm Arrowny|Relm]] from a burning building, and then joins the party to search for the Espers that escaped the Sealed Gate. In the World of Ruin, Strago's despair leads him to join the Cult of Kefka, until he is found by his granddaughter, Relm, who manages to return him to his senses. Shortly thereafter, on his return to Thamasa, an old friend fakes being injured while fighting an old enemy of Strago's, Hidon, to convince Strago to track down and defeat the beast once and for all.
One interesting aspect of Strago's past is that Relm is apparently not his granddaughter, but rather his "friend's daughter", according to a villager the player can talk to in Thamasa. Relm's dream (seen in the World of Ruin if the player did not wait for Shadow), implies that Strago was left to raise Relm after her father left Thamasa. It is possible that Strago befriended Shadow when the latter first came to Thamasa, and that his daughter is the woman seen in Shadow's dreams, which would make Relm his maternal granddaughter, although this is uncertain.
Strago's special skill, ''Lore'' (also known as ''[[Final Fantasy magic#Blue Magic|Blue Magic]]''), allows him to learn certain special attacks from enemies. When a particular special attack is used by an enemy when Strago is in the party, he will learn that attack, which can subsequently be used like any other magical spell. Many of his Lores are limitedly useful at best, but a select few of them have awesome potential in battle. Unlike the other available characters, Strago's critical attack works a little differently. His ''Sabre Soul'' does not inflict damage, but rather is an instant-death attack, making it useless against high-end enemies and bosses.
=== Relm ===
{{nihongo|'''Relm Arrowny'''|リルム・アローニィ|Rirumu Arōnii}} is a ten year old [[artist]] (with a very foul mouth) from the village of [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Thamasa]]. Her Grandfather (believed to be adoptive and of no relation) is [[#Strago Magus|Strago Magus]]. In the Japanese and GBA versions of the game, her job class is given as "Pictomancer." In '''''[[Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version]]''''', Relm's theme is called "Relm". Her [[leitmotif]] is also found in the track: "Ending Theme [Character Medley]". "Relm" is also featured in the ''Final Fantasy VI'' [[Arrangement|arranged]] album '''''[[Final Fantasy VI Grand Finale]]''''' in the track "Relm". The theme is arranged [[a cappella]] for the ninth track, "Kami No Yurikago" ("God's Cradle"), of '''''[[Final Fantasy: Love Will Grow]]'''''.
Relm is first encountered when the party visits Thamasa. After speaking to her grandfather, Relm introduces herself to the party. After finishing the conversation and staying the night at the local inn, the party is awakened by Strago, and asked to rescue Relm from a burning house. Relm is rescued from the burning house, and when the party leaves for the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Esper]] Cave the next morning, Relm follows them. She is eventually useful in helping the party defeat Ultros, showing him that he is, in fact, a stupid-looking octopus, by sketching him. When the World of Balance becomes the World of Ruin, Relm is found in one of two places. If Shadow is still alive, Relm is in the mansion of the rich art-collector, Owzer, where she is painting him a portrait of an Esper. The portrait becomes possessed by a demon named Chadarnook, and the party is forced to defeat it, after which Relm once again joins the party. If Shadow died at the end of the World of Balance, she can be found in the Veldt Cave instead of Shadow. Relm also has a mysterious relationship with [[#Shadow|Shadow]], who is hinted to be her father, according to a number of clues hidden throughout the game.
Relm's special skill is ''Sketch'', which allows her to duplicate the skills of her enemies with varying degrees of success. In early copies of the [[North America]]n [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] version of the game, Sketch was notoriously glitch-ridden (mostly when used on invisible or otherwise atypical enemies) due to an [[dangling pointer|uninitialized pointer]]. The bug has a variety of effects, but most often it crashes the game; extreme examples could even erase saved game data. The bug was repaired in later revisions of the cartridge, and it is not present in the [[PlayStation]] and [[Game Boy Advance]] remakes of the game in any form. After equipping a relic called Fake Mustache, Relm's ''Sketch'' ability turns into ''Control'', which allows the player to completely control an enemy, selecting from a small list of the enemy's attacks to use. Relm possesses a critical attack called ''Star Prism''.
=== Setzer ===
{{nihongo|'''Setzer Gabbiani'''|セッツァー・ギャッビアーニ|Settsā Gyabbiāni}} owns the Blackjack and later helps the party find the Falcon; these are the only functional [[Final Fantasy airships|airships]] in the world. "Gabbiani" means "[[seagulls]]" in [[Italian language|Italian]].
In the Japanese and GBA versions of the game, his job class is given as "Gambler." In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Setzer's theme is called "Setzer". His leitmotif is also found in the tracks "Blackjack," "Epitaph," and "Ending Theme [Character Medley]".
Setzer announces his intention to abduct Maria, a world-famous opera singer, during her performance of "The Dream Oath: Maria and Draco". Needing access to the Blackjack, Celes agrees to impersonate Maria during the performance to gain access to Setzer's ship. Appealing to Setzer's gambling instincts, Celes uses the same two-sided coin Edgar used to "win" the coin toss for Figaro's throne to force Setzer to transport the Returners to the southern continent. Realizing he was swindled, he is very amused and has no problem helping the party out. In the World of Ruin, after the Blackjack's destruction, Setzer helps the party recover the only other airship in the world, the Falcon, previously owned by Setzer's deceased friend, Daryl.
Setzer's special skill, ''Slot'', uses a [[slot machine]] to activate a variety of special attacks and techniques, the most valuable being "Joker Doom", three 7's, which instantly kills all enemies. However, another Joker Doom, two 7's and a bar, kills your entire party instead. After equipping the relic called "[[Zenigata Heiji| Heiji]]'s Jitte" ("Coin Toss" in the original US translation), ''Slot'' is transformed into ''Gil Throw'' (''GP Rain'' in the original US translation), allowing him to throw [[Gil (Final Fantasy)|coins]] at all enemies in battle, causing an amount of damage equal to the amount of money lost. Setzer's critical attack is called ''Red Card'', where he performs his attack (the "cards" animation) three times in a row.
