Cecil Harvey

Cecil Harvey is the main protagonist of Final Fantasy IV, who also appears in the sequel Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, and the interquel Final Fantasy IV -Interlude- that bridges the gap between the two games. Cecil is one of the few characters in the series to change his job during the game, starting out as a Dark Knight, but after a trial and the battle with the first of the Four Elemental Archfiends, transforms into a Paladin.

In the English version of the 3D remake originally released for Nintendo DS, as well as in Dissidia Final Fantasy, Cecil is pronounced /ˈsɛsɪ̈l/ (seh-sil), as opposed to /ˈsiːsɪ̈l/ (see-sil), the pronunciation more commonly found in North American English. The Japanese form (Seshiru) seems to back this up. However, the bonus disc included with Final Fantasy XII's collector's edition pronounces it the other way.

In Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Cecil can freely switch between Paladin and Dark Knight as he fights.

Appearance and Personality

Cecil is a young man who wears dark armor that covers his body and face while he is a Dark Knight (in the 3D version the in-game render shows his eyes). When he becomes a Paladin, Cecil wears a blue and white armor that reveals his appearance: shoulder-length white hair, blue eyes, pale skin, and a tinge of purple on his lips. Even though Fusoya claims Cecil resembles his father, Kluya, in his youth, it is stated Cecil greatly resembles his mother, Cecilia, even being named after her. In Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, Cecil wears a suit of white armor, but with dark spikes on the knees and pauldrons, and a brown cloak with blue stripes around the neck.

During Final Fantasy IV, Cecil is a strong and gifted knight, gaining the respect and admiration of his men during his time as captain of the Red Wings. Although being raised by the King of Baron, Cecil is modest and shy having difficulty showing his emotions. His most remarkable traits are his bravery and firm beliefs. Towards his friends Cecil is loyal and exceptionally forgiving, able to forgive even those who betray him.

During Dissidia Final Fantasy, Cecil is insecure regarding the way to obtain the crystals. Like in Final Fantasy IV, he cherishes his bonds with his companions; especially Tidus, Firion, and Cloud, with whom he travels for most of the game; and believes that fighting together is the way to succeed.

Cecil's relationship with his opposing villain, Golbez, deepens during Dissidia; Cecil is respectful of him, listening to his advice and believing in his inner goodness while asking him to join the Warriors of Cosmos.