Who is Zack Fair in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Character history, connections to Aerith, and more explored

Zack Fair in Final Fantasy 7 has remained one of the most important characters throughout the game's re-releases and spin-offs. Although he was only mentioned briefly and played a very minor role in the original FF7, it was his decisions and sacrifice that ultimately led Cloud Strife to become the hero. Zack Fair's role has been altered in the ongoing Remake trilogy, and newcomers to the franchise might wonder who this mysterious black-haired SOLDIER is.

If you are interested in learning about Zack Fair in Final Fantasy 7, this article will piece together all the available information and give you the answers you're searching for.

Note: This article dives into heavy spoilers regarding the plot of Final Fantasy 7, Remake, Rebirth, and Crisis Core. Viewer discretion is advised.

Zack Fair joined Shinra's forces to follow his dream of becoming a great hero like the legendary Sephiroth. Under the tutelage of Angeal Hewley, he became a first-class SOLDIER and eventually inherited his mentor's Buster Sword. Zack was quite popular with the ladies but ultimately fell in love with the flower girl, Aerith.

During his journey, he befriended Cloud Strife, a low-ranked Shinra gunner, and they bond over being from villages out of Midgar. This led them to share an unbreakable friendship and mutual feeling of comradery toward each other. Their mission will eventually lead them to the village of Nibelheim, which marks a turning point in the story for both Cloud and Zack Fair in Final Fantasy 7.

While investigating the Shinra MAKO facility under the leadership of Sephiroth, Zack uncovers the truth behind the SOLDIER program, and this revelation causes Sephiroth to go mad. Doctor Hojo, the man behind the experiments, locks up Cloud and Zack