Pretty much by now everyone should know that KHIII will end the Xehanort saga, but one question that I am sure a lot of us have asked is what characters will continue on past KHIII.  I have come to form my own opinions on who will be relevant once KHIII comes to a close. This is pure speculation based on things I have observed in the series and through Nomura's words and actions with characters. I will only be focusing on characters who are on the side of light since we don't know many who are on the side of darkness, aside from Xehanort's many forms, which will likely cease to exist after KHIII. I will also not be examing the Foretellers or anyone from the X games as they haven't been explored enough (or at all) to form an opinion. I will also not be examining any Disney (Mickey, Donald, Goofy, etc.)  or Square-Enix (Cloud, Leon, Yuffie, etc.) characters as it can be assumed for now that they are mainstays for the series.

 

I will deliver one of three verdicts for each character: Relevant, Non-Relevant, & Semi-Relevant (meaning they will be part of the continuing story, but to a limited degree)

 

With 2.8 announced, DDD has re-entered Spoiler territory so be aware some of this is based off plot points in DDD; You have been WARNED!

 

The Main Trio

 

Sora - Since he is confirmed to be the protagonist after KHIII, there is really nothing to discuss here. Verdict: Relevant

 

Riku - This one is sort of a tough one for me to decide.  In my opinion it seems like Nomura has been setting Riku up to be the martyr in KHIII.  Most people seem to agree that someone will die in KHIII, and Riku seems like he fits the bill more than any of the other characters. He has walked a long road of redemption and his death/sacrifice would be a way to finish up that plot.  Obviously if that is not the case and he lives, he will most definitely remain relevant and important.  Either way he will probably be a character that is brought up frequently Verdict: Relevant

 

Kairi - I have zero doubt that Kairi will be relevant after KHIII.  Kairi is a Princess of Heart, thus making her a prominent character in her own right,  What really cements her future is that she is alluded to be Sora's love interest (though it is a very underdeveloped relationship).  I will say that Nomura needs to explore her character further in KHIII if he wants fans to care for her post KHIII as she has pretty much served as a plot device so far.  Verdict: Relevant

 

The Original Trio

 

Terra - I honestly don't see much of a future for Terra post KHIII if nothing significant is done with him in KHIII.  His whole story so far has revolved around Xehanort, so once Xehanort is gone there is really nothing to carry him over into a new story.  Terra needs to gain a new motivation in KHIII or needs to walk a similar road of redemption post KHIII if he is going to remain relevant.  As things stand now, Terra only has hope as a small supporting character in the future. Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Aqua - This is my favorite character in the series so my opinion is probably biased, but I have tried my best to look at her objectively.  I highly believe that Aqua will remain a relevant and prominent character after KHIII.  I don't believe this is because of her story, since it mostly revolves around saving her friends.  I think her future relevance comes from the fact that Nomura seems to favor her quite a bit. In Birth By Sleep, It is clear to see that it is much more focused on Aqua than it is Terra and Ventus.  Beyond that, Nomura not only made an ending that revolves around her, but also a secret episode that revolves around her.  Then, he planned on making a Birth By Sleep sequel that was all about her.  Once that sequel was sort of broken apart, Nomura was ready to add the remaining parts of it into the beginning of KHIII, which would have made Aqua the only confirmed character to be playable besides Sora. Now he is releasing that story in a collection with other KH games as a standalone title. It is clear to see that Nomura has had big plans for her since her creation, and as a strong female character, who has been featured more than Kairi, she is well loved among most fans.  I am not saying that she is guaranteed to remain relevant, but it seems like Nomura has a lot of favor towards her and would likely want to keep her around.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Ventus - I personally don't see many merits that cement his place beyond KHIII, but there are a few that could.  Ventus has been with Sora for quite a long time and it can be assumed that there has been a certain bond formed (Ventus is the one who saved Sora from the darkness in DDD), so perhaps that relationship can be further explored post KHIII.  Also since Ventus and Roxas do share physical qualities, perhaps that relationship could be explored.  I don't see Ventus remaining relevant on his own, since he sort of served as a plot device for the X-Blade, but he could definitely develop and remain relevant through his relationships to others.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

