Top JRPG Protagonists and What Makes Them Iconic

3 January 2025

JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) have always been at the heart of gaming culture, offering immersive storytelling, larger-than-life characters, and unforgettable adventures. At the center of these tales are the protagonists – the heroes (and sometimes anti-heroes) whose journeys stick with us long after the credits roll. But what makes a JRPG protagonist truly iconic? Is it their personality, their growth, or maybe those ridiculously cool swords they swing around?

In this article, let’s dive into some of the most memorable JRPG protagonists and break down what makes them stand out in a genre bursting with incredible characters.

1. Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII)

Ah, Cloud Strife. If you’ve even grazed the surface of JRPGs, you’ve probably heard of this spiky-haired mercenary-turned-hero. Cloud’s iconic appearance is hard to miss – his wild blond hair and the absurdly large Buster Sword are practically gaming trademarks.

What Makes Cloud Iconic?

Cloud’s appeal lies in his complexity. When you first meet him, he seems like your typical stoic, macho protagonist. But as the story unfolds, you realize he's far from that. Cloud struggles with self-doubt, identity issues, and trauma. He isn’t the perfect "chosen one" archetype; he’s deeply flawed, which makes him relatable.
Plus, let’s not forget the emotional gut-punch of that Aerith scene. Cloud’s journey of redemption and self-discovery is one of the reasons why Final Fantasy VII remains a masterpiece.

2. Joker (Persona 5)

Who doesn’t love a protagonist that oozes style? Persona 5’s Joker, with his sleek black outfit and Phantom Thief mask, isn’t just an ordinary high schooler. By day, he’s your shy, soft-spoken student; by night, he’s the charismatic leader of the Phantom Thieves, taking on corrupted adults and their twisted realities.

What Makes Joker Iconic?

Joker stands out because of the dual life he leads. He’s a blank slate for the player, but his actions and relationships in the game drive home the idea of rebellion and justice. What really makes him shine, though, is his confidence as a Phantom Thief. He’s got that mysterious, James Bond-esque flair that makes him impossible not to root for.

And come on – his “showtime” attacks with the other characters? Pure chef’s kiss.

3. Chrono (Chrono Trigger)

Some protagonists don’t need to utter a single word to become legendary. Chrono, the silent protagonist of Chrono Trigger, is a perfect example. This guy manages to captivate players without saying a single thing (which, if you think about it, is pretty impressive).

What Makes Chrono Iconic?

Chrono’s strength comes from his actions rather than his words. He doesn’t need lengthy monologues about hope or justice – he just does what’s necessary to save the world. He also embodies the spirit of the game: a timeless (pun intended) tale of friendship, sacrifice, and adventure. Plus, wielding a katana while jumping through portals in time? That’s a level of cool that’s hard to top.

4. Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy VIII)

Squall often gets labeled as the “emo” protagonist of the JRPG world, but that’s selling him short. Yes, he’s brooding and aloof for most of Final Fantasy VIII, but give the guy a break – he’s been through a lot.

What Makes Squall Iconic?

What truly makes Squall memorable is his character arc. He starts as a loner who keeps everyone at arm’s length, but over the course of the game, you see him grow emotionally. His bond with Rinoa and the other party members slowly chips away at his emotional walls, and by the end, he’s a much more open and self-aware person.

Oh, and we can’t forget that Gunblade. It’s both a sword and a gun – can you get cooler than that?

5. Shulk (Xenoblade Chronicles)

Shulk probably doesn’t look like your typical JRPG protagonist at first glance. No spiky hair. No oversized weapons. Instead, he’s this nerdy-looking kid with a knack for tinkering. But once you get to know him, you realize there’s way more to Shulk than meets the eye.

What Makes Shulk Iconic?

Shulk’s journey is one of determination and courage. After losing someone dear to him, he sets out on a quest for revenge, only to uncover a larger, world-shaping destiny. He’s also one of the most optimistic JRPG protagonists out there – no matter how dark things get, Shulk always manages to inspire hope.

And, of course, there’s the Monado – the legendary sword that grants him the ability to see glimpses of the future. It adds a unique gameplay mechanic and further drives home Shulk’s role as a proactive hero who’s always trying to change fate.

6. Velvet Crowe (Tales of Berseria)

Not all iconic protagonists are paragons of virtue. Velvet Crowe from Tales of Berseria gives us a refreshing perspective by being, well, a pretty angry anti-hero. Her story is one of pain and vengeance, and boy, does she make you feel every bit of it.

What Makes Velvet Iconic?

Velvet’s raw emotion is what sets her apart. Unlike many protagonists who follow noble and idealistic paths, Velvet is driven by rage and loss. She’s unapologetically fierce, and her journey is one of grappling with her humanity while seeking revenge.
She’s also got a killer design – that tattered coat, the clawed arm, the piercing glare – Velvet looks like she could take on an army and come out victorious (which, to be fair, she often does).

7. Fei Fong Wong (Xenogears)

Fei Fong Wong might sound unassuming at first – he’s an artist living in a quiet village. But oh boy, does Xenogears take that initial setup and flip it on its head. Fei’s story is one of the most layered, complex ones you’ll ever find in a JRPG.

What Makes Fei Iconic?

Fei’s depth as a character is unmatched. His journey is packed with twists, grappling with themes like mental trauma, identity, and the nature of humanity itself. Without diving into heavy spoilers, let’s just say Fei is more than meets the eye – and his connection to the overarching lore is downright mind-blowing.
Simply put, Fei represents the kind of storytelling JRPGs excel at: bold, ambitious, and entirely unforgettable.

8. Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia)

Lloyd is your classic “everyman” protagonist, but that’s what makes him endearing. Unlike many brooding or larger-than-life heroes, Lloyd is just a kid trying to do the right thing in a complicated world.

What Makes Lloyd Iconic?

Lloyd’s optimism and sincerity are his greatest strengths. He doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he’s willing to fight for what he believes is right. Over the course of Tales of Symphonia, you see Lloyd mature and grow into a leader who can rally his friends and inspire change. He’s proof that being a hero doesn’t always require incredible powers – sometimes, it’s just about having a good heart.

So, What Makes a JRPG Protagonist Iconic?

When you look at protagonists like Cloud, Velvet, or Joker, you realize they’re iconic because they resonate with us on a personal level. Whether it’s their struggles, growth, or sheer determination, these characters make us care. And in a genre that thrives on narrative depth, a strong protagonist can make all the difference.

Of course, JRPGs are also great at spicing things up with killer weapons, flashy moves, and epic boss battles. But at the end of the day, it’s the emotional connection that leaves a lasting impression – the feeling that you’ve journeyed alongside these characters and grown with them.

Do you agree with this list? Let me know your favorites – because, let’s be real, narrowing this down was a huge challenge!