Hope Estheim

Young companion who grows up

A young l'cie who appears in Final Fantasy XIII, a boy character who grows greatly mentally throughout the story.

Quotes

  • I'm Hope. You can't abandon hope.
  • Snow, you really piss me off... but even so, I acknowledge you.
  • For my mother's sake, for revenge, I'll fight, but I want to hold hope for the future.
  • I'm scared, but I won't give up here.
  • If there's tomorrow, I think I can keep going a little longer.

Trivia

  • As the youngest main character, his growth depiction is characteristic in the story.
  • Shows strong resistance to Lightning until mid-game, but gradually reconciles and builds trust.
  • Expresses complex personality by calling only Snow without honorifics, using honorifics for others.
  • Voice actor Yūki Kaji portrays boyish delicacy and growth through voice.
  • Uses fortress-type summon Alexander.

Alternate names

Hope Estheim ホープ 希望

Tags

Final Fantasy Final Fantasy XIII l'cie young character growing companion

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A somewhat slender, average build boy. Has light brown hair and prominent large eyes.
Height
約153cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Blond
Distinguishing features
  • Has a brand on his left arm, hidden by a glove
  • Boyish features that retain some childishness
Iconic items
  • Boomerang
  • Dark Palumpolum-style outfit
  • Characteristic way of calling Snow without honorifics

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Growth
Detailed personality
Hope starts the story as immature, consumed by anger and a desire for revenge due to his mother's death, but through his journey, he learns to understand others and grows mentally. His rational and thoughtful side gradually emerges; first freeing himself from hatred and resentment toward Snow, then transforming into a compassionate young man who cherishes his family and companions.
Keywords
  • Curious
  • Mental growth
  • Boy
  • Considerate of companions
  • Sadness
Motto
Look to the future without abandoning hope
Talents
  • Magic usage
  • Wielder of the summon Alexander
  • Sensitive intuition
  • Calm judgment
  • Curious
Skills
  • Combat with boomerang
  • Magic attacks
  • Healing skills
  • Tactical understanding
  • Team coordination in battle
Motivation
After losing his mother, protecting his family and escaping revenge to gain true hope for the future.
Habits
Calls Snow without honorifics, and has recklessness like moving weapons without permission out of curiosity.
Favorite foods
Unknown
Hobbies
Exploration, Combat
Person
Snow Villiers, Mother Nora
Disliked situations
Mother's death, Situations trapped by revenge and hatred, Purge

History

Backstory
Born into the upper class of Palumpolum, he lived a privileged life, but his mother Nora was caught in the Sanctum's purge and died. This sparked his hatred for Snow, whom he blamed for drawing his mother into the rebellion and turning him into an l'cie, driving him with revenge. He meets Lightning and others early in the story and walks the path of growth. He deepens his mental growth and compassion for family and companions, resolving his conflict with Snow.
Debut date
December 17, 2009
Work title
Final Fantasy XIII
Media type
Game

Mother Nora's death

Significant event
Mother Nora's death
Description
His mother is caught in the purge battle and loses her life, becoming the motive for revenge.

Meets Lightning and others

Significant event
Meets Lightning and others
Description
Becomes a travel companion and begins mental and combat growth.

Revenge against Snow and reconciliation

Significant event
Revenge against Snow and reconciliation
Description
Plans to kill out of revenge but gives up, resolving the resentment.

Fulfills mission and holds hope for the future

Significant event
Fulfills mission and holds hope for the future
Description
Escapes past hatred, becoming a mature young man who cares for those around him.

Relationships

Nora Estheim

Mother

Beloved mother. Died in the purge battle. Her death became the origin of Hope's revenge and growth.

Bartholomew Estheim

Father

Was distant, but later understands and confronts his father's love.

Snow Villiers

Rival

Blamed as the cause of his mother's death and viewed as an enemy at first, but later reconciles and develops a brotherly relationship.

Lightning

Teammate

Recognizes Hope during travels and battles, promoting his growth. Comes to trust and rely on her.

Nora

Nora: unknown

Media appearances

Final Fantasy XIII

Game / Protagonist

Released in 2009

Final Fantasy XIII-2

Game / Supporting

Sequel

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Game / Supporting

Series sequel

Voice cast and creators

Yūki Kaji

Voice actor
Yūki Kaji
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Final Fantasy XIII
Notes
Main Japanese voice actor

Vincent Martella

Voice actor
Vincent Martella
Language
English
Version or series
Final Fantasy XIII

Tsubasa Nakamura

Voice actor
Tsubasa Nakamura
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Motion actor

Square Enix

Creator name
Square Enix
Role
Original author

Tetsuya Nomura

Creator name
Tetsuya Nomura
Role
Character designer

Daisuke Watanabe

Creator name
Daisuke Watanabe
Role
Writer

Motomu Toriyama

Creator name
Motomu Toriyama
Role
Director

Masashi Hamauzu

Creator name
Masashi Hamauzu
Role
Composer

Yoshinori Kitase

Creator name
Yoshinori Kitase
Role
Producer

Related goods

Hope Estheim Figure

Item name
Hope Estheim Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Limited

Crystal Tools Related Setting Materials Collection

Item name
Crystal Tools Related Setting Materials Collection
Category
unknown
Availability
Regular

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