Inside the Compelling Father-Son Dynamics in Final Fantasy 16: Unveiling Dion's Struggles and More

The latest installment in the franchise, Final Fantasy 16, presents a captivating storyline centered around godlike beings known as Eikons and their various embodiments. Undoubtedly, the exceptional quality of this narrative has contributed to the game's overwhelming critical acclaim, with a score of 87 on Metacritic. While the primary focus is on the two brothers, Clive and Joshua, it is the relationships forged by Dion Lesage of Sanbreque that truly stand out as intriguing and captivating.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Dion assumes multiple roles throughout the game, embodying the essence of a son, a lover, a leader, a soldier, and even displaying glimpses of a surrogate father. These complicated and dynamic relationships, depicted in the game, shape and define the world of Valisthea. The Medicine Girl's connection with the world and the player unveils the everyday lives of ordinary citizens, while characters such as Clive Rosfield represent those who have faced injustices, and Hugo Kupka epitomizes the darker aspects of power. Like any well-developed character, Dion's actions and motivations can be subject to the player's interpretation. To delve further into the character's portrayal, Game Rant recently interviewed Stewart Clarke, the actor who brings Dion to life as the Dragoon Prince.

Final Fantasy 16: Dion and Terence

Dion, the Warden and Dominant of Bahamut, is the embodiment of a classic Prince in the realm of high-fantasy. The dynamics of his relationships are crucial to his storyline, and none more so than his connection with Terence, who serves as both his lover and right-hand man. In the realm of Final Fantasy, their bond stands as the most significant representation of a queer relationship thus far, positioning Dion as the series' first openly gay main character.

Terence and Dion shared a childhood friendship that naturally evolved into something deeper. However, their romantic involvement only became complicated when Dion's elevated rank placed a military chain of command between them. Despite this obstacle, there is something profoundly beautiful in Terence's journey to become Dion's trusted second-in-command. This allows them moments of intimacy in the command tent, where their tender love for each other is evident. Terence, in his desperation to safeguard Dion, faces gentle resistance from Dion, who prioritizes their kingdom above their own desires.

This was just one of the few tender moments between the two individuals. One particular moment stood out to him - a simple exchange of gratitude between Dion and Terence that briefly put aside the chain of command and allowed them to express their appreciation for one another as equals. Clarke found this moment deeply meaningful. He also expressed his satisfaction with the final exchange between the two characters in the late stages of Final Fantasy 16. He remarked on how well the scene captured their facial expressions, which conveyed a lot of unspoken emotions. However, the addition of Dion's theme music intensified the emotional impact and brought tears to Clarke's eyes.

Final Fantasy 16: Dion's Relationship with His Father Sylvestre

Dion's relationship with his father, Emperor Sylvestre, is strained and far from warm. While Dion represents the best qualities of Sanbreque, his father has veered off track, succumbing to darker tendencies. This can be attributed, in no small part, to Sylvestre's circumstances such as dealing with the Blight and the manipulations of his wife, Anabella Rosfield, among others. Unfortunately, the Emperor's departure from Dion's ideals puts a strain on their relationship.

From an acting standpoint, one of the most enjoyable aspects was portraying Dion's intense inner conflict in scenes with his father. He struggles with the hierarchy and honor he believes he must uphold, while also grappling with the harsh reality that his father is acting against the very people he is supposed to serve. Dion's relationship with his father is truly tragic.

However, it is evident that things were not always this way. The game hints at a more peaceful past between the two characters, before Anabella's involvement, and it is clear that Dion's belief in the empire is deeply rooted, influenced in part by his father. Dion possesses various qualities, but his loyalty to his country always takes precedence. Nevertheless, this strained relationship with his father also has its consequences, leading Dion to once hope that the Emperor's actions were under the influence of a greater villain in Final Fantasy 16. If only that were the case.

Dion holds immense love for his father and deeply respects the person he used to be. However, as life goes, sometimes one must acknowledge that the person they once knew no longer exists, and the new version is someone they feel differently about. A particular line that impacted Dion greatly was "For better or worse, His Radiance speaks his own mind." Imagine witnessing your father succumb to a dark path and wishing you could attribute it to something as simple as malicious magic. But life is seldom so convenient.

Final Fantasy 16: Dion and the Medicine Girl

The inconveniences of life are evident in Dion's relationship with the Medicine Girl, which holds significant meaning for him. Despite her minor presence and lack of a name, the Medicine Girl plays a pivotal role in Final Fantasy 16, representing the average Valisthean who often gets overlooked in a large cast of characters. This representation deeply impacts Dion, as he was meant to protect people like the Medicine Girl but instead caused harm. Witnessing her difficult life and experiencing her kindness motivates Dion to persevere in the final act. In the Dominion, faced with the ruins of a shattered Kingdom, Dion was prepared to sacrifice his life. Although he cannot undo the lives he took, as portrayed poignantly with the lanterns and mourners in the Medicine Girl's hut, he is determined to make amends by caring for the Girl who aided him directly and doing everything in his power to ensure the survival of Valisthea, regardless of the personal sacrifices involved.

Final Fantasy 16: Dion's Dedication

Dion’s tragic nature is rooted in his unwavering dedication, which prevents him from pursuing true happiness. Just as he prioritizes duty over his relationship with Terence and the Medicine Girl, he also places it above all else in his life. Clarke doubts that Dion would even consider envisioning a life without this commitment to his responsibilities, despite the immense personal sacrifices it entails. Being the Dominant of an Eikon comes with physical demands and the need to make choices with potentially irreversible consequences.

In an ideal world, Dion could have possibly created a family with Terence and the Medicine Girl, forging a brighter future than the one he ultimately pursues. However, Clarke believes that such a path would be reserved for a different type of man. Dion fully embraces his role as the Dominant of Bahamut, showing little regard for his own safety, a trait that a more family-oriented individual might not possess. Nevertheless, Dion may still find the idea of a family appealing and beautiful.

Dion's dedication to serving the Empire consumed his thoughts, making it unlikely for him to consider starting a family. It would have posed challenges to his ability to Prime, prioritizing his own safety. However, in an ideal world, Dion and Terence would excel as nurturing fathers, fortunate to have someone as endlessly kind and resourceful as Medicine Girl as their daughter. Terence's determination to ensure Medicine Girl's safety from Twinside before Origin's arrival is evident, and they are making the best of their lives in the new Valisthea, with or without Dion.

Ultimately, it is characteristic of Dion to send Terence on a mission to protect Medicine Girl. As both a Final Fantasy dragoon and the archetypal fantasy prince, he embraces the tragic role of sacrifice. These are likely lessons passed down from his father before Sylvestre's fall to the dark side. By the end of the story, it becomes clear how selflessly Dion prioritizes the well-being of the world.

Final Fantasy 16 is available on PS5.