Monolake

Monolake is a fictional character from the *Final Fantasy* series, first appearing in *Final Fantasy VII* (1997). Created by director Yoshinori Kitase and designer Tetsuya Nomura, Monolake is a mysterious and enigmatic figure who plays a significant role in the game’s plot. She is depicted as a tall, androgynous humanoid with a pale complexion, long black hair, and striking red eyes, often dressed in flowing, ethereal robes. Her design blends elements of both human and otherworldly aesthetics, contributing to her otherworldly presence.

Monolake is introduced as a member of the Shinra Electric Power Company, working alongside key characters like Cloud Strife and Sephiroth. Her true nature, however, remains shrouded in ambiguity. She is revealed to be a descendant of the ancient race known as the Cetra, connected to the planet’s original inhabitants and the planet’s life force, the Cetra’s bloodline. Her role in the story involves a complex relationship with the planet’s ecosystem, particularly its water sources, which she appears to manipulate or control in some capacity.

In *Final Fantasy VII*, Monolake’s character is tied to the game’s themes of environmental destruction and the consequences of human interference with nature. Her actions and dialogue hint at a deeper, almost prophetic understanding of the planet’s fate, though her motivations and full backstory are left deliberately vague. She does not engage in combat but instead serves as a narrative device, guiding or influencing events without direct intervention.

Monolake’s design and lore have been referenced in later *Final Fantasy* games and media, including *Final Fantasy VII Remake* (2020), where her character is expanded upon through new cutscenes and interactions. Her ambiguous nature and symbolic significance make her one of the series’ more intriguing and debated figures. While her role is relatively minor compared to other protagonists, her presence adds depth to the game’s exploration of themes like destiny, nature, and human responsibility.