Setzer also makes a small appearance in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', as the reigning champion of Twilight Town's Struggle tournament, where he fights with Roxas, the first playable character of the game. He is either victorious or defeated, depending on the player's ability, and the plot advances either way. Although originally drawn by [[Yoshitaka Amano]] for FF6, Setzer was redesigned by Tetsuya Nomura to fit the style of Kingdom Hearts, and is voiced by [[Crispin Freeman]] in the English version.
=== Mog ===
{{nihongo|'''Mog'''|モグ|Mogu}} is a [[moogle]] who, like all of his species shown in the game, lives within the caves of Narshe. He is distinguished from all the other moogles encountered in that he can speak human language, which he had learned from the Esper Ramuh who visited him in his dreams. In the Japanese and GBA versions of the game, his job class is given as "Moogle". Mog is, in effect, the mascot of the game's original US release; he appears on the cover of the box for ''Final Fantasy III'' (US), the cover of ''Kefka's Domain'' (the original US release of the ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version''), and in the original US commercial for the game, wherein he interviews (and disposes of) numerous threatening monsters for possible inclusion in the game. In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Mog's theme is called "'''Mog'''". His theme is simply a version of the Moogle theme also heard in ''[[Final Fantasy V]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]]''. His [[leitmotif]] is also found in the track "Ending Theme [Character Medley]".
Mog is one of several moogles who aid Locke in fending off members of the Narshe Guard while he attempts to escape from Narshe with Terra. Later, Mog is taken hostage by a thief named Lone Wolf, where he is rescued by the Returners. In return for their help, Mog lends his aid to the group. In the World of Ruin, Mog is once again encountered in the mines of Narshe. Alternatively, if the player chooses to take the treasure Lone Wolf tempts him with instead of rescuing Mog, the player can still find Mog in the Mines of Narshe, but Mog will never learn the "Water Harmony" (Water Rondo in the US version) dance.
Mog's special skill, ''Dance'', changes the environment of the battle and randomly invokes one of four skills. After successfully starting a dance, Mog will carry on dancing until he is KO'd and revived or the battle ends. Dances are learned after winning a battle in the appropriate environment. Mog's critical skill is called ''Moogle Rush'', and it looks exactly like Sabin's ''Raging Fist'' Blitz technique.
=== Gau ===
{{nihongo|'''Gau'''|ガウ}} is a [[feral child]] who lives among the animals on the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Veldt]]. In the Japanese versions of the game, his job class is given as "Wild Child", whereas the GBA version uses "Feral Youth". In ''Final Fantasy VI Original Sound Version'', Gau's theme is called "Gau". His leitmotif is also found in the track "Ending Theme [Character Medley]". Gau's theme is also featured in the ''Final Fantasy VI'' arranged album, ''Final Fantasy VI Grand Finale'', in the track "Gau".
Gau is the son of an "aged man" who lives in the house along the shore of the Lethe River. Gau's mother died in childbirth and his father, believing the child to be possessed by demons, abandoned the then-infant Gau in the Veldt. Sabin and Cyan encounter Gau (who makes fun of Cyan's archaic speech pattern and mistakenly attributes it to Sabin, calling him "Mr. Thou") and gain his trust after feeding him Dried Meat from the item shop in [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Mobliz]]. Gau guides Sabin and Cyan to an underwater helmet which can be used to breathe while riding the currents in the underwater Serpent Trench to [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Nikeah]]. Cyan is assumed by some to be Gau's best friend in the party, considering he was the quickest to bond with him and was even the only person to keep in contact with him after the destruction of the World of Balance. In the World of Ruin, Gau can once again be found on the Veldt, but only if encountered by a party of three or fewer characters.
Gau's special skill consists of two commands: while on the Veldt, he can use ''Leap'' to jump out of the party into the monster formation and end the battle. The next time he is encountered on the Veldt, he will rejoin the party with the ability to use those monsters' attacks via the ''Rage'' command. When he uses a monster's rage he will randomly Fight or use a skill associated with the Rage (and more often than not, the monster itself), and begin to possess the status bonuses, penalties, weaknesses and immunities, until the battle ends or he is KO'd. An oversight in the original SNES ''Final Fantasy III'' release created the potential for giving Gau tremendous attack power in the game. Gau is one of two characters in the game who does not possess a critical skill.
=== Gogo ===
{{Nihongo|'''Gogo'''|ゴゴ|}} is a mysterious stranger, completely shrouded in multicolored fabric, and trained in the art of mimicry. S/he is one of two secret characters in the game. In the Japanese and GBA versions of the game, his/her job class is given as "Mime".
Gogo is an optional character of no story significance, and can only be encountered deep within the belly of a monster called the Zone Eater in the World of Ruin. By finding their way to Gogo's lair, the Returners prove their worthiness to Gogo, who then agrees to lend his/her services to their cause. S/he has little to no characterization and is even of uncertain gender in the English translation. In the original, S/he uses the male [[Japanese pronoun]] ''ore'' (おれ). At one point in the game, it is mentioned that Daryll's airship crash landed on the triangle island on which you find Gogo. It is believed that Gogo and Daryll may be one and the same, although no proof of this is ever stated.
Gogo's special skill, ''Mimic'', allows him/her to copy the last action performed by any party member. The ability to duplicate attacks and to have two characters perform techniques specific to one, such as [[#Setzer Gabbiani|Setzer's]] slots, and [[#Gau|Gau's]] rages, opens up a wide range of tactical options. The only abilities S/he cannot copy are [[#Terra Branford|Terra's]] ''Morph/Trance,'' [[#Banon|Banon's]] ''Health/Pray,'' and [[#Leo|Leo's]] ''Shock''. Gogo's menu commands are also customizable, so that S/he can be assigned any three commands used by other characters in addition to his/her own ''Mimic'' ability. Gogo cannot learn magic, but S/he will have access to all the magic spells of the characters currently in the party if the player gives him/her the magic skill. Gogo can also be altered in the status screen to fill in the three empty action slots, it can use any skill available to other characters, even if they are not in the party. However, Gogo cannot use Cyan's "Bushido" skill without first equipping the Merit Award accessory, and then a katana as a weapon. These boons are countered by Gogo's poor statistical strength in all areas, as well as his/her limited selection of equipment. If Gogo is given an Attack command, or Mimes another character's attack, it can use it's own unique critical skill, ''X-Meteor''. This is probably the least seen critical skill in the whole game, mostly due to how players use Gogo.
