Since its release in 2002 the Kingdom Hearts franchise has been a successful and popular franchise developed by Square Enix. Spanning 9 games and an array of original and memorable Disney characters within a series of memorable settings these games have a grand reputation. While there are a large amount of Disney and Square Enix characters throughout the Kingdom Hearts franchise it’s the original characters that truly stand out. Whether you love the purity of Aqua or the burning rage of Saix everyone has a list of their favorite characters, this is mine.



5. Riku



"We can't let fear stop us! I'm not afraid of the darkness!"







One of the most popular characters of the Kingdom Hearts franchise Riku has always been a calm and collected individual that isn’t afraid to go beyond his own limitations. Always curious to see the outside world Riku didn’t hesitate to step into the darkness, even when jealously rather than strength pushed him to do so. Riku matures greatly throughout his journey, abandoning his callous ways from the first Kingdom Hearts and attempting to reestablish himself as protector, especially for his friends. Although Riku makes a few mistakes at the start of his journey he ultimately attempts to reclaim his honor and protect those closest to him.



4. Axel/Lea



"Got it memorized!?"





A cold assassin that used fire and a deadly pair of Chakrams to eliminate his opponents while maintaining a stoic and calm attitude. Axel was first shown as a gifted liar, manipulator, and difficult to read as he constantly laughs in the face of death. He also showed little remorse towards killing anyone especially when Vexen begged for his life or Marluxia used Namine as a human shield. However his personality dramatically changes when his friendship with Roxas and Xion, shifting from a cold-hearted assassin to a less isolated and protective individual.



Axel eventually becomes a central character and ally. Like many of the original Organization XIII members Axel was focused on getting his heart back so he could return to his original form, Lea. However after developing a strong relationship with Roxas and Xion (who is forgotten by Kingdom Hearts 2 by everyone) he begins to shift his loyalty from the Organization to his friends. He begins to act as an older brother to them by providing advice, assisting them in difficult times, and protecting them. This is eventually put to the test when Axel is given an order to eliminate Roxas if he proved unable to return to the Organization during the events of Kingdom Hearts 2. Despite always going through with the order Axel refused to let Roxas go after his union with Sora and attempts to bring him back. But ultimately sacrifices him to save Sora because of the promise he made to Roxas and Xion, which repeats during the events of Dream Drop Distance where Axel is now Lea.



3. Xion



"Who am I? What am I.... here for?"





In the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 days Xion is shown as a secluded and shy person. However she begins to open up as she is paired with Roxas and eventually causing her to question her existence. It wasn’t planned that she would have developed her own personality or develops a friendship with Roxas and Axel, but merely as insurance. As she develops this bond for Roxas and Axel she becomes confused and lost. But despite these ordeals Xion is shown as a caring and giving person that is willing to sacrifice anything for those she cares about. Although Axel and Roxas attempted to save her, despite not fully knowing Xenmas’s plan, she accepted her fate without any regrets and joined with Sora in one of the saddest moments in the franchise.



2. Sora



"I don't need a weapon! My friends are my power!"





Sora, the boy from the Destiny Islands with an energetic, heroic, and brave personality. He has always been loyal to his friends and very forgiving making him an likable protagonist. Throughout his journey Sora has fought a series of battles that determined the balance between light, darkness, and nothingness without considering personal award or glory. Although he wasn’t destined to wield the Keyblade Sora rose to the challenge to become its master despite being constantly belittle for not be chosen in the first place. Traveling from so many worlds and different dimensions Sora has tackled so many difficulties with a smile on his face and friends by his side. Sora’s personality may be annoying at times but he possess attributes that make him a formidable opponent and deep person that seeks nothing but to help those who cannot help themselves.



1. Roxas



"What are you talking about? I am me! Nobody else!"





Unlike the other Nobodies, Roxas was special due to the inclusion of Ventus’s heart when he was separated from Sora. Roxas displays a strong attitude similar to Nero from Devil May Cry and, like Sora, attempts to show that he is an individual not a copy.



Despite being a game tailored to children Roxas remains has one of the most tormenting background in the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Throughout his story Roxas has been manipulated, had one of his dearest friends perish in his arms, and lost his independence. When Roxas was separated from Sora he has had multiple goals always expected of him from gathering hearts for Organization XIII to reuniting with Sora, it’s rare that he was able to act on his own accord without someone attempting to stop him. Even after he joined with Sora Roxas attempted to retake control, but failed. In the end he accepted his fate and understood why it had to be Sora and not him but still remains heartbroken for losing those close to him.



Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed

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