A total of six main characters are playable, of which three can be selected to form the party that is controlled throughout the game. The first player chosen is the lead character; the game's story unfolds through his perspective. The second and third characters of your party are auxiliary characters, who will join the lead character permanently shortly after the start of the game. Each character has his unique strengths and weaknesses, which may complement the strengths and weaknesses of the other characters. Thus, certain party combinations are more effective than others, depending on the type of strategy employed.

Each character is designated a starting class. (For example, Angela's starting class is Magician.) At level 18 and above, each character may change from his starting class to a more advanced class exclusive to that character. (Class changes are irreversible.) A Mana Stone must be used in order for a class change to occur. A character may change to one of two classes: a "light" aligned class or a "dark" aligned class. Generally speaking, light classes grant a character abilities that are beneficial to the party, while dark classes grant a character abilities that are detrimental to enemies.

At level 38 and above, a character who has already undergone one class change may undergo a final class change. In addition to a Mana Stone, a character must possess a specific type of item and use it during the execution of a final class change. As with the first class change, the character may change to a light or dark class. Thus, for each character, there are four exclusive final classes.