I think the dynamic between Clive and Cid is interesting. It seems like a reversal of what you'd expect in a story like this. In some cases, you might have a bright young character who's optimistic and idealistic, and the mentor character is one who's been scarred and turned cynical by an unforgiving world. But I feel in this case, it's Clive who's the more broken and cynical one early on, while Cid kind of plays the role of the idealist (albeit not necessarily a soft or gentle one). I've always been drawn to characters like Cid though - those who are more mature and have been through some crazy things but continue to believe in people and try to make a difference. I think that kind of thing shows real strength, and I admire it.
I've got a friend who's an ex-army corporal with PTSD who has the same attitude: he just wants to keep being a good person, and he wants to keep seeing the best in others.
I always thought the archetype of Cid was 4's big beard, goggles and kind of dwarf goofy. When my grandpa died I thought of him as 6's Cid, kindly, genius and frail. I fell in love with the archetype of Cid in 7 with his cigarette smoking, failure and struggling. This Cid is my new favorite but I only wish he wasn't such a Cid and rather he was normal, regular. I love his voice actor, it sounds like snuffed out cigarettes and a deep voice.