Gogo also appears as a boss in ''[[Final Fantasy V]]'', granting use of the 'Mime' class.
=== Umaro ===
{{nihongo|'''Umaro'''|ウーマロ|Ūmaro}} is a [[yeti]] found in the isolated depths of the mines of Narshe. He is one of two secret characters in the game. In the Japanese and GBA versions of the game, his job class is given as "Yeti".
Umaro can be glimpsed briefly hiding in the mines early in the game, but it is not until the World of Ruin that he formally meets the Returners, when Mog suggests they get the yeti's help. They find a bone, supported by a stick, with the Midgardsomr Magicite (Terrato in the original US translation) in its eye. Umaro then attacks the Returners for taking his treasure. When confronted by Mog, Umaro agrees to lend his assistance to the party.
Unlike the other player characters, Umaro cannot use [[Final Fantasy magic|magic]], [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Espers]] or any weapons or armor (other than the Bone Club and Snow Scarf, which are already equipped), although the player can customize his relics. In addition, Umaro has a constant status effect of Berserk, and the player cannot directly control him in battle. Initially, Umaro will automatically attack by either swinging his Bone Club or throwing himself at the enemies. In this way, he is like the Berserker class from ''[[Final Fantasy V]]'', and was likely based on that class. Once equipped with the Berserker Ring relic, he will also pick up and throw other party members at enemies, causing more damage to the enemy (and none to the party members), or he can rush an enemy with a strong body-slam attack. Lastly, if he is equipped with the Blizzard Orb relic, he will also randomly perform the "Storm" attack, which inflicts ice-elemental damage to all enemies. While the boss battle with Umaro may suggest it, using a Green Cherry on him does not have any effect beyond its usual effect of lifting Imp status. Umaro does not possess a critical skill.
== Other major characters ==
This section covers other characters who ''either'' play a major role in the plot, or are briefly controllable by the player (but without the full range of options given to the above fourteen characters).
=== Kefka ===
'''Kefka''' is a colorful, [[misanthropy|misanthropic]] madman and the game's central [[antagonist]]. In Japanese official publications, his name is spelled Cefca, with his full name given as {{nihongo|'''Cefca Palazzo'''|ケフカ・パラッツォ|Kefuka Parattso}}.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} Kefka serves as Emperor Gestahl's Court Mage (as stated in the GBA remake by Edgar, when Kefka first visits Castle Figaro). He was the first volunteer for an experimental [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Magitek|Magitek]] infusion, under the supervision of Cid. The process was still flawed, and although Kefka gained the ability to wield [[Final Fantasy magic|magic]], it warped his mind, turning him into a [[Nihilism|nihilist]] and brutal [[psychopath]].<ref>'''Vector citizen:''' Here's one for you... That guy Kefka? He was Cid's first experimental Magitek knight. But the process wasn't perfect yet. Something snapped in Kefka that day... [[Square Co.]] ''Final Fantasy VI'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[1994]]-[[October 11|10-11]] ([[North America|NA)]]</ref> He is also a rank coward, running from almost all in-game fights involving him, or employing Imperial Soldiers or illusions to fight for him.
It was Kefka who forced the Slave Crown upon [[#Terra Branford|Terra]] and used her to lead an attack on [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Narshe]] to claim the frozen Esper. Kefka also appears at the Magitek Research Facility, where the party observes his physical abuse of weakened Espers whose power he had drained. During a siege battle, Kefka grows impatient with General Leo and poisons Doma's drinking water behind his back, resulting in mass casualties and a swift victory for the Empire.
Citing the poisoning of Doma, Gestahl eventually has Kefka imprisoned, but a plot twist later revealed this to be a ploy to gain the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Resistance|Returners]]' trust; Kefka later goes to [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Geography|Thamasa]] to seize Magicite from the Espers congregated there under the orders of Emperor Gestahl. When the honorable General Leo tries to intervene, Kefka deceives him by employing a shadow of himself, and then he backstabs and kills Leo after impersonating Emperor Gestahl.
Using the power of the Espers, Kefka helps Gestahl revive the Floating Continent. When the party confront Kefka and Gestahl on the continent, Kefka freezes them (except [[#Celes Chere|Celes]]) with the power of the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#War of the Magi|Warring Triad]]'s statues, the source of all magic in the world. He tells Celes to kill her friends to show her loyalty to the Empire, but she in turn stabs Kefka instead. Enraged, Kefka knocks her aside and attempts to command the statues to kill them all. Gestahl, fearing that the statues' balance will be broken, urges Kefka to calm down and not to upset the statues. Kefka dismisses his emperor's warning, forcing Gestahl to try and kill Kefka with his own powerful spells. Gestahl's magic, however, is absorbed by a protective field generated by the statues. Kefka directs the statues to unleash their power on Gestahl, whose body Kefka unceremoniously boots off the Floating Continent to certain death. He then moves the Statues from their delicate balance, unleashing enough raw magical energy to reshape the face of the planet.<ref> '''Celes:''' Oh, that's really smart, Kefka! Disturb their delicate balance, and they'll go haywire...! [[Square Co.]] ''Final Fantasy VI'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[1994]]-[[October 11|10-11]] ([[North America|NA)]]</ref>
Imbued with the power of the statues (as well as countless Magicite taken from Espers he's slain), Kefka taps into powerful energy and wields godlike power. He uses the Statues to forge a massive tower of random debris to serve as his headquarters, as well as to smite millions of people who refuse to worship him. Many towns are destroyed by Kefka's 'Light of Judgement', a beam of incinerating light capable of cutting fissures into the planet's surface. The tower can be presumed to stand upon the site of Geshtal's old capital at Vector, whose Magitech Research Laboratory and Palace appear in pieces throughout the tower.
Many global inhabitants have come to form the "[[Apotheosis|Cult]] of Kefka." Members of the Cult are in a zombie-like state, wandering mindlessly. Some join the cult because they have lost their loved ones or purpose in their life (in the case of [[#Strago Magus|Strago]] in the World of Ruin), but it is likely that many joined out of fear of Kefka.
