LogFAQs > #927298049

Alteres posted...

That was just a translation error.

Effectively yes. Japanese Tifa uses a much more feminine register when speaking and the nature of the language allows you to express that constantly without even needing to slow the game pacing down for exposition into her inner thoughts. Another great example where this comes up is Red XIII, where the pronouns he uses to refer to himself when he doesn't think anyone is listening suggest he's actually a child. English audiences will learn that 70% of the way through disc 1 when it's flat out told to us in Cosmo Canyon. Japanese speakers realize this much earlier when they hear him speak in an unguarded moment (I believe you overhear him talking in his sleep).

Compared to Tifa Aeris is worldly, assertive, pretty quick on the uptake (she knows something's wrong with Cloud almost immediately from past experience), and probably the most emotionally mature party member. Barrett and Cid might be older, but they're both emotionally stunted by past traumas and this prevents them from being honest with themselves. Aeris is there for the adventure and the fun (and because she can't go home, because Shinra is hunting her), because she's all about keeping your head up and moving forward instead of beating yourself up mentally.

It's a cool bait and switch, since everything from the character archetype (healer) to her design (a pink dress) to her relation to the main character (apparent love interest) would have you think it's the other way around. Sadly forgotten by everything that came afterwards. But there is no inner conflict in Aeris, and that inner conflict is what makes Tifa interesting.

MC_BatCommander posted...

IIRC Aerith didn't hide anything from Cloud, she had no knowledge of the events at Nibelheim.

She didn't. But she knew his soldier story couldn't be 100% correct.
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