The Organization Trio

 

Roxas -  I can easily see Roxas being relevant after KHIII.  Roxas is the first Nobody (that we know of) to grow a heart of his own, and it seems likely that Roxas wlll become his own person.  The possibilities of what a Nobody with its own heart could mean and what Roxas is capable of are endless and could make for an interesting plot.  There is also the fact that since he is technically part of Sora that he will be around as long as Sora is.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Axel/Lea - I think it is very likely that he will be a plot relevant character after KHIII.  While it was mostly fan-service, Lea now wields a keyblade, which pretty much cements a characters importance in KH.  He is a very loved character and if Roxas stays there is no doubt that Nomura would include Lea as well.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Xion - While nothing has really been done with her character post 358/2 days, DDD alludes that she is like anyone else connected to Sora and will be freed.  She is a very complex character and has plenty of potential, but as of now, the only reason Nomura could keep her around is with Lea and Roxas.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Other Plot Relevant Characters

 

Namine - I can see Namine being a long lasting character throughout the series.  Not only because of her connection to Kairi and Sora, but also because of her character merits and relationship with Roxas.  She is well loved by fans for her tender personality and mistreatment.  The only thing that really inhibits her is he severe lack of combat technique which really limits how much of a character can be seen.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Ansem the Wise - Obviously he still exists as he was last seen in the Realm of Darkness, but it seems that his part has been played out.  It does not seem likely that he will have anymore influence after KHIII.  Verdict: Non-Relevant

 

Eraqus - Since Eraqus's story really revolves around his struggle with Xehanort and his relationship with Terra, it is unlikely that he will be doing anything more than cameo appearances post KHIII.  Verdict: Non-Relevant

 

Yen Sid - While technically a Disney character, his only real character development has been in the KH series.  it seems likely that Yen Sid and his tower will serve as a base of operations for events that transpire from here on out.  Yen Sid has never come across as a plot device for the Xehanort saga, but rather just a man of general knowledge.  It is likely he will continue that role once KHIII closes.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Well that is pretty much all there is to be said about that.  Anyone not discussed (Old organization members and such) either have a very unclear future or their relevance seems fairly obvious to end with the Xehanort saga.

 

Let me know who you think will remain relevant and why you believe so.

 

Have a good one!

Edited October 7, 201510 yr by Ven983

Pretty much by now everyone should know that KHIII will end the Xehanort saga, but one question that I am sure a lot of us have asked is what characters will continue on past KHIII.  I have come to form my own opinions on who will be relevant once KHIII comes to a close. This is pure speculation based on things I have observed in the series and through Nomura's words and actions with characters. I will only be focusing on characters who are on the side of light since we don't know many who are on the side of darkness, aside from Xehanort's many forms, which will likely cease to exist after KHIII. I will also not be examing the Foretellers or anyone from the X games they haven't been explored enough to form an opinion. I will also not be examining any Disney (Mickey, Donald, Goofy, etc.)  or Square-Enix (Cloud, Leon, Yuffie, etc.) characters as it can be assumed for now that they are mainstays for the series.

I will deliver one of three verdicts for each character: Relevant, Non-Relevant, & Semi-Relevant (meaning they will be part of the continuing story, but to a limited degree)

With 2.8 announced, DDD has re-entered Spoiler territory so be aware some of this is based off plot points in DDD; You have been WARNED!

