Thanks to ThatOneTruePrick and Soo7hsayer!
A fantasy is a situation that expresses certain desires or aims at the part of its creator, often imaginary. Fantasies sometimes involve highly unlikely situations; or they may be quite realistic. In this sense, what are the odds that Tidus’ fantasy would correspond to the real world? Apparently, 1000 years into the future, when all of the conditions of the world are perfect for it.
I think Final Fantasy X is actually Yuna’s story. But, Tidus gains the most from this journey. He learns the most from the characters about himself. Yuna only learns about herself through Tidus. He also has an opportunity to be the star among his friends. Tidus is upbeat and carefree but conceals a troubled past. Yet he learns from others about himself.
Yuna is Tidus’s dream girl. She’s a kind, loyal, honest, and polite humanitarian who strives to see the best in others. She has a strong conviction, always wear a smile and speak politely, even when angry or sad inside. Naive? Yes. Places the needs of others above her own? Of course. Just like the sun and the moon, she’s perfect for a troubled teen like Tidus. Tidus should learn to get in touch with his feminine side from Yuna.
Tidus meets Rikku first. Rikku is kind, spirited, happy-go-lucky, and energetic. She’s like his little sister. As a friend for Yuna, she’s “safe” (as in, Rikku’s getting in the way of the relationship). Plus she and Yuna are cousins. He also gets to fantasize about her body in the beginning, with little consequences. Through Rikku, Tidus’ fulfills the wish of having his girlfriend’s friends liking him.
Lulu fulfills the role of a big sister, mother figure and competent adult friend to guide Yuna. She’s like the shadow side of Tidus. She’s kind, caring and intelligent, and questions religion thoughtfully. She teaches Tidus to use his critical thinking skills.
Wakka has a big heart and attempts to cheer the party up, though is not always successful. Notice, he’s also captain of the blitzball team, before Tidus takes over. Tidus desires to be captain of his own sports team. And Wakka’s OK with Tidus taking over, suggesting Tidus’s desire to take over the spotlight and have everyone’s nonchalant approval. Wakka still acts like a big brother to Tidus, showing Tidus’s need for acceptance. Conveniently, Tidus looks like Shappu, Wakka’s deceased brother.
Auron seems to fit the role of the cool dad/uncle. He’s is a strict, no-nonsense warrior with dry wit. He carries himself with grace and dignity, maintaining many subtle mannerisms of a traditional samurai. Pretty cool, eh? Ironically, he was at one point friends with both Tidus’ and Yuna’s father, making him the link.
Kimahri might as well be Yuna’s guardian pet, but humanoid enough to dialogue with. Imagine the dog that always barks at you when you try to get close to your girlfriend. Tidus’s girlfriend’s pet lays off when Kimahri smiles at Yuna and Tidus’ “underwater scene”. And simply walks off.
So it seems all these characters like an extension of himself.
They’re also one big happy family where Tidus is the star and all of the decisions center around his girlfriend.
But why would Tidus want a happy family? He doesn’t have one. This provides him the escape from his less than desirable family in Zanarkand, including his abusive dad…
Jecht (Tidus’ “old man”) is a surly, arrogant bully. The reason for Tidus’ troubles. Tidus confront his father and make amends with him at the same time. He comes to peace with him knowing Jecht wasn’t a bad father. This is what Tidus has to learn about his dad.
If you feel out of place in this world, be of good cheer! In 1000 years, a world will exist in which you would have met the perfect friends.