How do you feel about the character cast of FFXIV.

[Ayuhra]

After replaying through the story for a second time, I came to notice something about the story as a whole.

I won't deny that this is the best MMO story I have ever played, especially in Shadowbringers, but a certain aspect of it felt lacking. I then realized that for me, it is the characters.

Don't get me wrong, Emet-Selch certainly left a lasting impression on me, and I enjoyed Yotsuyu, Elidibus, Ardbert, and Crystal Exarch. Aside from this though, I realized I had no investment in any of the characters. I believe this is because the story always likes to focus on 'the greater good'. In telling their grand tale of nations and worlds, the relatability of the characters seems to be notably absent. With few exceptions, I see little in the way of internal struggles in the character cast.

I don't feel that they are affected when they incur losses, or at least it does not seem to be shown adequately. Urianger seems impervious to emotions, even when he loses those dear to him. I'd say the same of Y'sthola. Only reason I enjoy her at times is because of her sarcastic quips. I enjoyed the period of struggle with Thancred and Ryne, and wished there were more moments like that in the game. With the exception of a short period in the game with Nanamo, I felt no internal struggle in the alliance leaders as the plot moved forward.

I suppose that in summary, I do not feel this game focuses enough on what makes the characters tick, choosing to often favor the 'grand goal' instead. I am curious what the community thinks about this. Do you feel I am incorrect and that the characters receive enough detail as it is? Do you enjoy the character cast?

I am a WoW refugee so it's easy for me to feel attached to the cast. Are they as complex as the cast of (most) single player Final Fantasies? Nah. Are they more engaging than the overwhelming majority of MMO casts? Yes!

I really love Emet-Selch, Ysayle, Estinien, Yotsuyu, Alphinaud and Haurchefant especially. (I used to like Thancred but his personality seems to change each expansion).

If the game has one major hole in its cast it's the Warrior of Light.

I wish we could select personalities for our WoL that changed some of their animations in cutscenes or had more options for choosing dialogue. Shadowbringers made the right move in making the WoL be in mortal peril for a while but other than that I felt like my character was a wooden board with no weakness.