 

The Main Trio

 

Sora - Since he is confirmed to be the protagonist after KHIII, there is really nothing to discuss here. Verdict: Relevant

 

Riku - This one is sort of a tough one for me to decide.  In my opinion it seems like Nomura has been setting Riku up to be the martyr in KHIII.  Most people seem to agree that someone will die in KHIII, and Riku seems like he fits the bill more than any of the other characters. He has walked a long road of redemption and his death/sacrifice would be a way to finish up that plot.  Obviously if that is not the case and he lives, he will most definitely remain relevant and important.  Either way he will probably be a character that is brought up frequently Verdict: Relevant

 

Kairi - I have zero doubt that Kairi will be relevant after KHIII.  Kairi is a Princess of Heart, thus making her a prominent character in her own right,  What really cements her future is that she is alluded to be Sora's love interest (though it is a very underdeveloped relationship).  I will say that Nomura needs to explore her character further in KHIII if he wants fans to care for her post KHIII as she has pretty much served as a plot device so far.  Verdict: Relevant

 

The Original Trio

 

Terra - I honestly don't see much of a future for Terra post KHIII.  His whole story so far has revolved around Xehanort, so once Xehanort is gone there is really nothing to carry him over into a new story.  Unless he is explored further in KHIII or if Nomura chooses to have him walk a road of redemption after KHIII, and while I do like him, I don't see Terra remaining a prominent and relevant character. Verdict: Non-Relevant

 

Aqua - This is my favorite character in the series so my opinion is probably biased, but I have tried my best to look at her objectively.  I highly believe that Aqua will remain a relevant and prominent character after KHIII.  I don't believe this is because of her story, since it mostly revolves around saving her friends.  I think her future relevance comes from the fact that Nomura seems to favor her quite a bit. In Birth By Sleep, It is clear to see that it is much more focused on Aqua than it is Terra and Ventus.  Beyond that, Nomura not only made an ending that revolves around her, but also a secret episode that revolves around her.  Then, he planned on making a Birth By Sleep sequel that was all about her.  Once that sequel was sort of broken apart, Nomura was ready to add the remaining parts of it into the beginning of KHIII, which would have made Aqua the only confirmed character to be playable besides Sora. Now he is releasing that story in a collection with other KH games as a standalone title. It is clear to see that Nomura has had big plans for her since her creation, and as a strong female character, who has been featured more than Kairi, she is well loved among most fans.  I am not saying that she is guaranteed to remain relevant, but it seems like Nomura has a lot of favor towards her and would likely want to keep her around.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Ventus - I personally don't see many merits that cement his place beyond KHIII, but there are a few that could.  Ventus has been with Sora for quite a long time and it can be assumed that there has been a certain bond formed (Ventus is the one who saved Sora from the darkness in DDD), so perhaps that relationship can be further explored post KHIII.  Also since Ventus and Roxas do share physical qualities, perhaps that relationship could be explored.  I don't see Ventus remaining relevant on his own, since he sort of served as a plot device for the X-Blade, but he could definitely develop and remain relevant through his relationships to others.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

The Organization Trio

 

Roxas -  I can easily see Roxas being relevant after KHIII.  Roxas is the first Nobody (that we know of) to grow a heart of his own, and it seems likely that Roxas wlll become his own person.  The possibilities of what a Nobody with its own heart could mean and what Roxas is capable of are endless and could make for an interesting plot.  There is also the fact that since he is technically part of Sora that he will be around as long as Sora is.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Axel/Lea - I think it is very likely that he will be a plot relevant character after KHIII.  While it was mostly fan-service, Lea now wields a keyblade, which pretty much cements a characters importance in KH.  He is a very loved character and if Roxas stays there is no doubt that Nomura would include Lea as well.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Xion - While nothing has really been done with her character post 358/2 days, DDD alludes that she is like anyone else connected to Sora and will be freed.  She is a very complex character and has plenty of potential, but as of now, the only reason Nomura could keep her around is with Lea and Roxas.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Other Plot Relevant Characters

 

Namine - I can see Namine being a long lasting character throughout the series.  Not only because of her connection to Kairi and Sora, but also because of her character merits and relationship with Roxas.  She is well loved by fans for her tender personality and mistreatment.  The only thing that really inhibits her is he severe lack of combat technique which really limits how much of a character can be seen.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Ansem the Wise - Obviously he still exists as he was last seen in the Realm of Darkness, but it seems that his part has been played out.  It does not seem likely that he will have anymore influence after KHIII.  Verdict: Non-Relevant

 

