For more on my CRPG QotD, please see my blog: http://www.wastedbrilliance.com/2008... - Brooks Bishop

Angsty Teenage Boy with Weird Hair, of course! - James (@willia4)

I was really being sarcastic/jokey. The only console RPGs I've really played are the later FFs which all feature essentially the same main character. ;) (Well, there was also KOTOR; but defining the main character was such a big part of the player's job during the course of the game that I'm not even sure how to describe the stock version). - James (@willia4)

I think the best characters are characters with a good back story. Their history shapes and informs their actions and beliefs when you meet them, and as you play and learn about it and they get new experiences, they evolve. Whether it's overcoming that crippling experience of the past, or learning a long forgotten secret, or changing their ways and atoning for their previous actions, I think being well developed as a character is the greatest trait. - Brooks Bishop

Stubborn unbridled optimists with a hunger for recognition. - Geoff Schultz

Geoff: do you believe it was his unbridled optimism that led to Billy Mumphry's downfall? - Mark Trapp

I had to google who Billy Murphy was so I really couldn't tell you =P - Geoff Schultz

Geoff, it's a (mangled) Seinfeld reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch... - Mark Trapp

I'm not sure what the best traits are . . . but I know what I can't stand. I hate whiny, clingy, and saccharin sweetness . . . I can live without all 3. - Lindsey is Fierce!

Now that I think about it, one thing I did like about FFX-2 was that the main character knew what was what. She wasn't a doe-eyed youth, but an experienced adventurer. - James (@willia4)

Personality. Maybe even character interaction between them. Breath of Fire series was fun like that. - Arlan Koizumi

I like a hero who has a clear goal that doesn't necessarily depend on the game itself. Wanting to be the best at something, find a family, etc. - they don't have to achieve their goal, but it is good to have something (besides defeating evil) to be fighting for. - Jennifer Dittrich

Ok James . . . I'm going to disagree there. i loved FF X-2 but Yuna is exactly who i was thinking of when I said Saccharin Sweetness. She was just . . . ick. She definitely didn't strike me as the overly strong willed kick ass type. - Lindsey is Fierce!