At the game's conclusion, confronted by the protagonists, Kefka finally reveals his nihilistic motivations, explaining that all life is meaningless, and that the lives of mortal humans are without purpose. Thus, he proclaims that his new goal is to eradicate everything.<ref>'''Kefka:''' I will destroy everything... I will create a monument to non-existence! / '''Unidentified party member:''' Life will go on! There will always be people, and dreams! / '''Kefka:''' No! I will hunt them down. I will destroy it all! Destroy! Destroy! Destroy!! [[Square Co.]] ''Final Fantasy VI'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[1994]]-[[October 11|10-11]] ([[North America|NA)]]</ref> The party rejects his claims--citing examples of meaning in their personal lives--causing Kefka to go berserk.<ref> '''Kefka:''' I've tapped into the ultimate power. Observe...! / ... / '''Kefka:''' This is sickening... You sound like chapters from a self-help booklet! Prepare yourselves! [[Square Co.]] ''Final Fantasy VI'' (in [[English language|English]]) [[1994]]-[[October 11|10-11]] ([[North America|NA)]]</ref> He turns his Light of Judgment on the World of Ruin one last time before the party attacks him. The ensuing confrontation with Kefka is the final battle of ''Final Fantasy VI''; Kefka descends in a robed "god"-form with both feathered and bat-like wings. The music played in this fight is "[[Dancing Mad]]", which became popular amongst fans of the series and has seen several remixes released on the internet.
Kefka's personality resembles that of a mad clown. His defining attributes are his flamboyant, colorful dresswear, [[evil laugh]], and sardonic jokes. He has enjoyed a steady degree of popularity amongst fans of ''Final Fantasy''.
In [[2006]], Kefka was made into a toy in the Final Fantasy Master Creatures line. The figure is 6" tall from the bottom of the base, although Kefka himself is only about 4" or so in height. It represents his "god" form from the end of the game. Kefka also appears as a Chance Card in ''[[Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable]]''.
=== Banon ===
'''Banon''' is the leader of the Returners, a resistance movement dedicated to the defeat of the Empire. In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is spelled {{nihongo|'''Bannan'''|バナン|Banan}}.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} Depending upon player choices, Banon may convince Terra to join the Returners' cause, and he briefly joins the player's party. During this time he is controlled by the player and has the special skill ''Health'', which allows him to heal the entire party without expending magic points. In the Japanese versions, his job class is given as "Priest" (this became "Oracle" in ''Final Fantasy VI Advance''), and his special skill is "Pray" (which was also used for the GBA translation). His fate following the change of the world is unknown.
=== Ultros ===
'''Ultros''' is a large, talking, purple octopus who appears multiple times as both antagonist and [[comic relief]]. In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is {{nihongo|'''Orthros'''|オルトロス|Orutorosu}}.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} He fights the party on four occasions in the World of Balance, and on the final encounter he is with the aid of his friend and ally, "Mister" ''Typhon'' (''Chupon'' in the SNES version). In the World of Ruin, both Ultros and Typhon find their way to the Dragon's Neck Colosseum. Having wound up owing too much money to the Colosseum owner, Ultros begins a job working as its receptionist, while Typhon serves as a combatant in the Colosseum when no other monster will do it (usually if a meager item is bet, such as a ''Tonic'').
Ultros is also relatively well known for his catchphrases, his most famous probably being "Don't tease the octopus, kids!", which he says when the party first meets him at the Lethe River. Ultros occasionally even breaks the [[fourth wall]]; his first words to the party are "Uwee hee hee... Game over!" Ultros also shouts "Seafood Soup!" when hit with his weakness, Fire, and states "Muscleheads? Hate 'em!" if Ultros attacks Sabin with the skill Tentacle during this fight. In the GBA version of the game, Ultros' response to a Fire spell was changed from "Seafood Soup!" to "Yeowch! Seafood Soup is NOT on the menu!" It is also assumed Ultros is a carnivore, considering that the first time he fights the party, he shouts, "Delicious morsel! Let me get my bib!" before he attacks Terra with Tentacle (and licks his chops before attacking Terra with the same skill in the GBA version), and he says, "Uh, well they always said I was a slow learner...but I eat FAST!" before attacking the party for the third time.
Ultros and Chupon, this time translated as {{nihongo|'''[[Orthrus|Orthros]]'''|オルトロス|Orutorosu}} and {{nihongo|'''[[Typhon]]'''|テュポーン|Tyupōn}}, respectively, also make an appearance, along with Death Gaze (Doom Gaze) and the Phantom Train, as optional bosses in ''[[Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls]]''. Orthros also makes an appearance in ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'' as an elite mark who attacks women, and Typhon in ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' as a [[Final Fantasy magic#Summoning Magic|summon]]. In ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'', the octopus boss Tidus and Rikku encounter in the underwater ruins at the beginning of the game is named Tros. In ''Final Fantasy XII'', he appears as a Rank V Elite Mark and a flan, but retains the shape of his eyes. He'll only appear in his area when there are three female characters in your party, which makes Orthros seem to be a lecher (This could be true also for Ultros. During the first battle with him if he's about to attack just Terra with a "Tentacle" attack he says: "Delicious Morsel, I'd love to get my tentacles around her!"). There is a direct reference to ''Final Fantasy VI'' in the item won from Orthros: the Stolen Articles. When selected, the phrase "Don't tease the... flan?!?" appears, a reference to Ultros' catchphrase (changed, since the Orthros in this game is a [[Monsters of Final Fantasy#Flan|Flan]]-type creature).
In the GBA version, his name is kept as Ultros, despite his partner Typhon being renamed as such.
=== Leo ===
{{nihongo|'''Leo Cristophe'''|レオ・クリストフ|Reo Kurisutofu}} is one of the three leading generals of the Empire. Unlike [[#Kefka|Kefka]] and [[#Celes Chere|General Celes]], Leo refused to undergo the magic fusion procedure, and is therefore incapable of using magic. He possesses a strong sense of justice and honor, despite his continued loyalty to a regime that possesses neither.