Eraqus - Since Eraqus's story really revolves around his struggle with Xehanort and his relationship with Terra, it is unlikely that he will be doing anything more than cameo appearances post KHIII.  Verdict: Non-Relevant

 

Yen Sid - While technically a Disney character, his only real character development has been in the KH series.  it seems likely that Yen Sid and his tower will serve as a base of operations for events that transpire from here on out.  Yen Sid has never come across as a plot device for the Xehanort saga, but rather just a man of general knowledge.  It is likely he will continue that role once KHIII closes.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Well that is pretty much all there is to be said about that.  Anyone not discussed (Old organization members and such) either have a very unclear future or their relevance seems fairly obvious to end with the Xehanort saga.

 

Let me know who you think will remain relevant and why you believe so.

 

Have a good one!

Vanitas? I can see Vanitas becoming the Vegeta/Sasuke/Hiei of Kingdom Hearts, an antagonist who later becomes an ally and changes his ways. Riku was like this, but he was evil for about half of KH1. Characters like those mentioned take a lot more time to change, I think Vanitas would make an interesting anti-hero.

Sora, Riku and Kairi.

 

I believe the others will be mentioned at the most or even have a cameo, but not something too important. 

I mostly agree with this although some of these seem to be general leaps that we simply can't know for now. Personally, if Terra ends up being 'saved' from Xehanort, in whatever form that takes, I can totally see him continuing on as a relevant character and someone who relates directly to Riku. It would be a missed opportunity for a 'redeemed' Terra not to have a continuing relationship with his Successor. That is assuming, of course, IF he is saved and isn't sacrificed which is a possibility. I disagree that there is nothing left for him after the Dark Seeker Saga.

Edited October 7, 201510 yr by Kaweebo

Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy. The other key blade welders will be doing what Keyblade Wilders do, protecting the balance of the worlds, but I don't think they'll be directly involved in the events of the next saga.

I mostly agree with this although some of these seem to be general leaps that we simply can't know for now. Personally, if Terra ends up being 'saved' from Xehanort, in whatever form that takes, I can totally see him continuing on as a relevant character and someone who relates directly to Riku. It would be a missed opportunity for a 'redeemed' Terra not to have a continuing relationship with his Successor. That is assuming, of course, IF he is saved and isn't sacrificed which is a possibility. I disagree that there is nothing left for him after the Dark Seeker Saga.

 

I agree with your point, and I have edited my analysis on him to reflect that opinion, although my original point still stands: if Nomura does not do something significant with Terra in KHIII, he will not have much to carry him over into the new story arc.

The only characters I can see continuing on after Kingdom Hearts 3 is Sora, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Yen Sid. The rest of the characters I don't know, I love all the characters but I don't know what Nomura has plans for them in the future.

Vanitas? I can see Vanitas becoming the Vegeta/Sasuke/Hiei of Kingdom Hearts, an antagonist who later becomes an ally and changes his ways. Riku was like this, but he was evil for about half of KH1. Characters like those mentioned take a lot more time to change, I think Vanitas would make an interesting anti-hero.

 

There is still no information on if Vanitas still exists, it is alluded that he may be one of the darknesses, but without confirmation there is no use in analyzing his future.  Also it is likely that he will cease to exist if he is a darkness, as he is a piece of Ventus's heart and we can presume that Ventus will regain his whole heart in KHIII.

The BBS trio might return, and they're very good characters, but indeed, Terra and Ventus will lose importance with Xehanort's and Vanitas' demise, although Aqua will probably keep up. The main trio will obviously continue (as you said, maybe not Riku, however, Riku's death seems to be quite impossible from my point of view). And now, the 358/2 Days trio, this is my favourite trio, but I think they should leave the series in KH3, and Naminé and DiZ too, and anyone who had a special relationship with Nobodies nad Terranort.

 

 

Vanitas? I can see Vanitas becoming the Vegeta/Sasuke/Hiei of Kingdom Hearts, an antagonist who later becomes an ally and changes his ways. Riku was like this, but he was evil for about half of KH1. Characters like those mentioned take a lot more time to change, I think Vanitas would make an interesting anti-hero.

