Blood Type Theory
Since the discovery of blood types in the 1930s Japanese culture dictates that a person's personality can be determined by which blood group he or she belong to, either A, B, AB or O. Similar to the horrorscopes of the western world, blood type analysis is very popular in Japan, with 90% of the population knowing their blood group to hand. Many products sold in vending machines (such as contraception) is sold according to blood type, it can be used as a conversation starter and even requested on job application forms. Blood types are also often assigned to Anime/manga and game characters depending on their given personalities, and Final Fantasy VII is no exception. In her official profile Aerith is listed as blood type O.
Character Traits
People with blood type O people are self-confident, popular, creative, outgoing, energetic and social. They are able to make friends with ease and are unafraid to take risks or grasp opportunities. They are the most flexible of the blood types. They are initiators, although they don't always finish what they start. O types always say what's on their mind they are not self-conscious and will frankly reveal inner feelings. They value the opinion of others and love to be the centre of attention. However they are known to be flighty, undependable and also dislike taking orders.
Blood type O is the most common blood type in the world, with over 38% of the population being O-positive and 6% O-negative. In Japanese culture this blood group is considered by many to be the most desirable and is often described as the 'warrior type' due to the traditional association with self-confidence, passion and leadership. Many Japanese politicians and pro-baseball players are Blood type O. It is also a blood type main characters of Anime are often given, such as Usagi in Sailor Moon.
Character Analysis
Aerith possesses many of the personality traits typically associated with blood group O. She is bubbly and enthusiastic, quickly making friends amongst her fellow members of Avalanche. She is always straight to the point and open with her feelings, displaying a refreshing self-confidence in everything she does. She is prone to being stubborn at times, and can come across a bit jealous if Cloud's attention is directed towards Tifa. As mentioned above Type O's are associated with being initiators who don't always finish what they start, this is rather interesting considering that Aerith began praying for Holy in order to defend the planet from the impending attack of meteor, however she was never able to see this through due to her untimely death. Weather this is just a coincidence or proof that the creators of Final Fantasy VII really knew their blood type theory has yet to be documented.
Compatibility
Much like star sign's in the western world, some combinations of blood types are supposed to be romantically compatible, while others less so:
- A is most compatible with A and AB
- B is most compatible with B and AB
- AB is most compatible with AB, B, A and O
- O is most compatible with O, and AB
Looking at this compatibility it is possible to further analyse the ever-present love triangle between Cloud, Tifa and Aerith during FFVII. Note that Tifa is listed as blood type A while Cloud is type AB.
Perhaps the fact that both Tifa and Aerith's blood groups are said to be compatible with Cloud's, can explain why they find themselves so attracted to him. Cloud on the other hand, does not make it clear throughout the compilation which girl (in adult life) he is most attracted to. Using blood type theory this could be due to the fact type-AB is considered to be compatible with all groups. This could also explain why both Barrett and Yuffie are willing to join Cloud on a 'date' at the Golden Saucer; his blood-type makes him irresistible!