Final Fantasy has never had a shortage of great villains, but even alongside the legendary likes of Sephiroth, a single small character from Final Fantasy Tactics has always stood out to me: Argath Thadalfus. Initially starting out as an ally, Argath quickly transforms into one of the most grotesque, virulently prejudiced people you’ve ever seen in your life. His seemingly sole reason to exist is to hate the “lower class” scum that he wants to grind beneath his boot — a villain entirely driven by hate and spite. It’s easy to loathe Argath, and The Ivalice Chronicles adds brilliant voice acting and new lines to make him even more detestable. But playing the game again nearly three decades later made me realize something. There’s a new wrinkle to why I find him such a compelling villain — he feels strikingly realistic.
Warning: This article will contain spoilers for Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles.
