Zack is a SOLDIER 2nd Class for Shinra Inc. He's currently working towards his 1st Class under the tutelage of his mentor Angeal. He gets pulled into Shinra politics when a group of SOLDIERS mysteriously disappears. He's a dreamer, perhaps influenced by the idealistic nature of his hometown, Gongaga.

Angeal is the proud and gifted SOLDIER 1st Class that mentors Zack. His humble upbringing taught him to value pride while still letting him be caring and respectful to others. He is a good friend to Zack and teaches him a lot.

Sephiroth is the rising star of the SOLDIERs 1st Class. As the most talented and revered member of SOLDIER, he is stoic and unapproachable. He's involved in the conflict with Wutai and the investigation into the disappearance of a large group of SOLDIERs.

Genesis is a SOLDIER 1st class who has worked closely with Sephiroth and Angeal. He's not as unapproachable as Sephiroth but because his skills on par with his fellow SOLDIER he is still held in awe by many. While fighting in the Wutai conflict he and a large group of 2nd and 3rd Class SOLDIERs disappear, causing Shinra to investigate.

Aerith is a simple flower vendor who happens to be the last surviving member of a race called the Ancients. When Zack falls through the roof of her church the two become fast friends.

Cloud left his home town with high hopes of joining SOLDIER but ends up, instead, as one of the lowly Shinra Guards. He encounters many major players of SOLDIER in his line of work and fatefully is tied up with SOLDIER Zack Fair in the turmoil caused by Shinra.