Yes, Cloud Strife, the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, is not fully human in the traditional sense.
Cloud's Complex Origins
The provided text clarifies Cloud's origins. While born human, he underwent extensive experimentation by Shinra, involving the introduction of foreign DNA, primarily from Jenova cells, and exposure to Mako energy. This process fundamentally altered him, resulting in what's described as a "Sephiroth-clone". Therefore, while his base genetic makeup was human, the experimental manipulation significantly changed his physiology and, in some interpretations, his very being.
This is consistent across multiple sources indicating that Jenova, an extraterrestrial organism, played a crucial role in altering Cloud's biological makeup and memories. The resulting effects blur the line of what constitutes purely "human."
Key Aspects of Cloud's Non-Human Attributes:
- Genetic Modification: Foreign DNA significantly alters Cloud's genetic structure, differentiating him from a purely human individual.
- Mako Exposure: Mako energy exposure likely further impacted his physiology and abilities, leading to superhuman strength and other attributes.
- Jenova's Influence: The Jenova cells' influence on Cloud's mind caused significant memory manipulation and identity issues, further blurring his inherent human qualities.
Several sources highlight that Cloud's memories are a mix of truth and fabrication, orchestrated in part by Sephiroth's manipulation. This psychological element adds to his complexity and further distances him from a completely normal human experience. While he started as a human, the subsequent events transformed him into something more than purely human.
