Oftentimes people mistake a character for being one way simply because they are outwardly portrayed in some way.

Aerith has been sort of viewed as the innocent, damsel-in-distress, who needs help. We all know she could take care of herself, that she wasn't naive, and that physical weakness says nothing about physical weakness.

Tifa was viewed as being the stronger of the two, not because of her character, per se, but because of her physical prowess. Without examining her character, most WOULD think she was stronger of the two.

HOWEVER, Tifa constantly goes on about "needing" Cloud later on, like she can't take care of any situation without him. She comments several times on the Highwind when Cloud disappears that "If only Cloud was here, everything would be fine."

Aerith SUPPORTS Cloud whenever they embark on any venture. She's strong in spirit and in will, which allows Cloud to actually do what he's got to do. And let's face it, Cloud, in the beginning, wasn't really all that emotionally strong and he needed that boost from Aerith. He needed Aerith to remind him that he was her "bodyguard," that he could protect something and be strong. And there were times when she helped put his mind at ease and find solutions, notibly the Don Corneo adventure. And in Advent Children, she helped him move on from his emotional burdens.

Tifa NEEDING Cloud could be seen as a burden in this regard. After all, needing someone to be with you all the time in order to make you seem okay seems kind of co-dependent. And furthermore, Cloud doesn't need to be needed--he needs to be noticed and recognized for the things he can do and wanted for the right reasons. And who needs a clingy girlfriend?

This is why Aerith is such a good match for Cloud, though. She doesn't necessarily NEED Cloud in a ultra-dependent kind of way, but she certains wants him around and he protects her because he cares about her (not because she's too weak to fend for herself.) Cloud feels like he's accepted by Aerith, for she is the first girl (seemingly, anyway) who ever notices him and wants him around.

A foundation of love doesn't stand on need; it stands on support.

Holy cow. You sure do think a lot. But these are some very good points. I'm impressed.

This usually happens with characters. People do tend to think what people look like on the outside reflects what they are inside. And it's not always the case. Aerith doesn't act like that innocent, damsel-in-distress. Now Tifa, on the other hand, kinda acts like that in the Don Corneo scenario. She was caught by one of his lackeys because she thought that he had information on Sephiroth (I believe that what it is. I'll look it up later). Aerith supported Cloud on saving Tifa from Don Corneo even though they just met.

He wasn't that emotionally strong. It's kinda like he had a purpose to do something with her. In the beginning, he was only doing the missions for AVALANCHE for the money. But with Aerith, all she wanted was a date in order to get to know him better.

Reading this reminded me of that 'promise' they made as kids.

She was practially begging him to make a promise. Tifa wasn't supporting him, really.

That's true. She truely noticed him for him not Zack (even though you didn't mention him which is okay). It seems that Tifa would only notice him if he was in the newspapers when he planned to join SOLDIER.

If it seems that I'm kinda bashing Tifa, I'm not (well, trying not to). She's great character and one of my favorites (Aerith first, then Yuffie, and after her, Tifa).

Great points; I very much agree with what you said.

I hate it when people cast Aerith off as a stereo-typical damsel in distress, while she's not super strong, she is actually the most emotionally strong character in the game. <_<

She and Cloud really compliment eachother in that aspect. Cloud can protect her, while she gives him the support he needs to overcome his obstacles, as it's obvious its something he desperatly needs.

It's clear she gives him strength in a way no one else can. :cleris: