Mako the discovery of this natural resource drawn directly from the planet’s life force marked the dawn of a new era, and now the energy sustains the lives of people across the world. However, the Shinra Company has monopolized mako production, and in doing so established a powerful hegemony, its influence reaching the far corners of the globe.

Cloud, a former member of Shinra’s military organization, SOLDIER, joins the anti-Shinra resistance group AVALANCHE, despite caring little for their motives. During one of the group’s attempts to stop the company, they learn of the return of Sephiroth, Cloud’s nemesis, and that with his reemergence, the planet is in greater danger than anyone had expected.

Cloud Strife: At age 21, Cloud Strife leads the life of a mercenary for hire. As an ex-member of Shinra’s elite squad known as SOLDIER, his fighting skills are in high demand. Cloud joins the rebel group, AVALANCHE, for their first strike against one of Shinra’s huge Mako Reactors that surround the city of Midgar.

Barret Wallace: Barret Wallace is the 35-year-old leader of the rebel team known as AVALANCHE. He leads the team in the quest to stop Shinra’s Mako Reactors and save the life of the planet. Although he is truly devoted to the team, Barret often regrets having to leave his young daughter, Marlene, alone or in the care of others. Barret’s motives are unclear, but most believe that Shinra was somehow responsible for the death of his wife.

Tifa Lockheart: Tifa Lockheart and Cloud were childhood friends, but parted ways when Cloud left his hometown of Nibelheim to join SOLDIER. When her parents died, Tifa also left Nibelheim and headed for Midgar. Soon after opening her bar, Tifa’s Seventh Heaven, she met Barret and joined his ragtag group of rebels known as AVALANCHE. It’s her goal to make sure Cloud remains with AVALANCHE after his first mission with the team.

Aeris Gainsborough: 22-year old is a bright spot in the middle of a dark and dreary town. While selling flowers near AVALANCHE’s first target, Aeris’ life was forever altered after a chance meeting with Cloud. Because of her mysterious background, Shinra has pursued her for most of her life. Now she must fight against those who would enslave her and destroy what she holds most dear.

Red XIII: Although his fiery red fur may make him look like a wild animal, Red XIII’s intellect is well above that of most humans. Not much is known about Red XIII’s origin. He’s currently being held captive in Shinra’s headquarters where he’s forced to participate in their twisted experiments.

Cid Highwind: Cid Highwind is an expert pilot and mechanic who dreams of one day becoming the first man in space. His dream would have been fulfilled, but he aborted a launch in order to save the life of one of his crew. Now he spends his time trying to repair his inoperable rocket in the hopes that Shinra may one day reinstate its space program, giving him another chance at fulfilling his dream.

Yuffie Kisaragi :A 16-year-old ninja spent most of her time preying on helpless travelers until she met up with Cloud’s party. Although she is reluctant to join AVALANCHE, her ulterior motives give her reason to tag along, if only temporarily. Her clever wit and ninja skills coupled with her selfish ways will either make her a powerful ally or a serious pain in the neck.

Cait Sith: Although Cait Sith’s fortune telling ability may not impress you, his fighting skills are a sight to be witnessed. The party first bumps into this joker while wandering around the Gold Saucer. Cait Sith eagerly joins the group to see if his predictions prove to be true.

Sephiroth: the main antagonist of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII Remake and one of the primary antagonists in its extended universe. In spin-off appearances, Sephiroth is depicted as Cloud Strife's archenemy and is seen as a symbol of Cloud's troubled past haunting him. Sephiroth is a former renowned SOLDIER who became twisted.

The Shinra Electric Power Company, is an industrial enterprise in the world of Final Fantasy VII. It is primarily a power company, supplying mako energy and making electricity easily and widely available. Its reach sees its presence as a megacorporation with significant underhanded influence into societal, infrastructural, and political spheres. Shinra also operates in genetic engineering, space exploration, and projects its power through a military that includes the elite group SOLDIER. Their military power, combined with their commercial monopoly on mako energy, gives Shinra a measure of control over the world populace.