Terra is a mysterious young woman with unknown origins. She has a natural ability to use magic, an art which is thought to have been dead for a thousand years, and seems to have some connection with the Espers. Until recently, the Empire has had her under their complete control.

Never call him a thief to his face; he prefers the term "treasure hunter." Locke is a member of the Returners, and is out to stop the Empire at any cost. Despite his profession, he is a trustworthy and chivalrous ally, and doesn't like to see people getting hurt.

Cyan is a loyal retainer to the kingdom of Doma. He joins the Returners after the Empire conducts a frightening attack on his people and his family. In battle, he is unmatched with a sword.

He would slit his mother's throat for a nickel. Shadow is a mercenary ninja, and very little is known about him except for his deadly skill. His only companion is his dog Interceptor, who can aid him in battle.

Edgar is the king of Figaro, a desert castle which maintains the image of siding with the Empire, even though they are really with the Returners. Edgar has an eye for the ladies, but his efforts never get him anywhere. His other love is machinery, and in battle, he can utilise a variety of Tools to attack the enemy.

Edgar's twin brother Sabin is a martial artist who gave up the throne for freedom and fled the kingdom. He went into the mountains, where he trained and honed his skills to become a strong fighter. His special ability allows him to perform powerful moves.

Celes was once part of the Empire, but she realised what they were doing and went against them. For this she was imprisoned, until Locke came to her aid and she became a Returner. Unlike Terra, her ice magic use comes from the Empire's experiments, and she can use her sword to absorb magical energy without damage.

Strago is a Blue Mage who has spent his life studying the magics and lore of wild monsters. In battle he can learn and utilise a collection of enemy attacks. He lives with his granddaughter Relm in Thamasa.

Granddaughter of Strago, Relm is sickeningly cute. Her hobby is painting, and she can harness the power of what she paints and make it come to life in battle. When her impulsive actions annoy gramps, she can always threaten to paint his portrait.

Setzer is a free spirit with nothing to lose but his life, and he got that for free anyway. A gambler through and through, he can use the random effects of the Slots in battle. He is a valuable asset to the party because he owns the Blackjack, the only working airship in the world.

Mog is a moogle, a mole-like creature with small wings and a penchant for saying "kupo." Unlike the rest of the moogles, Mog likes being among humans and can speak freely with them. In battle, he can use his Dance ability to cast powerful magics on the enemy.

Gau was thrown out onto the Veldt as a baby, and has had to survive among monsters ever since. He has developed the ability to go into a rage and copy their attacks at will, and this has kept him alive for longer than he can remember. He rarely makes contact with humans, out of fear for himself and for the monsters that they may kill.

Gogo is a mysterious person hidden behind a series of robes and a helmet. Gogo's true identity, and even gender, are unknown. Gogo is the Master of the Simulacrum, and can mimic anyone and anything. Gogo can use any attacks that other party members can use, and can also mimic the last attack in battle.

Umaro is a large beast found living in the frozen caves in the mountains of Narshe. He is a friend of the moogles, but is rarely seen by humankind. He is uncontrollable in battle, fighting in a rage with powerful strength and Blizzard attacks.