I was really pleasantly surprised by Cloud in original FF7. He's not as morose in it as later interpretations of the character make him appear. Conversely Sephiroth is extremely disappointing imo.
I only really like him the first time you meet him at the northern crater, he had a few good lines I think?
I can't remember. Great design though.
Red is probably my favourite character too, with I think Barret second and Cloud third.
Not to be confused with XIII_Stones.