 

I can see Vanitas dying in KH3, if I'm completely honest. That role should have been Riku's, but as you said, it didn't last long enough. Here you'll see other people's thoughts http://kh13.com/forum/topic/91382-sora-vs-riku/ .

 

 

Riku - This one is sort of a tough one for me to decide.  In my opinion it seems like Nomura has been setting Riku up to be the martyr in KHIII.  Most people seem to agree that someone will die in KHIII, and Riku seems like he fits the bill more than any of the other characters. He has walked a long road of redemption and his death/sacrifice would be a way to finish up that plot.  Obviously if that is not the case and he lives, he will most definitely remain relevant and important.  Either way he will probably be a character that is brought up frequently Verdict: Relevant

 

I honestly think Riku shouldn't die, actually, I think even Sora dying (again, like in KH1) would fit better. If I had to choose, this is the order in which the KH characters have their chances of dying (the lowest number is the one who's most likely going to die in my opinion):

 

1. Eraqus

 

2. Ansem the Wise (DiZ)

 

3. Mickey (he's Disney, so he wouldn't die, but reach the edge of death)

 

4. Terra

 

5. Xion

 

6. Naminé

 

7. Roxas

 

8. Lea

 

9. Sora (like in KH1, he would return)

 

10. Donald/Goofy (they're Disney, so they wouldn't die, but reach the edge of death)

 

11. Aqua

 

12. Ventus

 

13. Riku

 

14. Kairi

 

 

We already know the KH series, it's full of surprises, so anyone's opinion might be right, but as far as we've seen, no one dies for good, so any (or all) of these characters might return later in the series.

Pretty much by now everyone should know that KHIII will end the Xehanort saga, but one question that I am sure a lot of us have asked is what characters will continue on past KHIII.  I have come to form my own opinions on who will be relevant once KHIII comes to a close. This is pure speculation based on things I have observed in the series and through Nomura's words and actions with characters. I will only be focusing on characters who are on the side of light since we don't know many who are on the side of darkness, aside from Xehanort's many forms, which will likely cease to exist after KHIII. I will also not be examing the Foretellers or anyone from the X games as they haven't been explored enough (or at all) to form an opinion. I will also not be examining any Disney (Mickey, Donald, Goofy, etc.)  or Square-Enix (Cloud, Leon, Yuffie, etc.) characters as it can be assumed for now that they are mainstays for the series.

I will deliver one of three verdicts for each character: Relevant, Non-Relevant, & Semi-Relevant (meaning they will be part of the continuing story, but to a limited degree)

With 2.8 announced, DDD has re-entered Spoiler territory so be aware some of this is based off plot points in DDD; You have been WARNED!

 

The Main Trio

 

Sora - Since he is confirmed to be the protagonist after KHIII, there is really nothing to discuss here. Verdict: Relevant

 

Riku - This one is sort of a tough one for me to decide.  In my opinion it seems like Nomura has been setting Riku up to be the martyr in KHIII.  Most people seem to agree that someone will die in KHIII, and Riku seems like he fits the bill more than any of the other characters. He has walked a long road of redemption and his death/sacrifice would be a way to finish up that plot.  Obviously if that is not the case and he lives, he will most definitely remain relevant and important.  Either way he will probably be a character that is brought up frequently Verdict: Relevant

 

Kairi - I have zero doubt that Kairi will be relevant after KHIII.  Kairi is a Princess of Heart, thus making her a prominent character in her own right,  What really cements her future is that she is alluded to be Sora's love interest (though it is a very underdeveloped relationship).  I will say that Nomura needs to explore her character further in KHIII if he wants fans to care for her post KHIII as she has pretty much served as a plot device so far.  Verdict: Relevant

 

The Original Trio

 

