A pivotal character in the backstory of Final Fantasy VII, referred to by other characters and seen numerous times in flashbacks. A member of SOLDIER, mentored by Angeal Hewley, friend of Cloud Strife, and romantic interest of Aerith Gainsborough.
Being killed mere days before the chronological start of the game, in some ways he is the hero/protagonist in absentia of FFVII. His death prompts Cloud to step into the void he leaves behind, in the process creating a false persona based on Zack to a large degree.
