Zack Fair: The Unsung Hero of Final Fantasy VII

A Soldier’s Aspirations

The world of Final Fantasy VII is brimming with iconic characters, epic battles, and a story that resonates across generations. While figures like Cloud Strife and Sephiroth often dominate the spotlight, a lesser-known, yet equally crucial character often lingers in the shadows: Zack Fair. More than just a predecessor to Cloud, Zack is a vibrant individual whose heroism, optimism, and tragic fate profoundly influence the core themes of identity, memory, and legacy within the sprawling Final Fantasy VII universe. This article delves into the captivating story of Zack Fair, exploring his origins, his impactful personality, his crucial role in shaping Cloud’s destiny, and his evolving presence within the reimagined world of the Remake trilogy.

Zack Fair’s story begins long before the events of Final Fantasy VII. Born in Gongaga, a small village known for its mako reactor incident, Zack harbors an unwavering dream: to become a hero, a member of the elite SOLDIER unit within the Shinra Electric Power Company. He yearns to protect the innocent, to fight for justice, and to leave a lasting mark on the world. This burning ambition drives him to Midgar, where he endures rigorous training and strives to climb the ranks of SOLDIER.

His journey is not a solitary one. He forms strong bonds with other SOLDIER candidates, most notably Angeal Hewley, a First Class SOLDIER renowned for his integrity and his iconic Buster Sword. Angeal becomes Zack’s mentor, instilling in him a deep sense of duty and a commitment to doing what is right, even when faced with difficult choices. This mentorship shapes Zack’s moral compass and influences his actions throughout his life. Zack also develops a complicated, yet respectful, relationship with Sephiroth, the legendary SOLDIER hero. Sephiroth’s power and dedication initially inspire Zack, but as the events of their shared history unfold, cracks begin to form in their relationship as Sephiroth succumbs to madness. The entirety of Zack’s backstory and training are detailed in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, where we see Zack’s growth as a soldier and a person.

The Incident at Nibelheim

The turning point in Zack’s life, and arguably the catalyst for the entire Final Fantasy VII narrative, is the infamous incident at Nibelheim. He, along with Sephiroth and a young infantryman named Cloud, are dispatched to investigate the mako reactor in Cloud’s hometown. What begins as a routine mission quickly spirals into tragedy when Sephiroth uncovers the dark secrets of his origins and succumbs to insanity.

Zack witnesses firsthand Sephiroth’s descent into madness and the horrifying destruction he unleashes upon Nibelheim. He fights valiantly alongside Cloud, but both are ultimately overwhelmed by Sephiroth’s immense power. While Cloud delivers the final blow that stops Sephiroth, Zack is severely wounded.

The aftermath of Nibelheim is even more devastating. Zack and Cloud are taken into custody by Shinra and subjected to cruel experiments by Professor Hojo, who injects them with Jenova cells, the same cells that transformed Sephiroth. For years, they are held captive, their bodies and minds warped by Hojo’s inhumane experiments.

Escape and the Legacy of Dreams

Against all odds, Zack manages to escape from Shinra’s clutches, taking the incapacitated Cloud with him. He knows that Cloud is in no condition to defend himself, so he takes on the responsibility of protecting him, dragging him all the way back to Midgar. This grueling journey across the countryside is not just a physical one; it is a testament to Zack’s unwavering determination and his deep sense of compassion. He regales Cloud with stories, shares his dreams of becoming a hero, and slowly instills in him a sense of purpose. The bond that forms between them during this time is profound, shaping Cloud’s identity in ways that he will not fully understand for years to come.

However, their freedom is short-lived. As they approach Midgar, they are ambushed by Shinra troops. In a final act of selfless heroism, Zack fights to protect Cloud, holding off the overwhelming force long enough for Cloud to escape. He dies a hero, his dreams seemingly unfulfilled, but his legacy will live on. Before his final breath, he passes the Buster Sword, the symbol of his aspirations, onto Cloud, entrusting him with his hopes and his dreams.

A Personality of Light

What truly sets Zack Fair apart is his vibrant and infectious personality. In a world often shrouded in darkness and despair, Zack shines as a beacon of optimism and hope. He possesses an unwavering belief in the good in people, even in the face of adversity. He is kind, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He has a positive outlook on life, even after everything he’s been through.

His optimistic nature isn’t naive; it’s a conscious choice to focus on the good and strive for a better future. He actively chooses to be a source of light, not only for himself but for those around him. This unwavering optimism is infectious, inspiring those who come into contact with him. He embodies the ideal of a true hero – not just in his actions but in his unwavering spirit.

The Weight of a Legacy

Zack’s influence on Cloud is immeasurable. Because of the experiments they both endured and the trauma they experienced, Cloud unknowingly absorbs Zack’s memories and personality traits. Cloud’s initial persona, the stoic and detached mercenary, is largely a construct, a blend of his own fragmented memories and Zack’s personality. The Buster Sword, the physical manifestation of Zack’s legacy, becomes a symbol of Cloud’s identity and a constant reminder of the promise he made to Zack.

Zack’s death casts a long shadow over Cloud’s life, fueling his inner conflict and driving his desire to protect others. He carries the weight of Zack’s dreams, unknowingly striving to fulfill the promise that Zack could not. The themes of identity, memory, and heroism are intricately interwoven in Zack’s story, adding layers of depth and complexity to the overarching narrative of Final Fantasy VII. The original Final Fantasy VII deeply explores the themes of memory and identity due to Zack’s sacrifice.

Resurrection in the Remake Project

The Final Fantasy VII Remake project introduces a dramatic twist to Zack’s story. In the Remake ending, we see him alive in an alternate timeline, seemingly defying his original fate. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, raising countless questions and sparking fervent speculation about his role in the future of the Remake trilogy. Rebirth gives Zack even more screen time, leaving fans more excited than ever.

The introduction of alternate timelines opens up a multitude of possibilities. Will Zack become a key ally in the fight against Sephiroth? Will he confront Cloud and challenge his fabricated identity? Will his presence alter the course of history in unforeseen ways?

The decision to bring Zack back has been met with both excitement and trepidation. Some fans worry that it diminishes the impact of his original sacrifice and undermines the themes of memory and legacy. Others are thrilled at the prospect of seeing Zack finally achieve his dreams and play a more active role in the unfolding drama. Whether his survival enhances or detracts from the original story ultimately depends on how the developers handle his character in the final installment.

The Enduring Hero

Zack Fair may not be the most prominent character in Final Fantasy VII, but he is undoubtedly one of the most important. He embodies the ideals of heroism, optimism, and selflessness, serving as a beacon of hope in a world plagued by darkness and despair. His tragic fate and his profound influence on Cloud have cemented his place in the hearts of fans, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come. As the Remake trilogy continues to unfold, Zack’s story promises to become even more complex and compelling, solidifying his position as the unsung hero of Final Fantasy VII, a testament to the enduring power of dreams, and a reminder that even in the face of death, hope can still prevail. The hope Zack Fair gave to the world of Final Fantasy VII will hopefully live on.