Overview: The character of FN-2187 or Finn means a great deal to me, and has struck a very strong cord with me. Finn is co lead to this movie. Finn serves as our eyes and ears into this movie and new world. He's basically doing the same thing Luke did in the first movie (more on that later). As I watched this movie I couldn't help but feel that Finn was not only the most sympathetic and emotionally charged character this movie offered, but also the most likable. A lot of that comes from his complete and utter vulnerability.
We as the view get born into the world of Star Wars just as "Finn" is being born and FN-2187 is dying. Before this FN-2187 was a cog in a machine to be "reconditioned" when any sign of individuality was shown. He wasn't even allowed to take off his mask. Somehow he's able to break the conditioning (more on that later) even though he's had no signs of non compliance before.
Poe christens the newly liberated young man with the name Finn, and we see that person "come to life". Then reality sets in and he's scared and alone after the crash. We then see that while Finn is heroic by nature he's also human and flawed. He helps Peo escape but only because he needs a pilot. He tries to save Rey but then lies to her about his role before meeting her. But never did I feel he was this hustler or anything of the sort. I'd seen what he's been through first hand and I know that it was just out of need.
Finn is a social butterfly and just as in awe of the world as we are. He connects with Poe and Rey. You can tell he's not used to this level of connection and friendship so he really latches onto it/them. But the interesting thing is Finn is literally surrounded by amazingly spectacular people. A princes turned war general, the greatest pilot in the galaxy, a famous ex war hero, and a tremendously powerful and capable user of the force. All of these people that fit in and have larger than life roles to play. He even says "there's nothing special about me". He's not out to save the galaxy or right wrongs. He's scared for his life. It makes it all the more powerful when he inadvertently saves the galaxy while actually being selfish in just wanting his friend back.
And what's most poetic about him is that when he finally gets that sense of self worth and individuality he decides to look outside of himself and he helps his friend. Disregarding the fact that he's going right back to the object of his fears and the ultimate personification of it, Kylo Ren.
Luke parallels: I think that the filmmakers may have pulled one of the most subtle beats of film making in all of Star Wars. I think they made Rey such a strong contender for being the Luke of the show down to the garb, the desert planet, and skill in the force (and possible lineage) that our collective eyes may have been made to be drawn there on instinct. But doesn't Finn fit it just as well in his own way? Humble beginnings: farmboy/low ranking storm trooper. Some third party comes and tells them they can be more than what they seem: the wizard Ben tells Luke his birthright/Poe gives Finn a name. They both work as our eyes and ears into the world. They both face a foe they aren't at all ready for, and pay the price in flesh: Finn's back/Luke's hand. They both fight this foe to save their friends. They're also generally the most wide eyed and least spectacular in their first outing (though Luke's Death Star run-like moment is relegated to Rey (and Poe))
What are we working towards? Why Finn having the force, no doubt. Why do I think this aside from the above? Remember both Rey AND Finn have their last names hidden from us in and out of the movies with J.J. Abrams says it's "completely intentional". Most will say "it's Lando", but then I ask why keep it a secret? Learning Lando is Finn's dad isn't going to have the same impact as learning Han, Luke, or Leia were his parent. Not saying it's any of them, just that it's likely going to be more important. Also FN-2187. 2187 is the number of Leia's cell door in New Hope. Leia was the "other" aka force sensitive of the OT. I don't see why the force should be relegated to Skywalkers and evil emperors.
Anyways the more I think about the character the more I enjoy him. Note I'm not saying he'll "steal the lead" from Rey or whatever you're worried about, but instead that he'll co lead. I'm very confident that the awaking of the force allowed Finn to resist the conditioning.
But yeah, what are all your thoughts on Finn and his role in this movie and future films? Do you agree/disagree with my thoughts?
Edit: Also special thanks to the user Majesty for inspiring me to write this up!