TheFire Emblemseries started over 30 years ago, with the first game having launched in Japan in 1990. Many characters from these fantasy tactical RPGs became fandom favorites over the decades. From classic units that you could recruit to more recent additions exclusive to theFire Emblem Heroesmobile game, certain characters have stood out among the rest.
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Some are showcased in Heroes and their original games could be available digitally or as remakes. Setting aside the obvious crowd-pleasers of protagonists and their closest companions, get to know these treasured Fire Emblem characters that span across the franchise.
There are spoilers ahead for plot details involving these characters.
12Minerva (Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon)
Present in the various iterations of Shadow Dragon and Mystery of the Emblem, plus the episodic Fire Emblem: Archanea Saga, Minerva has been a long-standing character. She leads thepegasus knightorder called the Whitewings whileriding a wyvern.
A capable commander and fantastic older sister, she does what she must to protect her sibling, Maria, who’s imprisoned by their traitorous brother. Minerva eventually joinsMarth’s side on the condition of rescuing her little sister. She’s also often seen as lesbian representation because she’s close with Palla, a member of the Whitewings and the only knight to call her by name rather than rank.
11Lugh (Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade)
As a powerful magic user and an orphan with a heart of gold, Lugh has earned his place as a fan favorite (even though he also falls into the Fire Emblem trap of characters with almost identical names). He’s so considerate that Hugh avoids him for a while because he’s not used to being cared for like that.
Lugh’s own experiences as an orphan make him committed to helping people that need someone to look after them. Once the war ends against the Bern army that destroyed his orphanage, he establishes a magical school specifically for other kids without a family.
10Thrasir (Fire Emblem Heroes)
An intriguing antagonist can make a story, and Thrasir from Book 3 of this gacha mobile game is a compelling enemy mage and general. The grim realities of her arc will give you and the characters a dose of existential dread.
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Fighting for the Realm of the Dead that’s ruled by a queen who gets power from every soul claimed in battle, Thrasir naturally inspires those unsettling thoughts. While not everyone was pleased with her character development, the fandom is very ready to explore her darker themes and the haunting truth that Thrasir is Veronica from a far more tragic timeline.
9Ares (Fire Emblem: Genealogy Of The Holy War)
With the sort of aloof and independent personality that RPG fans generally adore, not to mention that gorgeous long hair, Ares was a natural fit for becoming a treasured Fire Emblem character. Seeing his softer side with his cousin Nanna makes him even more compelling because of his secret kindness lurking behind that cold first impression.
He’s also very gentle with either Laylea if Silvia wasn’t paired up or Lene, Silvia’s daughter, if she was. He only teams up with your liberation army to save whichever one of these dancers ends up in the game.
8Python (Fire Emblem Gaiden)
Grounded to the point of cynicism and still having a relaxed personality, Python is especially popular next to his devoted and somewhat tactless childhood friend, Forsyth. Their dynamic brings out the best in both of these characters.
Python left his family because he was fed up with his alcoholic father, and it was Forsyth who offered a direction in life by guiding him to join the army too. Many gamers imagine this childhood friendship as a romance, especially with how these two influence each other’s epilogues in theFire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentiaremake.
7Mist (Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance)
Although she is Ike’s sister, Mist doesn’t have the samemulti-game renownas the Greil’s Mercenaries leader. But her spirited personality and unique magical capabilities earned a lot of admiration in Path of Radiance and the Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn sequel.
She appears unassuming, growing up doing chores while the mercenaries worked, but she’s calm in dangerous situations and works with her brother in the sequel. When they lose their father to the Black Knight, Mist starts her journey tobecome a healer and protect Ike- a goal she lives up to during the final battle in Path of Radiance.
6Alcryst (Fire Emblem Engage)
InFire Emblem Engage, Alcryst is the second prince of Brodia and has legendarily low self-esteem. The instinct to protect him is strong, which only ramps up when you realize Alcryst sees the best in others and the worst in himself.
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Watching him overcome his negativity to tap into his better nature is a real delight. His retainers have reminded him that their job is to keep him safe, not the other way around, and he has no interest at all in taking the throne. Keeping his father and older brother safe means much more to him.
5L’Arachel (Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones)
Spoiled and sassy, the princess of Rausten is at her happiest when she’s the center of attention. But that doesn’t dampen her helpful nature. If anything, her dreams of fame make her more dedicated to doing good deeds. Yet she’ll also comfort the main characters, Eirika and Ephraim, when circumstances look bleak. These gestures show she’s kind at heart despite her ambitions.
Her excessive enthusiasm and sheltered sense of the greater good make her incredibly endearing. A popular ship for her is with Eirika, who she gave a national family heirloom to in their A-rank support conversation.
4Anna (Fire Emblem Series)
Found in ten out of the 15+ games in this series, Anna has been a long-time favorite that people always want more of. She’s usually an NPC merchant who loves money and giving you a good deal. Anna has also been the tutorial guide or interacts with you in other gameplay features, like suspending a battle to come back to later.
She first became playable in Fire Emblem: Awakening, which happened to be thethirst revival of the series. Being a Trickster suited her, since she found her start running Secret Shops with her playful personality.
3Niles (Fire Emblem Fates)
Part of Conquest and Revolution in thethree routes of Fire Emblem Fates, Niles is ruthless and surprisingly loyal for someone who has repeatedly been abandoned. That started with Prince Leo not only sparing him but taking him on as his retainer when he was at his lowest.
With his nightmare-inducing trauma and diehard devotion, it was inevitable that people would adore him. There’s nothing like a tormented soul with a viciously protective streak to get your sympathy. Getting to see his paternal instincts later in the game reveals more of his gentler nature on top of it all.