Terra - I honestly don't see much of a future for Terra post KHIII if nothing significant is done with him in KHIII.  His whole story so far has revolved around Xehanort, so once Xehanort is gone there is really nothing to carry him over into a new story.  Terra needs to gain a new motivation in KHIII or needs to walk a similar road of redemption post KHIII if he is going to remain relevant.  As things stand now, Terra only has hope as a small supporting character in the future. Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Aqua - This is my favorite character in the series so my opinion is probably biased, but I have tried my best to look at her objectively.  I highly believe that Aqua will remain a relevant and prominent character after KHIII.  I don't believe this is because of her story, since it mostly revolves around saving her friends.  I think her future relevance comes from the fact that Nomura seems to favor her quite a bit. In Birth By Sleep, It is clear to see that it is much more focused on Aqua than it is Terra and Ventus.  Beyond that, Nomura not only made an ending that revolves around her, but also a secret episode that revolves around her.  Then, he planned on making a Birth By Sleep sequel that was all about her.  Once that sequel was sort of broken apart, Nomura was ready to add the remaining parts of it into the beginning of KHIII, which would have made Aqua the only confirmed character to be playable besides Sora. Now he is releasing that story in a collection with other KH games as a standalone title. It is clear to see that Nomura has had big plans for her since her creation, and as a strong female character, who has been featured more than Kairi, she is well loved among most fans.  I am not saying that she is guaranteed to remain relevant, but it seems like Nomura has a lot of favor towards her and would likely want to keep her around.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Ventus - I personally don't see many merits that cement his place beyond KHIII, but there are a few that could.  Ventus has been with Sora for quite a long time and it can be assumed that there has been a certain bond formed (Ventus is the one who saved Sora from the darkness in DDD), so perhaps that relationship can be further explored post KHIII.  Also since Ventus and Roxas do share physical qualities, perhaps that relationship could be explored.  I don't see Ventus remaining relevant on his own, since he sort of served as a plot device for the X-Blade, but he could definitely develop and remain relevant through his relationships to others.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

The Organization Trio

 

Roxas -  I can easily see Roxas being relevant after KHIII.  Roxas is the first Nobody (that we know of) to grow a heart of his own, and it seems likely that Roxas wlll become his own person.  The possibilities of what a Nobody with its own heart could mean and what Roxas is capable of are endless and could make for an interesting plot.  There is also the fact that since he is technically part of Sora that he will be around as long as Sora is.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Axel/Lea - I think it is very likely that he will be a plot relevant character after KHIII.  While it was mostly fan-service, Lea now wields a keyblade, which pretty much cements a characters importance in KH.  He is a very loved character and if Roxas stays there is no doubt that Nomura would include Lea as well.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Xion - While nothing has really been done with her character post 358/2 days, DDD alludes that she is like anyone else connected to Sora and will be freed.  She is a very complex character and has plenty of potential, but as of now, the only reason Nomura could keep her around is with Lea and Roxas.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Other Plot Relevant Characters

 

Namine - I can see Namine being a long lasting character throughout the series.  Not only because of her connection to Kairi and Sora, but also because of her character merits and relationship with Roxas.  She is well loved by fans for her tender personality and mistreatment.  The only thing that really inhibits her is he severe lack of combat technique which really limits how much of a character can be seen.  Verdict: Semi-Relevant

 

Ansem the Wise - Obviously he still exists as he was last seen in the Realm of Darkness, but it seems that his part has been played out.  It does not seem likely that he will have anymore influence after KHIII.  Verdict: Non-Relevant

 

Eraqus - Since Eraqus's story really revolves around his struggle with Xehanort and his relationship with Terra, it is unlikely that he will be doing anything more than cameo appearances post KHIII.  Verdict: Non-Relevant

 

Yen Sid - While technically a Disney character, his only real character development has been in the KH series.  it seems likely that Yen Sid and his tower will serve as a base of operations for events that transpire from here on out.  Yen Sid has never come across as a plot device for the Xehanort saga, but rather just a man of general knowledge.  It is likely he will continue that role once KHIII closes.  Verdict: Relevant

 

Well that is pretty much all there is to be said about that.  Anyone not discussed (Old organization members and such) either have a very unclear future or their relevance seems fairly obvious to end with the Xehanort saga.

