An arrogant and proud swordsman at first, Cloud introduces himself to AVALANCHE as a former member of an elite warrior unit called SOLDIER who has turned mercenary, and is uninterested in anything beyond his contract at hand. He later discovers more about his past and, with the help of his friends, learns that there is more to being a hero than possessing physical strength and fame, developing compassion for the Planet and the people he fights to protect. He fights to protect the planet against.