Vaan (Final Fantasy)

Vaan is a fictional character in the Final Fantasy series, primarily known as the main playable character in Final Fantasy XII. He is an orphaned street urchin living in the Rabanastre, the capital city of the Kingdom of Dalmasca.

Orphaned after a war claimed his parents and older brother, Vaan survives by pickpocketing and scavenging, dreaming of becoming a sky pirate and escaping Ivalice. He is characterized as energetic, optimistic, and sometimes impulsive, possessing a strong sense of justice despite his background.

Initially, Vaan's motivations are primarily self-serving, driven by his desire for freedom and adventure. However, his involvement in the main plot thrusts him into a larger conflict involving political intrigue, resistance movements, and the manipulation of dynastic power. His journey involves him allying with a group of rebels seeking to restore the fallen kingdom of Dalmasca and confronting the Archadian Empire.

While he is often considered the main character, his role in the grand narrative of Final Fantasy XII has been debated by fans. His impact on the overall political events and the restoration of Dalmasca is arguably less significant than that of other characters, particularly Ashe and Basch. Some criticize his perceived lack of agency and narrative importance compared to other protagonists in the Final Fantasy series.

Vaan's character design features tanned skin, short brown hair, and distinctive attire reminiscent of street urchins. He is typically depicted wielding daggers or swords. He is voiced by Bobby Edner in the English version and Kouhei Takeda in the Japanese version of Final Fantasy XII. He also appears in other Final Fantasy related media, such as Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings, a sequel set a year after the events of the main game, and various crossover games.