Leo was the general assigned to the conquest of Doma. He attempted a relatively peaceful end, but Kefka (against Leo's direct orders) poisoned Doma, killing most of its people. Leo later apologized to the Doman survivor player character Cyan and faulted himself for the atrocity. Later Leo is appointed by [[#Emperor Gestahl|Emperor Gestahl]] as an ambassador to the Espers unleashed in the human realm by Kefka. He greets the assembled creatures in the village of Thamasa, and manages to negotiate peace between humans and Espers. Before the terms of the truce can be carried out, however, Imperial forces under the command of Kefka besiege the city and kill all of the Espers present. Leo recognizes that he was deceived by Kefka, and he attempts to defend Thamasa from Kefka's forces in a brief segment during which he is a player character. Leo defeats Kefka's army, but Kefka conjures an illusion of Gestahl, which confronts Leo and explains his exploitation of Leo's skills for his own ends. Leo is shocked by his emperor's greed, and Kefka kills him. The player's party buries him in the subsequent scene.
During the original release of ''Final Fantasy VI'' in North America, many rumors circulated the Internet claiming that General Leo could be revived. This phenomenon would repeat itself concerning Aerith Gainsborough's death in ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''. Rumors of his revival surfaced again prior to the release of ''Final Fantasy VI Advance'' when screenshots surfaced portraying both General Leo and Emperor Gestahl as party members and describing how to supposedly sacrifice the Phoenix magicite to revive Leo from the grave.<ref name="generalleo">{{cite web | author=Spencer | year=2006 | title=General Leo and Gestahl playable characters in Final Fantasy VI Advance? | url=http://www.siliconera.com/2006/11/27/general-leo-and-gesthal-playable-characters-in-final-fantasy-vi-advance/ | work=[http://www.siliconera.com Siliconera] | accessdaymonth=13 July | accessyear=2007}}</ref> The screenshots and revival quest were quickly revealed to be a hoax.
Leo's special ability, ''Shock'', uses his sword to create a column of energy around himself and his target to deal heavy damage. The ability Shock has appeared in three other games: in ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]'', it was a powerful sword based ability, much like the original skill, in ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' it was a Lightning based Enfeebling spell that temporarily lowered the Mind stat while dealing a small amount of damage over time, and in ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'', it was the third strongest Black Magick, followed by Flare and Scathe. In ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]'', the ability Shock! (including an exclamation point) appeared as a Magic Sword ability usable by Temple Knights. The more damage the Temple Knight has taken, the more damage Shock! deals to the enemy. It is not known if Leo possesses a critical attack, as he only participates in one battle during the game.
=== Cid ===<!-- This section is linked from [[Recurring character names of Final Fantasy]] -->
The fifth (or sixth, depending) character from the ''Final Fantasy'' series to go by the name [[Cid (Final Fantasy)|Cid]], {{nihongo|'''Cid Del Norte Marguez'''|シド・デル・ノルテ・マルケズ|Shido Deru Norute Marukezu}} is the chief researcher for the Empire. His research into the magical power of Espers led to the development of the Empire's powerful [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Magitek|Magitek]] armor. He is very close to former Imperial General Celes, and when Celes turns on the Empire, Cid too begins to have his doubts regarding Emperor Gestahl's plans. Eventually, Cid helps Celes and her allies, the resistance group known as the Returners, escape from a trap Gestahl had laid for them in Vector. Following Kefka's catastrophic attack on the world's surface, Cid finds himself stranded on an isolated island with Celes, who has fallen into a coma along with multiple other people. These people all give up hope and commit suicide by jumping off of the northern coast. Cid cares for Celes until her recovery one year later, and becomes ill himself in the process. Depending on Celes's actions subsequently, Cid either dies of his illness, leaving Celes to attempt suicide in the same fashion as those before her, washing up back on the shore to discover the small raft he had built to return them both to civilization, or recovers and bequeaths the raft to Celes himself. (Note: In the Nintendo version all references to suicide are removed, the scene where Celes jumps still exists however, but is simply referred to as "something to do".)
=== Emperor Gestahl ===
'''Gestahl''' is the leader of the Empire. In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is {{nihongo|'''Gastra'''|ガストラ|Gasutora}}.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} Obsessed with reviving magic, Gestahl has overseen the rise of the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Gestahlian Empire|Empire]] as the world's preeminent military power thanks to the development of [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Magitek|Magitek]]. He plots to harness the magical energy of the long-lost [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Espers]]. Gestahl and his military force once managed to penetrate the Esper homeland long ago, but were driven out. After the Espers sealed off their world with a mystical gate, Gestahl spotted the dying [[#Maduin and Madeline|Madeline]] holding her infant daughter, [[#Terra Bradford|Terra]]. Gestahl immediately saw the potential of a human-Esper [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] and seized Terra for his own purposes.
Once the Espers sense that the Empire is trying to breach their gate a second time, they break free of the gate and lay waste to the imperial capital of Vector. In the aftermath, a broken Gestahl lays down his arms, then invites the Returners to his palace to arrange a truce. He also tosses [[#Kefka|Kefka]] into jail as punishment for his [[war crime]]s. This is merely a trick; Gestahl is secretly working with Kefka to invade the Esper continent and seize the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#War of the Magi|Warring Triad]] statues. He purposely keeps his loyal General, [[Leo Cristophe]], out of the loop by allowing him to believe that the cease-fire is legitimate. The Esper continent eventually rises up from the sea and becomes the Floating Continent, but not before Gestahl and Kefka have already made it past the gate.
Gestahl, however, fails to realize the depths of Kefka's madness. Once he sees Kefka is trying to destroy the very world he seeks to rule, Gestahl attempts to kill him using high-end spells not acquired by the party until they get more advanced Espers (such as Flare and Meltdown). Kefka gleefully strikes Gestahl down with the power of the [[World of Final Fantasy VI#War of the Magi|Warring Triad]]'s statues, then casually kicks the once-mighty Emperor's body off the Floating Continent.
