Name: Cloud Strife
Job: Mercenary (ex-SOLDIER) [see note #1 below]
Age: 21 (during FFVII)
----15 (Before Crisis)
----16 (Last Order)
----23 (Advent Children)
----24 (Dirge of Cerberus)
Weapon: Sword
Height: 5'7" / 173 cm [see note #2]
Birthdate: August 11 [see note #3]
Birthplace: Nibelheim
Blood Type: AB
Background:
The main character in Final Fantasy VII. Originally a member of SOLDIER, he is now a mercenary who will take any job. After being hired by AVALANCHE, he gradually gets caught up in a massive struggle for the life of the planet. His enormous sword can cut almost anything in two.
(official profile from Square Enix website)
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 strike against one of Shinra's huge Mako Reactors that surround the city of Midgar.
The story line of Final Fantasy VII revolves around Cloud. In fact, most of the time you're required to have him in your party because he plays a key role in most of the events in the game. Over time Cloud proves to be a great asset, because his powerful sword technique is nearly unmatched. You'll want to keep cloud in your front line most of the time to take full advantage of his sword technique. His magic skills are solid, but don't overload him with Materia.
(from "Official Final Fantasy VII Strategy Guide")
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Notes:
- SPOILER: [As the story progresses, we learn that Cloud is actually not an ex-member of SOLDIER; he was just an ordinary Shinra guard.]
- All official North American versions of Cloud's profile will state that he is 5'7", which is roughly 170 cm. Cloud's Japanese profile, however, will state that he is 173 cm, which is roughly 5'8".
- Cloud's official North American birthdate is stated as August 19. This is a mistake; all official Japanese sources will show that Cloud's actual birthdate is supposed to be August 11.