According to the Final Fantasy XIII Ultimania Omega, the development team at one point considered making Vanille the official main character, but dismissed the idea as they had already released a trailer and art featuring Lightning in that role.

 

 

Source: http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Oerba_Dia_Vanille#Creation_and_Development

 

So who do you think should've been the main protagonist? This doesn't count the sequels, Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy, due to the fact they were based off of Lightning and her being the main protagonist.

 

To be honest, I have no idea.

Lightning because I am so used to her, and she always acts like the leader on the group. But then again Vanille was more essential to the plot.

Vanille narrated chapters, the ending was mainly based off of her, after all she did hold up Cocoon. She just...acted like a main character that isn't entirely explained. It also would've have been a breath of fresh air since she would have stood out as a main character in the franchise.

Lightning.

Can we just go with Lumina?

Can we just go with Lumina?

 

 

Lumina is Lightning

 

Lightning.

Sazh

Vanille isn't even close to good main character material imo.

Vanille isn't even close to good main character material imo.

 

They probably made it seem that way and refocus the main-character-spotlight on Vanille, but she has more importance than Lightning until the sequels.

They probably made it seem that way and refocus the main-character-spotlight on Vanille, but she has more importance than Lightning until the sequels.

 

She may be important, but I don't see her character or personality as being the type that would make for a good protagonist.