=== Biggs and Wedge ===
:''See also: [[Biggs and Wedge]]''
{{Nihongo|'''Biggs'''|ビックス|Bikkusu}} and {{Nihongo|'''Wedge'''|ウェッジ|Wejji}} are two temporarily playable Imperial soldiers featured at the very start of the game equipped with Magitek armor. Biggs' name is incorrectly Romanized as "Vicks" in the original North American release, but was subsequently corrected in the PlayStation and Game Boy Advance versions. With the help of Terra, who is under the control of a slave crown, they raid the town of Narshe, where a frozen Esper has been dug up in the mines, with orders to seize it and bring it back to the Emperor. After breaking the town's defenses and defeating the mines' guardian, they reach the Esper. The Esper, apparently reacting to Terra's presence, sends out waves of energy which engulf the two soldiers.
Their names are based on [[Luke Skywalker]]'s wingmen Wedge Antilles and Biggs Darklighter, from the movie ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope]]''. ''Final Fantasy VI'' is the first of four games in the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series to feature characters named Biggs and Wedge. They also appear in another [[SquareSoft]] game, ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'', with a third member, Piett, named after an Imperial admiral from ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back]]''. Interestingly, in the US release of ''Chrono Trigger'', Biggs was again mistranslated as Vicks.
=== Maduin and Madeline ===
{{nihongo|'''Maduin'''|マディン|Madin}}, a Gigas [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Esper]], and {{nihongo|'''Madeline'''|マドリーヌ|Madorīnu}} ('''Madonna''' in the original North American release and the PS version), a human woman, were the parents of [[#Terra Branford|Terra]]. They were shown in a flashback scene in the game (in which Maduin is briefly playable). After Madeline accidentally stumbled onto the Esper world, Maduin nursed her back to health. Though other Espers did not trust her, Maduin believed her to be good and defended her from the others. The two would eventually conceive a child, Terra. Two years later, when [[#Emperor Gestahl|Gestahl]] and his troops discovered the Esper world, they began capturing Espers. The Espers quickly used their powers to drive the humans out and seal the gateway to their world. Unfortunately, Maduin, Madeline, and Terra were sucked out before the gateway closed. Madeline, near death, begs Gestahl ''not'' to take Terra (in the original U.S. translation, Madonna asks Gestahl to raise her). Gestahl is delighted about the prospect of a half Esper, half human child, and walks away, striking down Madeline when she attempts to stop him. Maduin, along with most of the other Espers captured during the incident, apparently spent the next twenty years in the Empire's Magitek Research Facility being drained of their power before they were finally reduced to magicite when Locke and Celes infiltrated the facility. Maduin's remains would later help his daughter accept her heritage after she discovered she was part-Esper.
Maduin would later be referred to by name as an Eidolon used by [[Eiko Carol]] in ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]'' and as a [[Final Fantasy magic#Summoning Magic|summon]] in ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics Advance]]'', romanized instead as "Madeen."
=== Fiend, Demon, and Goddess ===
Collectively known as the Warring Triad in the GBA version (called goddesses in the original U.S. translation—though only one appears obviously female—and known simply as the Warring Gods in Japan), '''Fiend''', '''Demon''', and '''Goddess''' (''Kishin'', ''Majin'', and ''Megami'' in Japan; '''Doom''', '''Poltergeist''', and '''Goddess''' in the original North American translation) were responsible for the ancient [[World of Final Fantasy VI#War of the Magi|War of the Magi]] as well as the creation of Espers. After being banished to Crescent Island, they began fighting, unleashing raw magical energy that transformed the humans and animals caught in the blast into the first Espers to fight for them. After some time of this war between the Espers, the humans and the Triad, the Triad realized their battle was destroying the world and agreed to release the Espers from enslavement and seal themselves in stone to prevent further destruction. After doing so, the Espers sealed the Triad inside their hidden land. Upon being moved out of alignment atop the Floating Continent by Kefka, they awaken from their stone slumber. The resulting power that is released from this rearranges the face of the planet. They are the final 3 bosses before the final battle atop Kefka's Tower.
In the original North American release for the SNES, the Goddess' boss sprite was censored to cover up nudity with a cloth. Both the Playstation and GBA releases use an unaltered sprite.
== Minor characters ==
*'''Arvis''' — the Returner sympathizer living in Narshe. In the Japanese versions of the game, his name is {{nihongo|'''Jun'''|ジュン}}. He finds [[#Terra Branford|Terra]] after her encounter with an Esper, Valigarmanda (Tritoch in previous versions), in the mines and nurses her back to health. After removing the Slave Crown from her, he tries to help her escape the city before the Narshe guards find her. He is not seen again after the events on the Floating Continent, though the game never states his fate.
*'''Baram''' ('''Billy''' in the Japanese versions) — [[#Shadow|Clyde]]'s (Shadow's) former ally before he was injured while escaping the authorities. He begged for Clyde to kill him, but Clyde ran away. Memories of Baram haunt Shadow in a series of dreams which can be seen in-game by staying at an inn with Shadow as a party member.
*'''The Crimson Robbers''' — a band of thieves that were once held captive at Figaro Castle. After the Sandworms invade the castle, they escape through a series of tunnels and flee to Nikeah. There they meet Gerad ([[#Edgar Roni Figaro|Edgar]] in disguise), who becomes their boss and convinces them to return to Figaro and reclaim the treasure in the castle's Engine Room. After Edgar and the party defeat the Sandworms, they hide while the Robbers return. The Robbers assume the Sandworms ate Edgar and leave.
*{{nihongo|'''Darill'''|ダリル|Dariru}} — [[#Setzer Gabbiani|Setzer]]'s former best friend, who used to race airships with him until she disappeared after a catastrophic crash on Triangle Island, which causes some people to believe she may be Gogo (As Gogo is also found on the same island). A tomb that honors her memory is located near Kohlingen along with her airship that was restored by Setzer. The original U.S. version of the game is ambiguous in its spelling of "Darill", switching between "Darill" and "Daryl" several times.