 

Let me know who you think will remain relevant and why you believe so.

 

Have a good one!

Well done there. its funny that "Dream Drop Distance: The Next Awakening" Plays as I read this. Well thought of critically. I can tell that you did your homework! Keep doing this with everything else that you do in your life and you will always find success  

The seven are relevant, Lea will be relevant, Yen Sid will be relevant, the thirteen will not be relevant, but Saix might be an exception.

What about the World Ends with You? They're not final fantasy.

Edited October 11, 201510 yr by Neku Sakuraba

What about the World Ends with You? They're not final fantasy.

 

Their fate in the series is still up in the air. Since they have only been featured in one game, we cannot say if they are meant to play a bigger role or if they are just instance characters in Traverse Town.  Until they appear in another KH game, I will not say that they will remain part of the KH universe.

Wow, this was a pretty great read!  I really loved how you analyzed each of the trios and their possibilities of whether or not they'll be of importance after the closing of the Xehanort Saga!  Your analysis leaves much to think about!

 

In my opinion, even though Sora is confirmed to remain the protagonist for the series as long as it lasts, that doesn't necessarily mean that he's the only character we'll play as.  I think that after Kingdom Hearts III, Sora will go and wander the worlds, to hone his Keyblade wielding skills, and to discover more of the balance between light and darkness!  I'd picture him as a sort of Luke Skywalker character, in the terms that by Kingdom Hearts IV, we'd be using new characters that would be looking for him!

 

As for Riku, I really don't want him to die in Kingdom Hearts III!  He's been through so much to overcome his darkness, so it wouldn't be fair if his struggle ended with his death! D:  (Also, he's my favorite character, so there's that too!)  I could see Riku mentoring other aspiring Keyblade Wielders, since he's gained knowledge throughout the series, and he could teach other aspiring Keyblade Wielders to learn to balance the light with the darkness!

 

Kairi will also prove to be very important, since, as you stated, she's a Princess Of Heart, so we could probably see how she deals with the responsibility of carrying such a role!  Her relationship with Sora is definitely something that should continue to be explored, and I just think that there's much more room for Kairi to grow as a character, ya know?  Here's hoping she gets lots of development in Kingdom Hearts III!

 

In my honest opinion, I think Terra will probably die, as a sort of redemption for having allowed himself to have succumbed to the darkness!  Odds are that Sora and the gang could get into a deadly situation against Xehanort, and just when all hope seems lost, Terra comes in and sacrifices his life so the others can defeat Xehanort once and for all!  That's what I think!

 

Thinking upon Aqua, I believe she'll also be a mentor for other aspiring Keyblade Wielders.  In fact, there could be a sort of bond that forms between her and Riku! But that still remains to be seen!

 

And for Ventus, I'm actually thinking that after Kingdom Hearts III, he'll set off to discover his origins!  There's no doubt that he'll want to know where he originally came from, and that, I believe, is something interesting that we'd all like to see at some point!

 

In terms of Roxas, Lea, Namine and Xion, I'm sure that after the events of Kingdom Hearts III, they'll probably stay in touch with Sora and the gang in one way or another!  We'll see what happens there!

 

And as you said, I don't think that Eraqus and Ansem The Wise will appear anymore after Kingdom Hearts III, except maybe as cameos.  Their roles are done, so I don't think there's much further that can be done in terms of their stories.  But as for Yen Sid, he'll always be the wise one that the group goes to, and there's still the fact that we've never seen him wield a Keyblade, since he was once a Keyblade Master!  That's definitely some interesting stuff there!  Plus, I just love Yen Sid.  He's a badass!

 

Also, for some reason, I'm thinking that Braig will end up squirming his way out after the events of Kingdom Hearts III, managing to be the only one of the Seekers who survives, but it could be very highly unlikely!  Still, there's just something about him that makes me think that KHIII won't be the last time we'll see him!

 

So anyways, yeah, great topic!

Edited October 15, 201510 yr by The Transcendent Key