At the onset of Final Fantasy VI, Terra is confused and fearful and has amnesia, strengthening her hesitations. She has no idea who or what she is or what the war she has been caught up in is about. The few memories she has imply she was a willing soldier of the Empire, disturbing her and causing her to be wary of joining the Returners, uncertain if she belongs with them and can trust them. Terra comes to hate and fear her powers, as she feels they are only good for destruction and alienate her from others who fear her or would exploit her abilities.

Following her connecting with the magicite of her father, Maduin, Terra regains all her memories and gains better control over her powers. She becomes more proactive in aiding the Returners to try and establish peace between humans and espers. However, she still rejects her power, having now seen what the Empire has used magic for, and feeling that others are hungry for power only to fight.

Terra has a fondness for moogles, expressed in many of her spin-off appearances where she interacts with the creatures.