*'''Duane''' — the boyfriend of Katarin in Mobliz; he is 16 in the World of Balance and 17 in the World of Ruin. After [[#Kefka|Kefka]]'s Light of Judgement hit the town, and all the adults perished, Duane and Katarin helped take care of the orphans. He is the stricter of the two parental figures, and he resents the party for supposedly coming in and ordering them around. He initially takes the news of Katarin's pregnancy poorly, prompting her and Terra to go to the basement of a nearby house. However, he feels guilty that he is "a terrible husband" (implying the two have married), and promises to help Katarin. (In the Japanese versions of the game, it appears that Duane and Katarin had their child out of wedlock.){{Fact|date=July 2007}}
*{{nihongo|'''Duncan Harcourt'''|ダンカン・ハーコート|Dankan Hākōto}} — [[#Sabin Rene Figaro|Sabin]]'s martial arts teacher. When his son Vargas thought Sabin had been selected by Duncan as the successor to lead the martial arts academy, Vargas became enraged and tried to kill Duncan. Duncan apparently survived this attempt (despite Vargas and Sabin believing that he did not), faking his own death as a precaution against Vargas's anger. When Sabin meets him in the World of Ruin, Duncan claims, "The earth opened to take me, but I scrambled to safety!", though this is presumably a reference to the ruin of the world rather than his supposed death at Vargas's hands. Duncan then teaches Sabin his most powerful Blitz attack. Duncan's in-game [[sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] is noticeably a [[palette swap]] of Banon's.
*'''Elayne''' (called {{nihongo|'''Mina'''|ミナ}} in the Japanese versions of the game) — [[#Cyan Garamonde|Cyan]]'s wife, who died along with their young son, '''Owain''' (called {{nihongo|'''Shun'''|シュン}} in the Japanese versions of the game), after [[#Kefka|Kefka]] poisoned Doma Castle's water supply.
*'''Aged Man''' — a man (never actually named) who lives in a solitary house, where [[#Sabin Rene Figaro|Sabin]] ends up when split off from the rest of the group in the World of Balance. He says that he once had a dream in which his wife died giving birth to a "demon child" ([[#Gau|Gau]]), which he abandoned on the Veldt. In a [[Quest (gaming)#Side-quest|side-quest]], the party (along with Sabin and Gau) can try and convince the man that his dream was a reality. The man denies this and says that he still has nightmares of the "demon child", but he does compliment a dressed-up Gau on being a fine young man. If the party arrives without Gau, he believes that they are long-expected repairmen.
*'''Gungho''' — a close friend of Strago's. He and Strago have spent their lives hunting the Hidon. Later in the game, Gungho is appeared to be injured by the Hidon, though Relm discovers that this is a ruse. After Strago defeats the Hidon, Gungho refuses to believe him. Relm later accuses Gungho of faking his injury to convince Strago to hunt the Hidon, and Gungho admits the truth. In the GBA remake, Relm collaborates with Gungho in order to motivate Strago to hunt Hidon.
*'''Impresario''' — (Dancho in the JP version) the owner of the opera house. He reluctantly allows the party to help set up Setzer so they can request use of his airship. He also hires them to keep Ultros from destroying an opera, and in the World of Ruin, pleads with the party to slay the Earth Dragon that is sitting on stage. A man on the Phantom Train is also referred to as Impresario, but this is a translation error that is corrected in the GBA version.
*{{nihongo|'''Interceptor'''|インターセプター|Intāseputā}} — [[#Shadow|Shadow]]'s dog, who frequently assists Shadow in battle. [[#Relm Arrowny|Relm]] is the only person other than Shadow to whom Interceptor responds in a friendly manner. In battle, Interceptor will often show up to protect Shadow and Relm from incoming attacks, and he will occasionally counterattack as well.
*'''Katarin''' — Duane's girlfriend in Mobliz. Later in the game, it is discovered that Katarin is pregnant. She is less strict than Duane, and she tries to convince the party that if [[#Terra Branford|Terra]] leaves, the "spirit of [their] survival" will, as well. She gives birth during the game's ending. Terra's connection to Katarin helps Terra remain in the world as a human.
*'''Lola''' — young woman from the town of Maranda. Her boyfriend was an Imperial soldier, who was wounded and recovering in Mobliz after possibly attempting to desert. During the World of Balance, the party can assist the soldier in sending letters to Lola, which ends up in him offering the party useful items. However, the soldier dies of his wounds between when the world is altered and when the party reaches Mobliz. [[#Cyan Garamonde|Cyan]] started sending letters to Lola in the soldier's stead, and Lola continued to write back. When Cyan rejoins the party, he sends a final letter to Lola confessing and apologizing for his role in misleading her. The party can take him to see Lola in person, where he tells her to continue living and move on with her life. If the party visits her without Cyan (after he has rejoined), she says that she sympathizes with Cyan, and that she somehow knew that her boyfriend was dead, but did not want to believe it.
*'''Lone Wolf''' — an infamous pickpocket who is first seen moping in jail at Castle Figaro. Later, the party encounters him looting a house when they return to Narshe after their first trip to Vector. Lone Wolf swipes a ''Gold Hairpin'' from a locked chest and flees into the mines. He is eventually cornered at the top, where he holds [[#Mog|Mog]] hostage, threatening to kill him. Eventually, Mog breaks free of Lone Wolf's grip, throwing them to opposite sides of the cliff. Players must choose to either rescue Mog or take Lone Wolf's Gold Hairpin. Either way, Lone Wolf falls into the gorge. Later, a Pickpocket is seen fleeing Narshe in the World of Ruin. If this is Lone Wolf or not is not addressed, although he does appear to recognize the party, implying that it is him. In the GBA version, he appears to recognize the party from the World of Balance. He reveals that Narshe is mostly abandoned except for Mog, Umaro and the man in the weapon shop. Lone Wolf also appeared in ''[[Final Fantasy V]]'' as a lupine thief the party could release from a castle dungeon.
*'''Madeline''' — a woman who grew tired of how people are, and ran away to the Esper world, passing through the gate. She is found by an Esper on lookout, who informs Maduin of her presence. He takes her back to his home for awhile, but the Elder states that humans and Espers can never get along. She tries to leave, but Maduin convinces her to stay, and the two eventually have a daughter, Terra. When Gestahl invades the Esper world, Madeline realizes that she is homesick, grabs Terra and runs to the gate, only to be captured by Gestahl after the Elder uses magic to close the gate and expel the humans. Maduin too, is lost after the gate is closed, having gone to save her. Her last words express disgust that Gestahl considers Terra to be a help of some kind for his magic research.
*'''Maduin''' — one of the Espers, and Terra's father. He is briefly playable during a story segment that explores how Terra's parent's met, and the events surrounding Gestahl's invasion of the Esper world. He meets Madeline, a wayward girl who wanted to flee the human world, and eventually has a daughter by her. He tries to save Madeline and Terra from Gestahl, but fails. His eventual fate is revealed as one of the Espers the party finds during their excursion into Magitek Factory. His presence as a magicite shard awakens Terra from her self-induced coma in Zozo, after the party returns from the factory.
*'''Maria''' — the female lead in the opera. Maria herself is never seen in the game, but her character in the opera shares her name. The player's primary interaction in the opera itself is memorizing her speech and inputting the correct lines as she sings about Draco's absence. She is being forced to marry Ralse, but Draco arrives to duel him. However, since Locke and Ultros fall on her two suitors, knocking them unconscious, and Setzer abducts [[#Celes Chere|Celes]], who was playing Maria, the opera's intended ending, and the true Maria's whereabouts are unknown. The game makers also seem to have made a reference to the musical ''[[West Side Story]]''; at one point in the opera, Draco sings "Mariaaaa" in a seemingly exaggerated way, such as was done in ''West Side Story''.
*{{nihongo|'''Owzer'''|アウザー|Auzā|extra={{IPAEng|ˈaʊzɚ}}}} — an extremely wealthy and obese art collector from the town of Jidoor. Owzer obtains the Starlet (Lakshmi in the GBA port) Magicite, and he commissions [[#Relm Arrowny|Relm]] to create a painting of the Esper. After the party defeats a demon called Chadarnook that had inhabited the painting, Owzer gives the Magicite to the party.
*{{nihongo|'''Rachel'''|レイチェル|Reicheru}} — [[#Locke Cole|Locke]]'s former lover, from Kohlinghen. When treasure hunting with Locke, she pushed him to safety from a collapsing bridge, falling into a pit and losing her memory. She is later gravely wounded in an Imperial attack, during which time she regained her memory. Locke entrusts Rachel's care to an eccentric herbalist, known simply as the 'Patriarch', who uses his herbs to place Rachel in suspended animation. When her memory returned, she told the citizens of Kohlinghen to tell Locke that she loved him when he returned but died because of her injuries. It is this blunder which leads Locke to protect any young woman in need of help. Eventually, using the damaged Magicite of the [[Phoenix (mythology)|Phoenix]] Esper, Locke revives Rachel, but only for a few moments. She tells him of how happy she was with him, and that she thought only of him when she was wounded. Urging Locke to cast off his guilt and be free, Rachel sacrifices her life energy, restoring the Phoenix's Magicite shard to full power. The party has access to the Phoenix Esper from that point on.
*{{nihongo|'''Ramuh'''|ラムウ|Ramū}} — an [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Esper]] who is found at Zozo, taking care of [[#Terra Branford|Terra]] after she initially takes the form of an Esper and loses control of herself. He explains how humans and Espers used to live together in prosperity. After telling his tale, he and three other Espers become Magicite in order to aid the heroes in their quest. Ramuh is a common [[Final Fantasy magic#Summoning Magic|Summon]] in the ''Final Fantasy'' series.
*'''Siegfried''' (also known as Ziegfried or Sigfried in some cases) — a thief that makes two minor appearances in the game. His first appearance is on the Phantom Train, in which upon opening a chest, the party is brought into a battle. After being defeated, he escapes with the treasure. His second appearance is in Cave of Figaro in the World of Ruin, where he is following a gang of thieves. In the Colosseum, Siegfried can be found in a small room, claiming that someone is impersonating him, and not to be fooled. Siegfried can be battled in the Colosseum, where he is an exceedingly powerful opponent. Siegfried is briefly mentioned by Ultros when he appears in the cave near Thamasa. Ultros remarks on the golden representations of the Statues "These'll get Siegfried's attention!" Beyond this and their work at the Colosseum, however, there is no other indication that the two know each other.
*{{nihongo|'''Vargas'''|バルガス|Barugasu}} — Duncan's son, and one of his disciples. Believing, incorrectly, that Duncan has chosen Sabin as his successor instead of Vargas, Vargas becomes enraged and tries to kill his father. Vargas later ambushes Terra, Locke, and Edgar as they climb Mt. Koltz, and he is only stopped from killing them by the arrival of Sabin. Sabin tells Vargas that Vargas, not Sabin, was Duncan's chosen successor, but Vargas refuses to believe him and continues attacking anyway. Sabin is able to defeat Vargas with his Raging Fist/Pummel (or Aura Cannon/Bolt if the player can manage to use it enough times before Sabin dies) blitz, since Duncan had not yet taught Vargas that technique.
*'''Yura''' — the leader of a group of younger [[World of Final Fantasy VI#Espers|Esper]]s hiding in a cave near Thamasa. When he meets Terra and General Leo, he offers a truce. However, Kefka arrives and quickly kills Yura and all of his companions to turn them into Magicite.
== Reception and legacy ==
''Final Fantasy VI'' has been praised for its large cast and absence of focus on a singular protagonist. [[#Kefka|Kefka]] has appeared on five [[GameFAQs]] popularity contests: in the "Character Battle II" in 2003,<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/c03sum GameFAQs - Summer 2003: The Great GameFAQs Character Battle II]</ref> "Character Battle III" in 2004,<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/c04sum GameFAQs - Summer 2004: The Great GameFAQs Character Battle III]</ref> in "Got Villains" contest in 2005 (alongside [[#Ultros|Ultros]]),<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/spr05 GameFAQs - Spring 2005: Got Villains?]</ref>, "Character Battle IV also in 2005,<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/sum05 GameFAQs - Summer 2005: The Great GameFAQs Character Battle IV]</ref> and the "Character Battle VI" in 2007.<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/cb6 GameFAQs - Fall 2007: The Great GameFAQs Character Battle VI]</ref> Celes and Terra have appeared on the "Character Battle V" in 2006.<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/cb5 GameFAQs - Fall 2006: The Great GameFAQs Character Battle V]</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
== External links ==
* [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_VI_characters Final Fantasy VI characters database] at the ''Final Fantasy'' Wikia
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